The Arts Home / Academics / The Arts The Power of Art in Education At The Rhoades School, our students explore the question, “Why does art matter?” Experts like Elliot Eisner, a Stanford University Professor, say art helps us understand the world and makes learning complete. Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind, believes that art teaches us how to design, create, and understand feelings—skills we need to be successful in life. Explore how our programs in theater, music, and art help our students become creative, confident, and curious thinkers! Theater Arts Elementary School Our kindergarten through 3rd grade students engage in age-appropriate drama activities. They learn to share ideas and solve problems while acting out stories that are connected to social studies and science concepts. Our students in 4th and 5th grade build on their drama skills. Our 4th graders take part in workshops with the San Diego Junior Theater. They study character, scene development, story structure, and more. Our 5th graders engage in a play writing residency with the Playwrights Project. They create characters and write scripted scenes for a play that will be performed by professional actors. Middle School Our students in middle school dive into Shakespeare. They read plays like Julius Caesar and practice acting with a real Shakespearean actor. In our Film elective, our students learn how to make movies, from writing scripts to editing. In our Theater elective, our students are challenged to think on their feet and work as a team to create and perform skits. Music Elementary School In kindergarten through 2nd grade, children explore music using the Orff Approach, which combines music, movement, drama, and speech. They learn about famous musicians, sound, beat, melodies, rhythm, and instruments. By 3rd grade, our students start creating their own music using tools in our recording studio. They also learn about famous composers, music theory, and genres. Middle School In our Music and Composition elective, our students use MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) to write, compose, and record their own music. They use Yamaha keyboards and computers or iPads to edit their music. The sound and recording booth in our studio enables our students to compose and record music using various instruments and vocals. These technologies not only serve them in music classes, but also benefit them in other classes as they create podcasts, radio plays, and films. Visual Arts Elementary School Our kindergarten through 3rd grade students engage in age-appropriate drama activities. They learn to share ideas and solve problems while acting out stories that are connected to social studies and science concepts. Our students in 4th and 5th grade build on their drama skills. Our 4th graders take part in workshops with the San Diego Junior Theater. They study character, scene development, story structure, and more. Our 5th graders engage in a play writing residency with the Playwrights Project. They create characters and write scripted scenes for a play that will be performed by professional actors. Middle School Interested students in middle school have the chance to build an art collection in our Portfolio Studio Arts elective. This course requires them to develop a deep understanding of design principles and techniques. They showcase mastery through any 2D medium or process, such as design, photography, collage, illustration, painting, or drawing.
