Arts
The Visual and Performing Arts’s creative vision is led by a spirit of collaboration and designed to empower youth within responsive and compassionate learning environments. Our collaborative-based curricula center on uniting disparate parts of the education process into a powerful experience for every young adult to see themselves and be heard for the uniqueness that they bring to the world.
Our commitment to every student is to help each person vocalize their sense of self-awareness, empathy and agency in a responsive and caring community.
Our commitment to every student is to help each person vocalize their sense of self-awareness, empathy and agency in a responsive and caring community.
New for 2020-2021: Exploring Identity Curriculum
As educators and students design the future, the process centers around how we first engage with questions before ever seeking answers or resolutions. What if? and Why not? can create fear about the unknown. With the guidance of LJCDS’s creative educators, students will transform fear into transformative actions.
Some highlights include:
We are committed to enhancing the school’s mission to prepare individuals for a lifetime of intellectual exploration, personal growth and social responsibility.
Some highlights include:
- In each discipline, we seek to balance intellectual and emotional knowledge for every student to develop into their authentic selves, honor their creativity and contribute to creating an inclusive society.
- Essential questions lead the way during our 2020-2021 academic year.
- VAPA educators will work alongside an interdisciplinary team in collaboration with design and innovation, library science, life skills, service learning, global education, and anti-racist and anti-oppressive educators.
- The collaborative team works together to create lessons, build community norms exercises, and expand discipline knowledge goals through three-week immersions into each trimester.
- Our goal centers on helping both students and educators explore the life-long question, Who am I?
We are committed to enhancing the school’s mission to prepare individuals for a lifetime of intellectual exploration, personal growth and social responsibility.
Age 3–Grade 4
The Early Childhood Center and Lower School music and art programs honor the cohort models. As the school implements a phased reopening, the art department has devised two plans:
- “E-Learning” = when the school is in an e-learning model
- “On-Campus” = when each grade resumes learning in person
List of 6 items.
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Early Childhood Center
Music
Music in the Early Childhood Center will be taught remotely by Kelley Hart, Lower School general music and strings educator.
Students in Tiny Torreys and junior kindergarten will have music class once a week for 20 minutes. To honor the cohort model in the ECC, music lessons will be pre-recorded by Ms. Hart and then viewed by the students during their music class time. Children will be exposed to various global music, experimenting with how to use their voices and bodies to express music in different ways. The study of pitch, vocal inflection, rhythm, movement and expressive singing will be taught through fun, interactive lessons. Any necessary supplies will be provided by Ms. Hart as needed and in coordination with Maria Curtis, director of Early Childhood Center.Art
Taught by Lower School art teacher Ms. Porschia, each class will meet for 20 minutes every week, virtually using live and pre-recorded lessons. Each student has been given their own art supplies kit and lead teachers will guide students through the lessons. Students will be introduced to different materials, the elements of art and a variety of fine art techniques. -
Kindergarten
Music
E-Learning: 2x/week, one 30-minute live class and one 30-minute pre-recorded class
On-Campus: 2x/week, 30 minute live sessions
Kindergarten students will learn about orchestra instruments, how music tells stories and how to keep a steady beat. Students will also experiment with using movement and percussion instruments with music. At this time, singing will only be taught in e-learning instruction.Art
Instruction is provided by the lead instruction teacher in each classroom. -
Grade 1
Music
Meet during odd number cycles
E-Learning: 2x/week, two 60-minute lessons
On-Campus: 3x/week, two 60-minute lessons and one 30-minute lesson with each cohort
All students will be given bags of percussion instruments and supplies for our music classes. You can find out more about these here. Students will learn to keep a steady beat and how to play, read and write rhythm patterns while using percussion instruments. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, at this time, singing will only happen during e-learning instruction. Every week, students will have 20-minutes of creative movement and dance with Miss Nicole, the dance teacher.
Meet during even number cycles
Art
E-Learning: 2x/week, two 60-minute lessons
On-Campus: 3x/week, two 60-minute lessons and one 30-minute lesson with each cohort
The art program is taught by Ms. Porschia, the Lower School art teacher. First-grade cohorts will meet during even number cycles. Students will receive a package of art supplies that include all the materials they will need for our lessons over the first trimester. You can see all the materials here. Students will tackle the essential questions in each three-week period through drawing, painting and mixed media projects. Students will be introduced to different materials, the elements of art and a variety of fine art techniques. -
Grade 2
Music
Meet during odd number cycles
E-Learning: 2x/week, two 60-minute lessons
On-Campus: 3x/week, two 60-minute lessons and one 30-minute lesson with each cohort
All students will receive bags of percussion instruments and supplies for our music classes. You can find out more about these here. Students will learn to keep a steady beat and how to play, read and write rhythm and melodic patterns while using percussion instruments. Due to COVID restrictions, at this time, singing will only happen during e-learning. Every week, students will have 20-minutes of creative movement and dance with Miss Nicole, the dance teacher.Art
Meet During Even Number Cycles
E-Learning: 2x/week, two 60-minute lessons
On-Campus: 3x/week, two 60-minute lessons and one 30-minute lesson with each cohort
The art program is taught by Ms. Porschia, the Lower School art teacher. Second-grade cohorts will meet during even number cycles. Students will receive a package of art supplies that include all the materials they will need for our lessons over the first trimester. You can see all the materials here. Students will tackle the essential questions in each three-week period through drawing, painting and mixed media projects. Students will continue learning about different materials, the elements of art and a variety of fine art techniques.Strings (Grades 2-4)
Lower School Strings will be taught by Kelley Hart, Lower School general music and strings educator and Joan Diener, Lower School strings and Upper School orchestra educator.
