The philosophy of the Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre Departments is to engage and enlighten students in the arts and allow them to discover a vehicle to develop the expressive aspects of their lives. Elective courses allow students choices in which to pursue their artistic spirit. Recitals, concerts, gallery showings, dance performances, and theatre productions engage the entire community in a process of creative comprehension. The Arts are a vital part of Walker's curriculum.
Courses in this department:
Required for Grades 6, 7 & 8
The Middle School Dance program concentrates on the development of technical skills, and the appreciation of the art form. An annual dance performance is included in the yearly activities. Dance is scheduled during the academic day and is under the direction of the Head of the Dance Department.
Offered: Fall and Spring as a sports option
The Junior Dance Workshop is for students who wish to participate in a more rigorous dance training program in addition to the introductory level middle school classes. The dance company focuses on technique, composition, and performance skills. The Junior Dance Workshop meets three days a week during Middle School athletic practice time.
Offered: Winter, Grades 6-8
Prerequisite: Audition
Credit: Winter Season Athletics
During the winter months, cast members rehearse a theatrical production to be presented to the community in early March. Past productions have included The Secret Garden, The Jungle Book, The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree, The Hobbit, Wonderland and Robin Hood.
Required: One semester during 8th grade year
This one semester course (the compliment to Art 8) focuses on the fundamentals of dramatic performance. This class will build necessary skills and confidence for successful performance in the classroom and on stage. The course will emphasize communication and expression through the presentation of speeches, the recitation of poetry, and storytelling. Other topics may include (but are not limited to) character development, scene work, and theatre history. Each student will be expected to keep a journal of her experiences.
Required in Grades 6-8
Includes singing and choral activities, folk dancing, rhythm training, music theory, musical theatre/theatre exercises, sight singing, and audition preparation. There is continued emphasis on listening and skill development as well as music appreciation.
Required for all students in Grades 6-8
All Middle School students participate in this choral group, which performs in the Holiday and Spring Concerts as well as all-school chapels.
Open to Grades: 6-8, without audition
This ensemble is for Middle School students who are interested in preparing and performing orchestral music. The Middle School Orchestra rehearses after school on Mondays and performs at Middle School concerts. This experience will prepare the musician for the Upper School Orchestra.
Grades 6-12, additional fee
Extra-curricular Activity
Private lessons, as well as ensemble and duet lessons, are offered on many instruments. Group lessons create chamber groups that perform regularly on campus. There are many recitals and chapels that involve the Music Program, and public performance in these events is encouraged.
Financial Commitment: Private lessons are billed through the Business Office. Please refer to the booklet that contains all financial agreements and return the completed information form. The Music Instruction Agreement must be returned before lessons can be given to a student.
Open to Grades: 7-12, without audition
Extra-curricular Activity
The Gospel Choir is a lively vocal ensemble that incorporates musical styles from the spiritual, blues and gospel genres. This ensemble demands a willingness to participate in the appropriate style that this music commands.
Open to Grades: 6-12, without audition
Extra-curricular Activity
This course provides students with an opportunity to learn and improve vocal technique and to experience a repertoire of various styles. Enrollment in choir is not required. A fine vocal ensemble, Voce Felice, is formed from members of this class. Individual singers have the opportunity to perform as soloists at the close of the year.
Required for all students in grades 6-8
This course explores the basic modes of visual expression, which may include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, textile arts, and ceramics. Coursework is designed to help each student develop her own identity through art, as well as self-confidence and independence. The curriculum connects with the Middle School program of study whenever possible and provides a well-rounded artistic basis for Upper School-level visual art courses.
