Visual and Performing Arts

Exposing learners to a wide variety of materials, tools, approaches, and technologies, this unique program fosters a life-long appreciation of aesthetics, theory, design, art history, and traditional and digital media trends in our visual world.

Lessons are designed to challenge, inspire and evoke personal and meaningful solutions from student artists; while preparing each to hone their visual literacy and develop coveted, creative skill sets.

Artistic achievement is consistently celebrated and lauded through a series of student-centered exhibitions throughout the campus.

A Key School student artist is afforded opportunities in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital photography, digital video, and ceramics. Our Lower School and Middle School programs provide year-long, interdisciplinary art curricula, and the Upper School offers a wide range of immersive studio experiences. This begins with a year of Art I foundational concepts, and branches out to include studio concentrations and independent studies.

The Visual Arts are an integral part of every child’s learning and cognitive development. The Key School community is committed to inspiring, cultivating and nurturing young designers, visual thinkers and creative problem-solvers.

The Inside Out Project

The Key Theater program begins in Middle School with a weekly activity and a full-length production in the Spring. It continues in the Upper School with a full-length play in the Fall and a musical production in the Spring.

In addition to the performances, Upper School students have four different electives from which to choose to help complete their performing arts requirement prior to graduation:

• Acting: Theory and History - This course introduces students to the history of performance styles throughout the world, with a special emphasis on how modern performance aesthetics evolved out of Konstantin Stanislavski's work with the Moscow Art Theatre.  Students will approach Acting from a theory and analysis perspective, while achieving a better understanding of how styles and trends have changed over time.  
• Playwriting - This course teaches students how to develop meaningful characters, conflicts and writing through dialogue in a series of assignments, culminating in the creation of a one-act play.
• Acting: Performance and Technique - This course teaches students to approach their study of theater arts in a hands-on, performance-based experience. Students will practice monologue and scene work as well as learning fundamental voice and movement techniques.  Character creation and portraying realistic and engaging emotions are also a focal point of the course.  
• Theater Design - This course introduces students to elements of production design including units on scenic, costume, lighting and sound design. Students will give design presentations and also have the experience in working in collaborative teams.

Key utilizes the nationally recognized Orff Schulwerk music program, incorporating the study of speech, rhythm, instruments, singing, creative movement and dance, drama, and improvisation.

The formal music education program begins in Lower School where students learn to play xylophones, glockenspiels, metallophones, soprano recorders, and unpitched percussion instruments. They also learn to read music and understand basic theoretical concepts.

In Middle School there is an increasing emphasis on music theory and composition. Students are introduced to modes, triads and asymmetrical meters. The study of recorder progresses during the Middle School years to include alto, tenor, sopranino, and bass.

The study of music and dance in the Upper School involves students in a number of academic classes as well as a variety of activities. Upper School students may choose courses in Music Theory, Chamber Choir, and Dance. These students can also participate in activities such as the Upper School Chorus, Jazz Ensemble, and the Classical Ensemble.