The robust Lower School Strings program will continue to be offered to students in Grades 2–4, with limited enrollment. Students registered for the program will receive two live classes per week via Zoom while the school is in the remote learning phase. As usual, classes will take place during one PE and one recess time each week. When the school reopens for on-campus learning, strings classes will pivot to pre-recorded video lessons that students can access after school. The program will use the Essential Elements Interactive (EEi) and Smart Music platforms, which will allow educators to assign lessons and individualize goals for each student based upon their current level and progression. Students will be asked to record themselves using these programs and submit recordings for individual feedback. All students will provide their own instruments, either purchased or rented, and all second grade students are required to have a private teacher outside of the school program to support them as they begin their musical journey. -
Grade 3
Music
Meet during even number cycles
E-Learning: 2x/week, two 60-minute lessons
Return to Campus: 3x/week, two 60-minute lessons and one 30 minute lesson with each cohort
All students will be given bags of percussion instruments and supplies for our music classes. If COVID-19 restrictions change, students will also work with recorders. You can find out more about these here.
Meet during odd number cycles
Art
E-Learning: 2x/week, two 60-minute lessons
On-Campus: 3x/week, two 60 minute lessons and one 30-minute lesson with each cohort
The art program is taught by Ms. Porschia, the Lower School art teacher. Third-grade cohorts will meet during odd number cycles. While LJCDS is in the remote learning phase, cohorts will meet two times per week for two 60 min lessons. When we return to campus, cohorts will meet three times per week for two 60 minute lessons and one 30 minute lesson. Students will receive a package of art supplies that include all the materials they need for our lessons over the first trimester. You can see all the materials here. Students will tackle the essential questions in each three–week period through drawing, painting and mixed media projects. Students will continue learning about different materials, the elements of art and a variety of fine art techniques.
Lower School Strings will be taught by Kelley Hart, Lower School general music and strings educator and Joan Diener, Lower School strings and Upper School orchestra educator
Strings (Grades 2-4)
The robust Lower School Strings program is available to students in Grades 2–4, with limited enrollment. Students registered for the program will receive two live classes per week via Zoom while the school is in the remote learning phase. As usual, classes will take place during one PE and one recess time each week. When the school reopens for on-campus learning, strings classes will pivot to pre-recorded video lessons that students can access after school. The program will use the Essential Elements Interactive (EEi) and SmartMusic platforms, which will allow educators to assign lessons and individualize goals for each student based upon their current level and progression. Students will be asked to record themselves using these programs and submit recordings for individual feedback. All students will provide their own instruments, either purchased or rented, and all second grade students are required to have a private teacher outside of the school program to support them as they begin their musical journey. -
Grade 4
Music
Meet during even number cycles
E-Learning: 2x/week, two 60-minute lessons
Return to Campus: 3x/week, two 60-minute lessons and one 30-minute lesson with each cohort
All students will be given bags of musical instruments and supplies for our music classes. You can find out more about these here. If COVID-19 restrictions change, students will also work with recorders.
Meet during odd number cycles
Art
E-Learning: 2x/week, two 60 minute lessons
Return to Campus: 3x/week, two 60-minute lessons and one 30-minute lesson with each cohort
The art program is taught by Ms. Porschia, the Lower School art teacher. Students will receive a package of art supplies that include all the materials they need for our lessons over the first trimester. See all the materials here. Students will tackle the essential questions in each three–week period through drawing, painting and mixed media projects. Students will continue learning about different materials, the elements of art and a variety of fine art techniques.
Lower School Strings will be taught by Kelley Hart, Lower School general music and strings educator and Joan Diener, Lower School strings and Upper School orchestra educator.
Strings (Grades 2-4)
The robust Lower School Strings program is available to students in Grades 2–4, with limited enrollment. Students registered for the program will receive two live classes per week via Zoom while the school is in the remote learning phase. As usual, classes will take place during one PE and one recess time each week. When the school reopens for on-campus learning, strings classes will pivot to pre-recorded video lessons that students can access after school. The program will use the Essential Elements Interactive (EEi) and Smart Music platforms, which will allow educators to assign lessons and individualize goals for each student based upon their current level and progression. Students will be asked to record themselves using these programs and submit recordings for individual feedback. All students will provide their own instruments, either purchased or rented, and all second grade students are required to have a private teacher outside of the school program to support them as they begin their musical journey.
Middle School
List of 2 items.
