THE NEED The place of women in the arts is an important, but often overlooked, subject. Like women in science and math fields, professional women artists have yet to achieve equality when it comes to representation in major museum exhibitions and galleries. OVERVIEW
Education in the visual arts, performing arts and music is fundamental to a well-rounded education for every child. Playing, doing or performing -- as opposed to simply watching, studying, or listening -- significantly and positively affect creativity. An art education strengthens creative thinking generally and fosters innovative approaches in all academic endeavors. Julia Morgan School for Girls holds that all children possess creative abilities. It is the role of the arts’ teachers to guide students towards a discovery of their unique creative spirit and to shine a light on those creative talents. Teachers are dedicated to fostering the talents of their students through a positive focus on creative expression and aesthetic risk taking. Our curriculum is designed to: * Introduce students to a variety of aesthetic experiences and forms of artistic expression in a variety of media * Facilitate the creative process rather than the production of standardized artistic works * Integrate the arts into all subject areas in an interdisciplinary approach * Emphasize both personal expression and collaborative, community-based projects * Advance the role of women in the history of the various arts disciplines * Investigate the history of art and develop an appreciation for the arts of diverse cultures * Expand the understanding of aesthetic principles and theories * Allow students opportunities to exhibit their artwork and perform in musical, dramatic, and dance productions * Bring the creative spirit into everyday life and encourage a poetic sensitivity to the world. VISUAL ARTVisual art in 6th and 7th grade focuses on the creative process and development of technical skills in a variety of media. Student artists have opportunities to creatively express themselves in ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and textiles. Studio projects correlate with topics studied in other classes, with an emphasis on artistic traditions from cultures students learn about in Humanities. In 8th grade, students select from a variety of visual and performing arts options. Some of the visual art choices in the past include darkroom and digital photography, architecture, digital storytelling, and quiltmaking. During the last month of school, all students’ visual art from these studio classes goes on display at our annual Art Show and Raffle.
MUSIC The music program teaches movement, instrument, and song. Students participate in creating and composing music, no matter their individual level of talent, ability or exposure. They develop critical listening skills by hearing and discussing a wide variety of music from a broad range of cultures. In the 6th grade, the class introduces rhythmic concepts, and moves toward rhythmic complexity. Students review rudiments of music notation and study scales and chords. In 7th grade, students study music notation including its origin and development. Students develop rhythm and form to a more challenging level than in the sixth grade year. They continue to sing and learn vocal techniques and work on multi-part songs. Music in the 8th grade Arts Elective has included a focus on the history of American music, with an emphasis on jazz and the influence of Africa on American music. 
|
