The Arts
HONE YOUR SKILLS AND PREPARE
FOR A FULFILLING EXPERIENCE IN
THE ARTS AT ST. ANDRÉ BESSETTE
Experiences in the Arts play a valuable role in the education of all students. Through the Arts, students can develop their creativity, identity, self-awareness, self-confidence, and a sense of well-being. Education in the arts involves students intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. Learning through the arts therefore fosters integration of students' cognitive, emotional, sensory and motor capacities, and enables students with a wide variety of learning styles to increase their learning potential. (The Ontario Curriculum – The Arts)
DANCE
The Dance program focuses on creative collaboration, with an emphasis on creativity, choreography, group work, problem solving, communication and presentation. Students explore basic dance styles and techniques such as ballet, modern dance, hip hop, musical theatre and ballroom. In their senior year they explore the work of well-known choreographers and on developing their leadership skills. Theory includes the study of anatomy, injury prevention, nutrition, career choices, dance history and criticism. Students are given the opportunity to perform informally in the classroom setting, as well as in Arts Night celebrations, Dance company shows and for school assemblies. The Dance program helps to develop life skills such as confidence, organization and task-completion.
DANCE PATHWAYS CHART
DRAMA
The Dramatic Arts Program focuses on developing life skills in the areas of creativity, imagination, confidence, interpersonal communication, and spontaneity. Through dramatic exploration, students take on roles that provide unique opportunities to learn about themselves, the art of drama, and the world around them. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in social interaction and collaboration as they create, perform, and analyse drama. Through informal presentations and more formal performances, students use drama to communicate their aesthetic and personal values.
DRAMA PATHWAYS CHART
MUSIC
The Music Program focuses on developing student understanding and appreciation of music in practical and creative ways, in both vocal and instrumental pathways. Musicianship and listening skills are taught through the study of: repertoire (playing/singing), music theory, listening, music history, concert reviews, ear-training, and sight singing. As students advance, there will be more opportunities for specialized study of jazz, musical theatre, teaching, arranging, composition and conducting. In addition to courses, a variety of ensembles also allow students to extend their relationship with music and their peers. Concert Band, Jazz Band and Choir run from September to June, and include many performance opportunities, clinics, festivals and trips.
MUSIC PATHWAYS CHART
VISUAL ARTS
The Visual Arts Program focuses on opportunities for students to develop his or her critical thinking and creative problem solving skills, while creating works of art that are both worthwhile and beautiful. The junior level courses (AVI1O, AVI2O) introduce our students to the foundations of visual art and design concepts, while the senior courses (AVI3M, AVI4M) develop the students' skills in the production of an extensive portfolio. Students will explore drawing, painting, sculpting, mixed media, media art, art historical works, and the critique process. The skills that are developed in the visual arts program are transferable to many areas of study and to many life experiences.
VISUAL ARTS PATHWAYS CHART
