Lower School Arts

Lower School Performing Arts: Where Music Comes to Life!

Music is a big part of life in the Lower School! From the moment students step into Prekindergarten, they begin an exciting journey of singing, moving, playing instruments, and exploring the magic of sound. Our dynamic and multicultural performing arts program helps every child build confidence and creativity, setting them on the path to becoming lifelong music makers.

A Musical Journey from PreK to Grade 5

Throughout their Lower School years, students experience music in many ways—moving, speaking, singing, listening, playing, reading, creating, and improvising. Each year brings new opportunities to grow and explore:

• PreK – Grade 3: Students develop audiation skills (hearing and understanding music), learn about pitch and rhythm, and start reading musical notation.
• Grades 4 & 5: Students dive into string instruments, band, and choir, preparing them for even more musical adventures.
• Grade 5 Musical: The highlight of the year! All fifth graders take the stage in a full-scale musical production at our state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center.
• After-School Enrichment: For those who want to take their love of music even further, we offer exciting after-school programs to deepen and accelerate learning.

What Students Learn Our music program follows The Jump Right In (G.I.A. Publications) curriculum and aligns with the National Standards for Music Education. Students explore key elements of music, including:

• Rhythm – Understanding beats and rhythmic patterns
• Melody – Singing and reading melodies
• Harmony – Playing instruments and performing multiple parts
• Form – Recognizing musical phrases and structures
• Expressive Qualities – Creating movement, exploring instruments, and listening to different musical styles

Hands-On Learning with Instruments & Singing Singing is at the heart of our music program, taught through fun singing games, tonal/rhythmic exercises, and age-appropriate choral music using Kodaly and Orff teaching methods. Students also get hands-on experience with a wide variety of classroom instruments, including:

• Hand-held percussion (maracas, woodblocks, tambourines, African drums, jingle bells)
• Orff instruments (xylophones, metallophones, keyboards, glockenspiels)
• Guitar, violin, piano, and soprano recorders
• Introductory units for brass and woodwinds (Grades 3-5)

Bringing Music to the Community Music isn’t just something we learn—it’s something we share! Students perform in three major school concerts:

• Winter Concert (December)
• Grandparents’ Day Concert (May)
• Moving Up Ceremonies (June)

Throughout the year, grade-level performances showcase student growth, and our young musicians have the chance to give back through Service Learning opportunities, performing for the community.

At the Lower School, music is more than just a subject—it’s an experience that brings joy, creativity, and connection to every child. Whether singing in the classroom, playing an instrument, or shining on stage, our students discover the power of music every day!

Lower School Art: Building Foundations, Exploring Cultures, Expressing with Pride

Art is more than just making something beautiful—it’s about discovery, self-expression, and developing essential skills that last a lifetime. In the Lower School, our art program lays the foundation for creative exploration, helping students work with different materials, learn about diverse cultures, and gain confidence in their artistic abilities.

A Hands-On Creative Experience

Lower School students engage in art classes two to three times per rotation, giving them plenty of opportunities to experiment, create, and refine their skills. Through our program, students:

• Learn that art is a powerful form of communication and self-expression
• Develop a strong visual vocabulary and an understanding of artistic concepts
• Master a variety of techniques and media
• Enhance problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Explore arts and crafts from different cultures and historical periods
• Appreciate quality craftsmanship and creative applications of skills

By the time students complete Lower School, they’ve had hands-on experience with a wide range of materials, techniques, and artistic traditions. More importantly, they’ve gained the confidence to express their ideas visually and understand how to evaluate and critique their own work.
 

Collaboration and independent work habits become second nature, preparing them for future creative endeavors.

Encouraging Growth & Creativity

Our art program is designed to foster success at every level. Students experience different work styles—whether working independently, collaborating with peers, or creating alongside classmates in a shared space. These experiences mirror real-world creative environments, helping students build skills that will serve them well beyond the art studio.

At the end of each term, students receive a formal evaluation highlighting their growth, accomplishments, and goals for future projects. Throughout the creative process, they receive oral feedback and guidance, ensuring they stay engaged and continue to develop their artistic voices.
 

Art in the Lower School isn’t just about learning techniques—it’s about exploring new ideas, embracing different cultures, and expressing oneself with pride. Every brushstroke, sculpture, and sketch brings students one step closer to understanding the power of creativity.