The Arts are an integral part of a Montgomery School education. We consider The Arts an important part of the development of the "Whole Child."
-
Students participate in visual art and music throughout the year, and performances are included in the academic schedule. Each year we have artists-in-residence and visiting performers come to our campus and share their love of art with our students. In addition, The Arts are interwoven into academic subjects and interdisciplinary connections are made wherever possible. Visual art, music, and performance enhance every aspect of a student's academic and personal life. Learning to express oneself using song or clay, teaches self confidence, imaginative thinking, creative problem solving, and respect for others.
At Montgomery School we believe that teaching creative expression in children develops skills needed for life in the 21st century and promotes a lasting appreciation of The Arts.
Visual Art:
Art is a form of visual communication just as important as spoken communication. There is a universal understanding of an image, color or form that transcends language. Some students are able to communicate better visually than in writing and art acknowledges this strength. The art curriculum has four emphases:
- Enrich sensory perception and awareness
- Expand knowledge of tools and techniques
- Develop concepts of art
- Discover art history
The art program provides imaginative, thought provoking, positive experiences to foster progressive development of skills and techniques. We continually challenge students to be their most expressive. Self-evaluation, reference to art history, and on-going exhibit of their artwork, help to maximize student art experiences.
Students explore area art museums and art shows. During these trips, artists and periods studied in class become real to the student.
Music:
In the music department we strive to share our love and joy of music with our students. As educators and musicians we believe that music education of the highest quality belongs to children. We believe that through our curriculum, students will learn the value of practice, as well as the value of listening, memorizing, and pattern recognition that will enable them to stay focused for extended periods of time. It is our hope that these important skills will impact the students' current classroom studies and beyond.
Our music curriculum is based on the philosophy and concepts of Zoltan Kodály (1882-1967) which can be summed up as the practice and belief in musicianship development through singing. The sequential study of musical literacy and artistry prepares our boys and girls for a lifetime of enjoyment and participation in the musical arts as performers or as appreciative, well-educated audience members.
The Kodály curriculum is one in which students learn musical literacy and musical artistry through active participation. All students from prekindergarten through 8th grade receive a great wealth of musical instruction. Students sing, read, write, and perform melodies and rhythm, play percussion instruments, understand musical form, perform with artistic integrity, analyze masterpieces, dance, study guitar, and apply concepts and skills to compose their own music. Students also enjoy using our Mac computer lab where integrated music technology curriculum aids classroom learning.
Performances abound at Montgomery School! Prekindergarten through 2nd graders perform songs and musicals for holiday chapels and Grandparents and Special Friends' Day. Third graders, Lower School Choir (grades 4 and 5) and Middle School Concert Choir (grades 6-8) perform broad choral repertoire in annual winter and spring concerts. The Middle School Concert Choir and the Guitar Ensembles perform in various off-campus venues in addition to occasional chapel appearances throughout the year.
Enrichment is provided for students through field trips, the Middle School Musical, and working with visiting artists during Cultural Arts Week. Talented students are encouraged to take private lessons in the areas that interest them. Students who are taking lessons in and outside of Montgomery are encouraged to participate in student recitals throughout the school year.