Arts & Innovation - Francis Parker School Arts and design are essential components of the Parker curriculum, helping students to think independently and explore their creativity. Beginning in Junior Kindergarten and continuing through Upper School, students are challenged to explore artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, and aesthetic valuing. Parker offers an abundance of creative outlets across design thinking, visual arts, publications, music, theater, and dance. Design Thinking Turning Failure into Growth From hands-on builds to tech-centric activities to learning new skills like 3-D printing, Design Thinking classes challenge Parker students to become adept at creative thinking, problem-solving, perseverance, and collaboration. The strengths cultivated through design thinking translate to science, math, and arts disciplines while positioning Lancers for further studies in STEM and design. Design Thinking is all around us: We see it in the scientific method, historical research, and the artistic and writing process. We want students to apply the same rigorous thinking learned in science or math, or art, or English, or music, or performing arts to all of their thinking. Dan Lang, Head of Middle School Publications Creative Writing, Journalism, & Publication Design Parker students flex their writing, organizational, and design expertise to create professional-quality publications. Middle School and Upper School yearbook provides outlets for photography, design, and writing skills. And in the Upper School, two multi-award-winning, student-run magazines —Bema and The Scribe—showcase both non-fiction journalism and creative works. Theater Building Confidence Through Creative Expression Lower School students have the opportunity to perform, direct, write, choreograph, and create sets and costumes through grade-wide productions. Through the drama elective, Middle School students learn theater terminology, perform monologues and scenes, and create one-act plays and original pieces for capstone performances. The Upper School drama program includes textual analysis of plays, advanced improvisational studies, and studying acting methods from acting greats like Konstantin Stanislavski, Stella Adler, and Sanford Meisner. Parker also boasts an internationally renowned Francis Parker Drama Club, which puts on several plays and a musical each year. The Drama Club Presents... Antigone Watch the Recording on Vimeo Watch a Dance Performance on Vimeo Dance Technique, Choreography, & Performance Middle School students spend time exploring ballet, modern, jazz, improvisation, hip hop, and various cultural dances, and by Grade 8, students have the opportunity to choreograph and perform their own works. In Upper School , dancers learn advanced choreography that builds and showcases their talents during dance performances and regional festivals. Students also have the opportunity to strengthen their choreography skills and perform with professional dance companies. Visual Arts Studio Art, Woodworking, Ceramics, Photography, Sculpture, & Motion Media State-of-the-art facilities and expert instruction support Parker students as they establish and grow their own creative perspectives in the visual arts. Courses from JK to Grade 12 allow students to produce original works of art from concept to completion. Formal elements and principles of design are introduced and emphasized with an appreciation for a diverse global artistic heritage. Our campuses include a fully-equipped 2-D studio woodshop ceramics studio darkroom , and stone and bronze sculpture facility. View student artwork on display in the James Alan Rose Art Gallery Watch the Middle/Upper Band Concert on YouTube Watch the Middle/Upper Strings Concert on YouTube Music Perform and Express Yourself with Confidence Lower School students build foundational musical skills through singing, movement, instrument playing, and listening activities. Lower School music classes teach fundamental musical concepts while emphasizing creativity, self-expression, and understanding. Middle School music courses help students refine their musicianship, develop interpersonal skills, and build lasting friendships. Each Middle School student chooses an instrument and ensemble: Guitar Band Strings Percussion Chorus In Upper School , students can continue their musical journey in a wide variety of arenas: Concert Band Strings Ensemble Classical Guitar Pep Band Piano Drumline The most advanced students can pursue leadership opportunities and a higher level of musicianship in Honors Concert Band, Honors Classical Guitar, or the premiere Honors Lancer Orchestra. interested in the arts at Parker? When you inquire, you can indicate arts interests athletic interests , and more about your student so our team can have a great first conversation with you. Plus, you can register for on-campus events information sessions campus tours , and more. Take The FIrst Step inquire to connect with us about your child's interests Lawrence Commons Art Exhibition: AP Artists Explore Identity and Beyond read about Lawrence Commons Art Exhibition: AP Artists Explore Identity and Beyond Performing Arts Photo Gallery Round Up read about Performing Arts Photo Gallery Round Up Reflections from the Cast of “Matilda” read about Reflections from the Cast of “Matilda”