Fine Arts play a vital role at East Hills Academy because a child’s holistic development cannot be achieved without an understanding of the tenets of beauty afforded to humanity through art and music. The unique qualities of these content areas present valuable opportunities for students to recognize, imitate, and engage in beauty in the world.
The study of art guides students to embrace timeless standards of beauty such as line, form, color, and shapes. Works of art are presented as formal models, and the instructor guides the students to practice and improve artistic qualities with progressing ability. When students begin demonstrating their understanding, it becomes apparent that all have unique perspectives of a single, common model. However, this observation is not meant to give attention to individual opinions of beauty. Rather, art encourages a celebration of individual responses to a conventional standard of beauty.
The study of music teaches students about ordered beauty through sound. C.S. Lewis called music instruction “soul craft” due to its ability to increase our receptiveness, affect our motivations, and encourage us to action. Students will learn how the beauty of order found in musical notations presents a unique opportunity for harmony of both the mind and heart. Furthermore, they will be given instruction on how to participate in music through voice and simple instruments. Music education elicits a specialized engagement with one’s community and culture, and students at East Hills Academy will participate in seasonal performances to demonstrate their learning.
In support, students at East Hills Academy will participate in art or music class every day! We are thrilled that our students are given the opportunity to learn about these important content areas.