Explorations in different mediums such as painting, drawing, collage, fiber, paint and pottery immerse children in the power of their own creativity. This is a safe place to be creative, all while each student develops their own unique style. Wherever possible art activities are also integrated into the classroom curriculum.
Once students reach the third grade, they can choose whether or not to stay in General Music or try an instrument. Students in grades 4 and 5 who remain in the choral program participate in the beginning choral ensemble, The Darlington Singers. In a true choral setting, this group reinforces music theory and sight-reading, which encourages students to continue vocal study, preparing them for opportunities in middle grades and beyond.
Once students reach the third grade, they have the opportunity to move from General Music to Strings, where they can play the violin, viola, cello or bass in a Beginning Orchestra class. In fourth grade, students choose between General Music, Strings or Band. In Band, they can select an instrument to play in a beginning band ensemble, which focuses on the development of musicianship and technique to master an instrument which will prepare them for performing with the middle grades concert band and beyond.
As students grow at Darlington, they develop as performers in class plays, concerts and presentations such as the Third Grade Wax Museum, Fourth Grade Fantastical Storytelling Festival, Grandspecial Day Concert, and the Thatcher Hall Spring Musical. This allows students to not only experience the stage, but to build self-confidence at an early age as they memorize speaking parts and work on their projection and expression.
The Darlington Arts Academy offers high-quality instruction and performance opportunities to students of all ages and levels of experience. A full range of training is offered through private lessons and small group instruction, drawing on the expertise of various local music and art educators. For our third- through fifth- grade students, the Arts Academy Lessons program offers private instruction to students in piano, woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings, guitar and voice.
