The Arts
Performing Arts
The performing arts curriculum at our private elementary school in Pittsburgh is designed to assist students in developing the vocabulary, skills, and attitudes necessary for a high level of accomplishment and a deep level of understanding and appreciation of music, dance, and theater arts. Performance opportunities include Winter and Spring performances.
Early Childhood Music and Movement for students in JPK - 1st Grade introduces our youngest learners to the foundational building blocks of music and dance. Students will explore music concepts, such as rhythm, melody, and tempo through singing songs and playing instruments. Dance is introduced using creative movement through storytelling and locomotor movements which aim to develop coordination and creative growth.
The dance program for students in grades 2-5 is a child-centered approach designed to expand creativity through movement and self-expression. When appropriate, classroom content and grade themes are incorporated into movement instruction. Elements of dance such as space, time, and energy are explored throughout the year. Students are introduced to basic dance vocabulary and choreography which they build upon as they progress in the program.
Our Lower School music program for students in grades 2-5 utilizes the Orff-Schulwerk approach to teaching music education which combines singing, playing, creative movement, and performing. Together with their classmates, students explore fundamental music concepts, such as melody/harmony and musical form through collaborative and explorative play. This child centered approach inspires music learners to develop a lifelong appreciation for music.
Performing Arts Ensembles
There are two performing ensembles offered for our Lower School students.
The Lower School Orchestra, open to all students with previous private lesson instruction, provides an ensemble experience for string players and a combination of wind and percussion instruments. The Lower School Chorus is open to all 4th and 5th grade students who are interested in singing in a performance ensemble.
The Lower School Orchestra and Chorus have two evening performances throughout the year (December and May) and may be asked to perform at various school functions.
Visual Arts
The visual arts curriculum at our private elementary school provides the opportunity to explore properties and use of materials as well as the elements and principles of art on an increasingly sophisticated level. Students create a variety of art including drawing and painting from life, ceramics, printmaking, cut-paper collage, and various sculptural techniques based on classroom units as well as the cultures studied in their social studies classes. Art history and appreciation are explored through the study of famous artists in varied media and time periods.
The primary function of the visual arts program is to nurture the capacity to make expressive forms. Instruction, discipline, and direction are fundamental in the development of this ability. Students use elements of art to develop visual literacy by viewing the works of a particular artist, artistic period, or culture, and using art as inspiration. Artists include Henri Matisse, Alma Thomas, Martin Puryear, Nick Cave, and Bernice Bing.