The Arts
The fine and performing arts, including drama, music, visual arts, and publications, offer opportunities for individual expression and group interaction at all ages.
Music education begins at pre-kindergarten and continues through Upper School. Students in Lower School are taught with the Orff-Schulwerk method of instruction; students in grades 6 and 7 participate in music enrichment class for one grading period during the year; students in grade 8 may choose to participate in a choral ensemble; and a performance class in choral music is an option to interested students in grades 9-12. The Upper School choral group has the opportunity to participate in a touring performance bi-annually. These tours have included performances in the Carnegie Hall; the Mormon Tabernacle; Vancouver, British Columbia; New Orleans; and Orlando. In addition, the drama and music departments combine for a spring dramatic/musical production in alternating years.
The visual arts program at Westfield begins at the pre-kindergarten level and ends with a 4-year elective program in the Upper School grades. Elementary art classes explore the foundations of visual design through creative hands-on projects using various media. In the Middle School, students participate in a visual art enrichment class for one grading period during each year. This class emphasizes different art styles and art history. Upper School elective Studio Art builds on the basics of 2 and 3 dimensional design and offers individuals instruction and portfolio development.
Drama is an integral part of the education process for Lower School and Upper School students. The Lower School students participate in grade appropriate performances each year and in an annual musical revue for Grandparents’ Day. Other opportunities to perform include classroom performances and talent shows. Upper School students who are enthusiastic about the performing arts may elect to participate in the annual one-act play and in winter one-act play productions.
Humanities studies are integrated throughout the curriculum. Students of all ages attend plays, visit museums, and enjoy on-campus productions. Writing and artistic skills taught in the classroom are extended to elective courses in journalism and yearbook production, as well as in spring literary competitions including both argumentative and creative writing.