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Grades 5 and 6
Band
Daily classes will be a part of the Exploring Identity (EI) Middle School schedule. EI classes focus on non-performance-based skills and social emotional skill-building. Elements of music will be incorporated into the EI curriculum. At this time, due to COVID-19 restrictions, instruments are not permitted on campus.Strings
Daily classes will be a part of the Exploring Identity (EI) Middle School schedule. EI classes focus on non-performance-based skills and social emotional skill-building. Elements of music will be incorporated into the EI curriculum. At this time, due to COVID-19 restrictions, instruments are not permitted on campus.Visual Art
Daily classes will be a part of the Exploring Identity (EI) Middle School schedule. -
Grades 7 and 8
Art/Music/Tech/Drama/Dance
During each trimester, students will sign up for each respective class. All educators are a part of the Exploring Identity (EI) Middle School schedule and will teach their respective discipline through an EI framework. At this time, due to COVID-19 restrictions, instruments, singing and dance are not permitted on campus.
Upper School
All Grades 9–12 offerings will run remotely for the 2020-2021 school year to limit cohort mixing. Course offerings will have connections to the Exploring Identity essential questions. Courses in the visual arts pertain to studio art, photography, graphic design, filmmaking and ceramics.
List of 11 items.
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AP Studio Art
Taught by Ms. Mae with support from Ms. Stringer and Ms. Mac, this class combines students focusing on drawing, design and sculpture, and provides students with a space to create a portfolio of several artworks that all explore a shared theme. Students will choose a theme to investigate yearlong through experimentation in their chosen medium. Students will also work on artist statements, feedback, art historical inspiration, self-expression and time management. As the year comes to a close, students work to document and submit a portfolio and create a website, video or physical show where students can showcase their year of sustained artwork.
While LJCDS is utilizing remote learning, we will use synchronous times to introduce new ideas, have class discussions, share finished works, get feedback on works in progress, have 1:1 meetings and look at artworks by other artists. In asynchronous times students will mostly work on art assignments and conduct personal art-related research.
We have surveyed students to assess supply wants and needs, and supply kits are being ordered and assembled. Though course materials will be accessible through Blackboard, the class will use Google tools for in-class and out-of-class work. AP classes are currently being organized and materials will be posted once this organization is complete. -
Ceramics
More information to come. -
Filmmaking
More information to come. -
Graphic Design
More information to come. -
Photography
More information to come. -
Studio Art
Taught by Ms. Mae, Studio Art comprises levels I, II and III. As the levels increase, the students advance in self-expression and technical skills and have more creative freedom to choose how they express themselves in response to question-based, open-ended prompts. We will predominantly explore using drawing, painting, collage and mixed-media art to communicate messages in response to said prompts. Students will also learn about art history, contemporary art and how to analyze and give feedback on the art of their peers.
While LJCDS is utilizing remote learning, we will use synchronous times to introduce new ideas, have class discussions, share finished works and look at artworks by other artists. In asynchronous times students will mostly work on art assignments and conduct personal art-related research.
Students have been surveyed to assess supply wants and needs and supply kits are being ordered and assembled. Though course materials will be accessible through Blackboard, we will use Google tools for in-class and out-of-class work. -
Band/Percussion
All Grades 9–12 offerings will run through remote learning for the 2020-2021 school year to limit cohort mixing. Courses offered will have connections to the Exploring Identity essential questions. Continuing from band camp, Band/Honors, Band/Percussion, and World Drumming classes will focus on a diverse exploration of styles and genres, accomplished through full ensemble Zoom classes, instrument-specific breakout room sessions, and individual solos and projects. Extensive repertoire will be supported by the SmartMusic learning platform, and culminating projects will integrate various audio and video editing programs. -
Choir
At this time, due to COVID-19 restrictions, singing is not permitted on campus. All Grades 9–12 offerings will run through remote learning for the 2020-2021 school year to limit cohort mixing. Courses offerings will have connections to the Exploring Identity essential questions. Honors Madrigal singers and Concert Choir classes will focus on a diverse exploration of styles and genres, accomplished through full ensemble Zoom classes, vocal part-specific breakout room sessions, and individual solos and projects. Extensive repertoire will be supported through different online learning platforms, and culminating projects will integrate various audio and video editing programs for virtual performances. -
Drama
All Grades 9–12 offerings will run through remote learning for the 2020-2021 school year. Courses offerings will have connections to the Exploring Identity essential questions. Introduction to Acting, Play Production and Honors Play Production will explore plays and acting styles worldwide. Students will also write their monologues, plays and scenes to tell the stories representing them and their diverse perspectives about the world. Students will work over Zoom and through video recording equipment at home. -
Strings
All Grades 9–12 offerings will run through remote learning for the 2020-2021 school year. Courses offerings will have connections to the Exploring Identity essential questions. Chamber Orchestra and Honors Orchestra classes will focus on a diverse exploration of styles and genres, accomplished through full ensemble Zoom classes, instrumental part-specific breakout room sessions, and individual solos and projects. SmartMusic and theory online platforms will be utilized to advance string knowledge and performance techniques further. -
Theater Tech
All Grades 9–12 offerings will run through remote learning for the 2020-2021 school year. Courses offerings will have connections to the Exploring Identity essential questions.
