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Visual and Performing Arts' Transformative Power

Visual and performing arts, two facets of our Arts pillar, have been shining with particular intensity.

The recent Saint David's Winter Concert (see highlights reel, below) filled our theatre with rich and varied compositions performed by the Saint David's Philharmonic Ensemble (who were joined by Spence School's Middle Orchestra), our Percussion Ensemble, and Chamber Singers. The musical performances were captivating and all of the young musicians, at once suspended and immersed in the moment. It reminded me of a Chamber Singer's comment earlier this year following an on-site workshop with Yale's a cappella group: "This was the best day of my life!" declared the fourth grader, who clearly loves to sing and thrives when sharing his joy with an audience. 

(click image to view video)

We know that the arts are transformative. They offer a space where many boys discover talents and outlets for exploration and self-expression. They also enhance learning and understanding in academic disciplines. 

Consider what another fourth grader had to say about the impact of art projects directly related to his study of Ancient Egypt: “Combining art and history helps you connect to your soul. When I’m moving my brush around, I can feel how people in Ancient Egypt expressed their feelings. It’s like traveling around the world while staying in place. Art makes me feel calm and confident. It can change someone’s life.” Powerful words.

We also experienced the power of integrating the performing arts with academic curriculum when eighth graders from Saint David's and their peers from Marymount School completed a four-week series of specialty Romeo & Juliet performance-oriented workshops taught by professional teaching artists and led by English and performing arts faculty from both schools. Their collaborative experience pushed Shakespeare from page to stage; with the playwright's lines springing to life as the boys and girls dug into sword play, interpretive skits, language and subtext, and physicality and musicality. 

Likewise, our seventh graders' performances of Sophocles' tragic drama Antigone augmented their in-depth exploration of Ancient Greece. Boys discovered the nuances in the text, and distilled meanings with universal relevance.

Intentional integration of the arts within a program of studies makes a difference. It requires students to focus and persevere, paramount skills that often are lost in a distracted society with next-to-negative attention spans. When our boys prepare for a performance, whether a concert or play, they immerse themselves in the music or text; absorb, consider, repeat and tweak; transform failures into successes; and respectfully engage with one another to produce something bigger than any one person could on their own. And, when they create an original artwork drawing upon themes from topics in history, they make connections across ideas, cultures, and time itself. Guided by their exceptionally talented and dedicated teachers in these endeavors, our boys strike a joyful balance of learning and self-discovery. 


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