Every student at Norwood knows that art is for everyone, not just a talented few. Through artistic expression, each student can experience the delight, wonder, and self-assurance that come with creative accomplishment.

Creative thinking and problem solving are attributes that enhance learning in all subject areas, and the visual arts experience at Norwood is an essential part of the curriculum. The children’s creative work adorns classrooms, hallways, and offices throughout the school. Two centrally located large, sunlight-filled Middle School art rooms leave no question about the importance of art in the life of the Middle School.

The art curriculum is a sequential and cumulative program of skills and concepts where students explore and produce works of art in the following disciplines: drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, painting, mixed media/collage, and textiles digital photography, and computer graphics. The program strives to enable students to use experience, observation, and imagination to create works of personal significance within the broad guidelines of structured lessons. Projects encourage growth in self-discipline, perseverance, expansive thinking, and the collaborative spirit, which are important in art and in daily life. By coordinating their hands, minds, and hearts in exploration of the artistic world, students come to know how art enriches life.

Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade Music

Mrs. Lostoski

• Kindergartners attend music twice weekly for 20 minutes. 
  
• First and Second graders attend music twice weekly for 30 minutes.

Activities include singing, playing instruments, moving, listening, dramatizing, reading, writing, and creating. Through these experiences, children are given the opportunity first to "discover" music with their feelings, bodies, and curiosity. The children's discoveries are then parlayed into a greater investigation of musical concepts such as rhythm, melody, harmony, form, and expression. The music learning process also emphasizes music literacy and individual artistry.

Third and Fourth Grade Music

Mrs. Leyva

Third and Fourth graders attend general music class twice weekly for 30 minutes, and also participate in a choral rehearsal for one 40-minute period each week. Chorus class, unlike the general music class, is exclusively performance-driven. Age-appropriate vocal technique is taught while rehearsing varied choral repertoire. Choral performances occur 3-4 times per year.

Transitioning from Lower School to Middle School Music

Fifth and Sixth Grade Music

Mrs. Ellsworth (Strings), Dr. Lewis (Band), Mrs. Saunders (Chorus & Bells)

Fifth and Sixth graders elect to participate in either band, orchestra, or chorus. Rehearsals are held during the school day, for three 40-minute rehearsals per week. 5th and 6th grade ensembles perform at three major events each year.

Although Fifth and Sixth graders occasionally perform together in concert, each grade-level rehearses separately. Instrumental students are highly encouraged to pursue individual instruction on their chosen instrument.

The Norwood Chorale, an unauditioned, yet advanced-level choral/handbells ensemble, meets once weekly (recess and/or after school), for all interested 5th and 6th grade students. The Norwood Chorale performs 1-2 cpncerts off-campus, in addition to performing on major school concerts.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Music

Mrs. Ellsworth (Chamber Ensemble), Dr. Lewis (Wind & Percussion Ensemble), Mrs. Saunders (Concert Choir & Norwood Ringers)

Seventh and Eighth graders elect to participate in either Chamber Ensemble, Wind & Percussion Ensemble, Concert Choir, or Norwood Ringers (handbells). Rehearsals are held during the school day, for four 40-minute rehearsals per week. 7th and 8th grade ensembles perform at three major events each year.

Instrumental students are highly encouraged to pursue individual instruction on their chosen instrument. Joining the Chamber or Wind & Percussion Ensemble as a beginning player is allowed only at the discretion of the music faculty.

Additional opportunities exist for students who wish to pursue advanced performance. Such opportunities include: pit orchestra for the 7/8 Musical, the Independent Schools' Choral Festival, chapel performances, and the 8th grade Class Day honors recital.