Fine Arts Program - Synapse School

The Performing Arts and Visual Arts and Design programs include every Synapse student TK-8. Fine Arts classes at Synapse teach each student to develop a creative fluency that empowers them to bring ideas from imagination into reality. These two programs are designed for sequential skill development, as opposed to the survey approach, and are integrated with academics, EQ, and Innovation competencies. Throughout their work in the arts, students practice creativity, risk, and iteration with each project and consistently find ways to express their unique voice as a visual and performing artist.

PERFORMING ARTS (MUSIC, MOVEMENT, DRAMA)

Our Performing Arts program includes all Synapse students, empowering them to express themselves through age-appropriate performance experiences. Students spend Performing Arts classes singing, playing instruments and/or exploring movement and drama. The focus is on creating high quality music, understanding the people and history behind the notes, and telling vibrant stories through movement, drama and musical expression. All students participate in two formal performances a year and have multiple opportunities for informal performance as well.

THE LOWER SCHOOL: SING, PLAY, CREATE AND DANCE

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL: PLAY, LISTEN, CHOOSE & INNOVATE

ALL 5TH & 6TH GRADERS: 2 YEAR ROTATING CURRICULUM

ALL 7TH & 8TH GRADERS: CHOICE OF AN ADVANCED ENSEMBLE

The 7th and 8th grade Performing Arts program is composed of Advanced Ensembles for all students. In these year-long small groups, content is designed for maximum student choice and input. Ensembles are designed to accommodate and challenge students at every musical level.

Ensembles that are frequently offered include the following:

Rock Band
Jazz Band
World Music Ensemble
Musical Theater Ensemble
Wind Ensemble
Digital Composition
Chamber & Composition Ensemble

Optional Additional Ensemble: Middle School Choir

Students who study an instrument at home are invited to bring that instrument to school to play as a part of any ensemble. Students choose one ensemble for the whole school year. Ensembles are designed to accommodate and challenge students at every musical level.

Visual Arts & design

In Visual Arts & Design students develop creative fluency and confidence bridging the gap between imagination and action. They develop foundational skills as they explore creative connections to academic areas of focus using the Innovation model as a tool for problem solving. Students analyze works in historical context, develop an understanding of artistic and design elements and execute their visions through experimentation with new techniques and a variety of media - drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, printmaking, mixed media, digital art, sculpture and more.