Arts

The Arts are an integral quadrant of the School's core curriculum. The arts program has, as its guiding objective, a fundamental artistic literacy for every student. Those with talent, interest and ambition are provided opportunities to strive for and achieve excellence. Students progress through each major division of the arts, through exposure, understanding and appreciation and, ultimately, to full participation and performance. Upper School students' talents are refined and fortified in a highly individualized arts program. At this level, students have the option to specialize in the visual arts (including computer graphics), instrumental, vocal music, and/or theater. In addition to pursuing these fields as academic disciplines, they can participate in numerous musical ensembles, theater groups, performances and clubs.

A strong component of the arts program is the coordination with Greenwich Academy, the neighboring girls school. All performing arts productions, extra-curricular drama programs, the a capella singing group as well as art and music classes are coed.

In the Middle School, boys are introduced to industrial arts in addition to the curriculum of visual arts, music and dramatic arts started in the Lower School. In woodworking they learn to utilize the complete inventory of hand and power tools. Middle School experiences in the visual arts further develop skills and creativity through the use of new media. Instrumental and choral music and the theatrical program at this level provide several diverse performance opportunities.

The Pre & Lower School art program is a skill developing, confidence building, creative curriculum. As an introduction to the Visual Arts, boys learn to draw and paint through sequentially developed skills based upon the individual students' abilities. Emphasis is placed on creative risk-taking. All of the boys participate in an art appreciation program, an annual art exhibit, and displays of numerous art projects mounted throughout the year. There is a balanced element of process and product worthy of display.

Students also have the option to practice their public speaking and acting skills through annualdrama presentations. Students participate in class presentations that include anything from simply the reading of a script to more elaborate, memorized productions of plays and musicals.