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 ART Visual 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.
MUSICThe music program is required for all 6th and 7th graders, and allows students to explore the music they listen to on their own in a new and organized way. Through listening exercises, they learn to appreciate and distinguish various genres of music, and to recognize and discern different instruments. Students are introduced to rhythmic concepts and meter, and to different elements of song-structure. Study of the piano teaches how to recognize the names of the keys and the rudiments of music notation. Girls participate in creating music with Orff-instruments (xylophones) and a variety of percussion instruments, no matter their individual level of talent, ability or exposure. Students work to develop vocal independence through singing in different song forms. The importance of creative collaboration is understood as groups try song writing. The 6th grade music class adds drama towards the end of the year as they rehearse for the play, and the 7th graders focus on their Spring Concert. An 8th grade glee club is offered as an elective in which girls learn proper vocal technique, ear training, and to sing in multiple parts. Weekly mixed grade level classes are offered after-school. Chorus is open to all while band requires some instrumental proficiency to join. 
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