Throughout time the arts have been essential to human existence as fundamental expressions of knowing, feeling, thinking and communicating. The language of the arts is a universal vocabulary that enriches our lives, stretches our creativity, and contributes to the development of sensory, analytical, imaginative, organizational, and expressive qualities.
At MountainvilleAcademy, all students learn the language of the arts and gain a sound foundational knowledge of artistic disciplines in historical, cultural, and application context. Guided by the Core Knowledge Sequence, instruction is comprehensive and provides sequential study in art history, music theory, music history, performance, and studio arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, etc.). Through broad exposure, study and experience, students heighten their artistic sensibility, explore and develop individual skills, and deepen their understanding of the world community and cultural landscape.
Visual arts students will expand their understanding and appreciation of works of art, and increase their ability to communicate their ideas, feelings and judgments. This will be accomplished through three modes of knowledge: creative, historical and analytical. Students will study important works of art and artists, and will learn to analyze and talk about them in various ways. They will then have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and ideas in the process of making original works of their own. This process will build their skill levels and expand their ability to express meaning. Pastel, watercolor and acrylic painting, drawing, weaving, collage, hand-built ceramics, plaster casting and printmaking are some of the media the students will explore and utilize in making their art. The students will also have the opportunity to exhibit their work and share their learnings.
The music program encompasses in-depth and sequential lessons in music history, great works, composers, and the time periods surrounding the different genres (styles) of music to provide students with a foundation of historical and cultural knowledge that will begin their journey in the exploration of music interpretation and artistic expression. Students will further build their knowledge and develop the musical ear as they learn how to read rhythms, understand intervals and chord building, music theory, and sight-sing using the Solfegge system (“do, re, me”). As students become versed in the fundamentals of vocal, choral and ensemble techniques, they discover and develop their own musical abilities and demonstrate them through practice and performance of varied selections of choral pieces and engaging activities. Students have the opportunity to further enhance their musical education experience by participating in instrumental courses which may be offered based on interest and available resources.