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The Meadows School arts program is an integral part of the academic program. The program offers a full spectrum of the arts including theatre, musical theatre, choral music, instrumental music, dance, fine arts, and photography. The arts program gives students the opportunity to both dabble in different artistic venues and develop their particular artistic talent in greater depth. At The Meadows School participation in the arts allows students to develop their creativity which is essential to learning how to "think outside of the box."  Moreover, when students engage in the arts, they are able to develop a sense of individuality which in turn enriches the School culture.

The arts are one discipline that engages the whole person - one's intellect, one's emotional world, and the body. The fine arts can help students learn about themselves and connect with their inner world in important ways. In addition, the classes in performing arts teach students to connect with each other, and through the ensemble experience, develop new and important interpersonal skills.  Whether a student is working behind the scenes or on the stage, students learn how to work with each other and develop their own leadership skills. These skills are essentials for life, and the School encourages all students to get involved in the arts in one way or another throughout their time at The Meadows. Some offerings at The Meadows include:

Photography

Students learn the basics of photography--camera handling, exposure, developing, and print processing--before advancing to digital photography and manipulating photos in Adobe PhotoShop. Other topics covered in advanced courses include darkroom techniques, studio lighting methods, non-silver printing, and complex digital camera techniques using the latest version of PhotoShop.

Students may also enroll in Advanced Photography, a course designed for students responsible for the photos published in the yearbook and other School publications. Studio Art AP in photography is optional.

Theatre

Acting I: Students study theatre history, basic terminology, and proper warm-up techniques. They begin working on monologues, pantomime, and development of a character.

Acting II: Students explore various acting styles and techniques often reflecting on the history of acting. They perform in-depth work on monologues and scenes.

Acting Seminar: Students explore acting methods and focus heavily on building a repertoire.

Dance: Students learn basic techniques in different styles such as Jazz, Modern, Hip-Hop, and Ballet. They learn about and discuss choreographers and explore personal choreography.

Musical Theatre: Students combine their dancing and acting talents in performances.

Technical Theatre I: Students study the history and terminology of technical theatre and then continue their studies with the use of equipment and basic stage set construction.

Technical Theatre II: Students learn the elements of design and how to apply them.

Technical Theatre Seminar: Students assume major production responsibilities for actual events presented by the department.

Theatre Production/Acting: Students become involved in technical, acting, or directorial capacity on all four Upper School productions during the School year, enabling students to have a better comprehension of what goes into a full-length production.

Theatre Production/Technical Production: Students are taught to run theatre equipment such as lighting and soundboard. This class meets prior to the start of the regular School day.

Choral and Instrumental Music

Elite String Ensemble: This ensemble performs at various School and civic functions. Smaller ensembles, such as duets, perform in festivals and Student Recitals. Students must be invited or audition to become part of the elite ensemble.

Percussion Ensemble: This ensemble provides an opportunity for advanced percussion students to enhance their skills and perform in various concerts throughout the year.

Symphonic Band: This band provides an opportunity for advanced band students to perform in School and non-School productions.

Show Choir: Show Choir combines upbeat choral music with dance to produce a dynamic show choir.

Visual Arts

Studio art courses are available for students at all levels. Students are first introduced to the fundamental elements, principles, concepts, tools, and techniques used in the creation of art before progressing at their pace with the guidance of an instructor. Courses in architecture and three-dimensional art are also available.

Students in grades 11 and 12 may enroll in the Studio Art Advanced Placement course.