The Performing Arts Department is comprised of three allied
arts: Dance, Drama and Music. Each K-8 school has music
instruction for all students in Grades 1-8. Students receive
drama instruction in some schools. Elective band, orchestra and
choral ensembles begin in grade 5. The Performing Arts
Department at the High School has courses in Dance, Drama, and
Music. Learning in grades K-8 focuses on the development of
those skills and concepts that are central to making music and
performing plays, and on experiencing music and dramatic
productions to their fullest. Students are presented with
problems that promote artistic thinking and understanding. In
music, student learn to sing, play instruments, listen to and
describe music, compose music, and critically think about their
work and the music of others. In drama, students learn to act,
write scripts, analyze and describe dramatic productions, and
critique their work. The assessment of student learning and
growth is based on performance. As students develop th