Fine and Performing Arts

The Fine and Performing Arts Department believes that beauty is related to happiness, love, and understanding—it is what the human person was made for. Our vision is that every student will learn how to appreciate, sustain, and create beauty by the time they graduate. We promote the arts by fostering critical and creative thinking, artistic expression, effective communication, cultural awareness, and community engagement.

We discuss topics such as:

• How does art represent personal expression, exploration, and/or insight?
• How do visual and performing art skills help us adapt to an ever-changing technological world?
• What can works of art tell us about a culture or society?

The Fine and Performing Arts Department requires one credit for graduation. All freshmen complete this by enrolling in one of four courses, depending on their interest and ability. Students already well trained in and serious about visual art, singing, or instrumentation will enroll in drawing and painting, concert choir, or concert/pep band, respectively. All other students will enroll in a foundational art course that rotates teachers during the year and covers intro to visual art, intro to theater/public speaking, and intro to popular music. Numerous electives are offered in later years, allowing students to further their interests. See our Course Selection Guide for more detail.