The Unquowa School :Our Programs
The Arts
Visual Arts
At The Unquowa School, the goal of an arts education is to acquaint each student with as many different types of media as possible. Alongside this, famous artists, theory, and techniques are introduced to instill a love of the visual arts from the very beginning. It is not uncommon to hear a PreK-3 student comparing a scattering of colorful paper scraps to a Jackson Pollock painting. Lower and Upper School students have the opportunity through art classes to experience the pure pleasure that comes from creating and the validation of success. The program culminates each Spring with the greatly anticipated school-wide Art Show where each child's best work is displayed for the entire school community to view and enjoy.
Whenever possible, classes visit local galleries and museums to gain an appreciation for art and art history. This enriches the students' studio experience and makes art an accessible and enjoyable part of their lives. Previous field experiences include The Yale Art Gallery, The Bruce Museum, The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, and The Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
6th through 8th grade students are invited to apply to participate in the Student Docent program which is in collaboration with The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art in Ridgefield. A maximum of 12 students are chosen to attend four training sessions at the museum where they learn an inquiry-based approach to engaging viewers in a conversation about the art. When training is complete, the Docents lead their classmates on tours of the exhibits during the 6th through 8th grade trip to the museum.
Performing Arts
Music and the performing arts are a vital part of a child's education. At The Unquowa School, students have the opportunity to express themselves through music. Preschoolers through third graders experience music in a general classroom setting. Music recordings are used to expose students to various styles of music such as classical or jazz. In addition to melody, rhythm is emphasized through clapping and tapping. Drums, claves, tambourines and xylophones help to develop students' rhythmic skills. Second and third graders are introduced to music theory and history, receiving instruction in note reading, music notation and forms. Fourth through eighth graders receive vocal instruction, a general music course, and an introduction to the orchestra. This includes music history and appreciation.
Drama is incorporated into the curriculum of the lower grades. Separate drama classes are conducted weekly for all students in grades four through eight. Throughout the program, theater games and exercises help Unquowa students to increase creativity, cooperation, and focus. Confidence increases with each opportunity to "perform" in a safe atmosphere. Students progress through units such as mime, improvisation, storytelling, media and public speaking.
The entire school joins forces for our annual tradition, the Winter Festival, with each class contributing to its medieval story through dance, acting, and music. In addition, many classes perform at our weekly assemblies, at which our eighth-grade speakers also gain experience and confidence in themselves by addressing the entire school. In the spring, we have an outdoor May Day celebration in the morning. Students perform a variety of songs and dances, including the traditional Maypole ceremony.
