Art, Music and
Drama
Drama
Dutchess Day School offers exceptionally strong and sophisticated programs in
visual arts and music, as well as drama in the form of school plays.
The visual arts program is designed to encourage creative thinking and to develop
skills and conceptual understanding of art. A spiraling curriculum allows students to
make increasingly complex use of drawing, painting, clay modeling, and print
making. As they express their ideas and feelings through art, students develop an
appreciation for the value of art in their lives. A study of art history introduces
students to art from ancient and modern cultures as well as to the work of a variety of
artists.
The music program begins with the integration of basic music skills and the
naturally unfolding instincts of young children. From experiences in singing, playing
classroom instruments, and movement and music making, Lower School students
go on to develop their understanding of rhythmic notation. The Upper School music
program builds upon these experiences and skills as students produce increasingly
complex music, and deepen their appreciation of music as a fine art and a science.
A choral program is available to students in third grade through 8th grades. The
choruses perform at school functions, local retirement homes, and collaborative
music festivals. An upper school jazz ensemble and a cappella club practices
weekly and performs at various events.
At every grade level, our music and art teachers – active practitioners in their fields –
strive to awaken each child’s creativity through the “making” of art or music. From
shaping and firing a clay pot and learning to play the recorder in the Lower School to
designing a futuristic city and composing quartets for percussion instruments in the
upper school, students find many opportunities to express themselves through their
art and their music. Art and music are also integrated into the academic program
through projects directly related to class work - the first graders' study of Asia is
enhanced through art projects in Chinese brush painting and building Japanese
kites, while the seventh graders' study of American history includes an examination
of the origins of American jazz and blues.
Students in the third, sixth and eighth grades also produce and perform class plays
engaging every member of the class. From set design and lighting to acting and
playing music, these events allow students to experience all aspects of a dramatic
production.
visual arts and music, as well as drama in the form of school plays.
The visual arts program is designed to encourage creative thinking and to develop
skills and conceptual understanding of art. A spiraling curriculum allows students to
make increasingly complex use of drawing, painting, clay modeling, and print
making. As they express their ideas and feelings through art, students develop an
appreciation for the value of art in their lives. A study of art history introduces
students to art from ancient and modern cultures as well as to the work of a variety of
artists.
The music program begins with the integration of basic music skills and the
naturally unfolding instincts of young children. From experiences in singing, playing
classroom instruments, and movement and music making, Lower School students
go on to develop their understanding of rhythmic notation. The Upper School music
program builds upon these experiences and skills as students produce increasingly
complex music, and deepen their appreciation of music as a fine art and a science.
A choral program is available to students in third grade through 8th grades. The
choruses perform at school functions, local retirement homes, and collaborative
music festivals. An upper school jazz ensemble and a cappella club practices
weekly and performs at various events.
At every grade level, our music and art teachers – active practitioners in their fields –
strive to awaken each child’s creativity through the “making” of art or music. From
shaping and firing a clay pot and learning to play the recorder in the Lower School to
designing a futuristic city and composing quartets for percussion instruments in the
upper school, students find many opportunities to express themselves through their
art and their music. Art and music are also integrated into the academic program
through projects directly related to class work - the first graders' study of Asia is
enhanced through art projects in Chinese brush painting and building Japanese
kites, while the seventh graders' study of American history includes an examination
of the origins of American jazz and blues.
Students in the third, sixth and eighth grades also produce and perform class plays
engaging every member of the class. From set design and lighting to acting and
playing music, these events allow students to experience all aspects of a dramatic
production.
The Arts
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