Exploring the Arts at Barnhart School



The arts are an integral part of education and life. While some students will find a life-long career or passion for the arts, all students will develop greater understanding of self and others through the study of the arts. Barnhart’s visual and performing arts program introduces students to the technique and skills necessary to speak through artistic media. Barnhart students participate in a variety of arts classes from kindergarten through eighth grade including, music class, instrumental music, visual art, drama and art appreciation.

Visual Arts

Visual Art classes introduce students to various materials, concepts and techniques. Classes are designed to provide an expanded creative experience and enhance skills. Historical art concepts are used to achieve greater technical ability and broaden knowledge. The visual art program is designed to expose all students to a wide range of mediums ranging from pencil drawing to oil painting and everything in between.

Visual Arts Program Details

Kindergarten through Second Grade

Students in kindergarten begin with various clay projects along with collage work (cut & paste) and directed drawing to help refine their fine motor skills.

In 1st grade students begin to create original work while being introduced to art concepts like overlapping, proportion, space and identifying the elements of art.

In 2nd grade students are introduced to color theory and an introduction to creating depth through a variety of projects.

Third through Fifth Grade

Students in 3rd grade create various painting using tints, tones, and shades and focus on color mixing. They are also introduced to abstract art concepts.

In the 4th grade program students focus on using shading to transform a two-dimensional shape into a three-dimensional form and improve their drawing from observation skills.

In 5th grade it all ties together by using all of the techniques they’ve learned and applying them to design concepts. Students focus on designing new products or redesigning existing products. Students create three dimensional sculptures of their new designs. Some projects are collaborative designs and all designs are presented in class for a critique.

Art Club student creating a background for her piece.

Middle School

Art Appreciation Exploratory Classes:

The 6th grade class is designed to guide students through the exploration of different mediums. We’ll dive into a different medium each week with a focus on technique. In addition to learning about the various mediums, students are encouraged to create original work using the techniques they’ve learned in class. The mediums will range from clay to oil paint to pastels to ink.

The 7th and 8th grade art appreciation class focuses on works from the following art movements: Baroque, Neoclassical, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art. Students analyze the form and content of various works of art which include paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Students will have an opportunity to become art critics and enthusiasts. Assignments are designed to develop artistic perception, creative expression, and increase critical thinking skills.

An Art Club Student working with watercolors.

 

Art Club as a Middle School Elective

Middle School students who are very interested in the visual arts have an opportunity to take the studio art elective also known as Art Club. This class is for the serious artist who is interested in developing their creativity and improving their artistic skills. Participating students develop a greater understanding of art through advanced techniques in several mediums. They will work collaboratively as well as one-on-one with Ms. Chavez on developing ideas and projects. Participating 8th grade students work on creating a portfolio to present to high schools that offer an advanced art placement program. This class will culminate with a themed art exhibit in the spring.

Instrumental Music

Barnhart recognizes the joy and challenge that learning and instrument can bring to a student and offers a variety of instrumental music classes to help supplement that learning for our kids. Starting in 3rd grade students can join our beginner band and learn to work together as an ensemble while improving their individual skills. By Middle School, students are ready to join our Advanced Band elective and continue to learn collaboration and theory in a group format. Students across our instrumental music program are given the opportunity to participate in a few concerts throughout the year.

Music & Performing Arts

Barnhart’s K-5 music program is primarily centered around exposure to music from diverse cultures, and introduction to music theory, and encouraging students to explore their own creativity through movement and music. Students focus on learning to sing, dance, and play instruments through weekly music classes, class plays, and holiday programs. In addition, our music and performing arts program teaches and encourages students to create, experiment and collaborate through music.

Each year its music department sponsors the following shows and productions

• Kaleidoscope Talent Show
• K-5 Holiday Program

Show and Productions!

The 2018 Kaleidoscope talent show cast.

 

Industrial Arts

Designed to inspire a joy for the art and science of shaping wood. This is an introductory course that provides the middle school student with a hands-on experience integrating math and science skills in the production of wood projects.

Topics covered will include:

• Shop safety
• Wood varieties and cellular structure
• Perspective and Mechanical drawing
• Model building
• Hand tool safety and maintenance
• Power tool safety and maintenance.

Organization and planning as well as teamwork and cooperation are emphasized.

Barnhart’s Middle School students have access to a full woodworking shop, and are able to make projects such as xylophones, cars, small games, and even basics of construction.

 

Barnhart School, 240 West Colorado Blvd., Arcadia, (626) 446-5588 or visit www.barnhartschool.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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