Fine Arts

Discovering Creative Connections

We encourage students to experiment with art materials, investigate the history of art, and explore the ideas and themes of different movements and periods. As they move through the curriculum, students learn how the elements of design — such as line, shape, form, texture, color and space — can be manipulated as they express themselves visually. Themes for art projects often integrate with other aspects of the curriculum to create a richer academic experience. We visit museums and historical sites, meet artists and, of course, create our own art. We learn to understand the visual world around us and to recognize the meaning and impact of different works, artists and ideas. We have two dedicated art studios with resources and materials to support drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics (with two kilns located on-site).

Celebrating Traditions & Pushing New Boundaries

Music is an important part of life at Trinity. Whether our students are performing or listening appreciatively, everyone experiences music as a regular part of school life. In Lower School, our curriculum for younger children provides the building blocks to explore music independently. Students learn to read and notate music and have multiple opportunities to sing, move and play instruments. Our annual Christmas pageant and spring musicals — often tied to the social studies curriculum — are community favorites that give all students experience in performing music for an audience of students, family and invited guests. 

The middle school years are especially critical in students' musical development. In fifth and sixth grade, students learn to sight-read music and perform harmony. The curriculum includes a study of Western classical music history and the development of blues and jazz. In seventh and eighth grade, students may choose to take advanced choir, music composition or instrumental classes. All choir, hand bells and orchestra students students participate in the Lessons & Carols service around Christmastime, and we provide many opportunities for solo or small-group performance in chapel services, athletic events and other community events.

Developing Confidence & Communication Skills 

Our students begin to explore the performing arts at a young age as they learn the importance of drama in developing personal communication skills. These small experiences pave the way for Middle School Theater classes when students explore the roles of actor, director, playwright, technician, researcher and designer through many avenues. Students study the art of pantomime, voice and speech, and creating an original character. Later, students have the option of creating a technical theater portfolio, studying advanced scene-work and producing a one-act play for a small invited audience.

In Lower School, theater is part of the music department. In Middle School, theater and music are separate courses of study. Many of our students are natural performers, though they may never have had the opportunity to be on stage. Others are drawn to the performing arts but would prefer to stay behind the scenes. The Middle School puts on a Broadway-style musical production every spring. Students take leadership roles in stage management, lighting and sound, and the cast benefits from working with professional choreographers and musical and artistic directors, which prepares students for performing arts in high school.

Adapting to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Like the rest of the world in 2020, we had to adapt quickly to the reality of remote learning and physical distancing. Partnering with our technology team, the theater department found new and creative ways to showcase our talented performers.