The arts program at Two Rivers provides students with a well-rounded curriculum, where students explore the worlds of drama, music, and visual arts, with the goal of helping them to develop a rich understanding and appreciation of the performing and fine arts. Research has shown that concentrated study in the arts contributes to a child’s positive self-esteem, social skills, and understanding and of different cultures and experiences.
Students have many opportunities throughout the year to showcase their learning through performance and/or exhibitions of their work. Our lessons are standards-based, child-centered, hands-on and creative. We value the artistic contributions of every child and encourage students to take risks, explore and experiment, trust their instincts, and to take ownership of and share their work.
Two Rivers Elementary School Arts Program
Each student in preschool – grade 5 studies music once a week for the entire school year, and art and drama twice a week for half the school year. Every grade also has the opportunity to participate in arts-related field studies, where they often get to meet and interact with professionals in the arts or view professional performances/art galleries. Field studies have included trips to The Kennedy Center, The Corcoran Art Gallery, and Imagination Stage, just to name a few. We believe in integrating the arts into all areas of the curriculum. Our expeditions are examples of this. For example, fourth grade’s study of Jamestown might include a living museum, in which students write and perform monologues about important historical figures from that time period. Our arts team is comprised of dedicated and professional teacher-artists who are passionate about their work.
Two Rivers Middle School Arts Program
In the middle school, students elect two out of the three disciplines to study during the course of the year. Every spring, middle school students participate in our School Musical by performing both a crew and character roles. This collaborative project provides students the unique opportunity to work in a professional theatre and to use the tools and skills that they have been learning all year. To date, we have performed seven musicals: The Wiz (2008); Annie (2009); Willy Wonka (2010); Beauty and the Beast (2011); Aladdin (2012); The Music Man (2013); Shrek (2014); The Little Mermaid (2015); The Lion King (2016); and Madagascar, Jr. (2017).