Greenhills School Course Guide
Upper School Fine and Performing Arts
Department Philosophy
Arts education is essential for every student. The faculty of the department of fine and performing arts at Greenhills believe that our mission is to promote creative expression, communication skills, problem solving, and inventive thinking. Courses are designed to foster lifelong appreciation through active participation in a variety of arts activities. It is through personal discovery and experimentation, coupled with consistent involvement in the arts that skills are developed, appreciations are formed, and creativity is encouraged. Musical, artistic, and dramatic experiences expand students' horizons, develop creative and inventive thought, and provide unique experiences for self-revelation and reflection.
Courses offered in the visual arts in upper school specialize in one or more mediums and explore them in greater depth. For students especially able and interested in the visual arts, independent study arrangements can be made with our art faculty when the art curriculum has been exhausted.
Courses offered in music are designed to teach students through active participation in performing groups. Upper School students can perform in the choir, orchestra, or jazz combos. These groups range in size from six to nine (jazz combos) to 30 or more. Students study the elements of music and improve their personal playing or singing skills in ensembles. Students especially able are offered opportunities to perform in small groups, lead groups, or have solo experiences. Students with less experience and skill are incorporated into all groups and given individual help to ensure their success in the context of the group and their continued progress. Music students are offered the opportunity to participate in the Michigan Schools Band and Orchestra Association solo and ensemble festivals and the Michigan Youth Arts Festival. Musical outreach to the community is achieved through performances at retirement homes, bar mitzvahs, festivals, other schools, and in stores.
Courses offered in the dramatic arts expose students to techniques in improvisational theater, characterization, and presentation through the study and execution of improvising, theater games, script adaptation, vocal inflection, mime, and dramatic characterization. All courses are designed to give students active, hands-on experiences both on the stage and behind the scenes.
