Spring 2009 Potomac Term - Potomac School

“The arts … keep alive and develop
our most important human
possession — the imagination,
our human spirit.”
–Carol Preston, 1957
Dear Potomac Community,
We devote this issue of The Term to Potomac’s long tradition of excellence in arts education. As the highest
expression of every culture, the arts are at the core of the collective human experience. The complex,
multi-disciplinary nature of artistic work requires different ways of seeing and thinking that result in creative
growth, as well as a means for the brain to function at its highest capacity. In order to be good at anything,
one must also be a good humanist.
Our founders recognized the essential role that music, drama and the visual arts play in the development of
the mind and the exploration of meaning and perspective. Upon her arrival at Potomac in 1938, Carol Preston
broke with convention to lure gifted artists and musicians to the School, developing Potomac’s already strong
arts tradition into an outstanding music and arts program. Those teachers — from Jack Langstaff to John Hebeler
to our impressive faculty of today — have provided our students rich opportunities to actively participate in the
full range of creative expression.
All of our students participate in assembly, class plays, music performances and art classes from their earliest
years. Creative expression is integral not just to our academic program but to each student’s development
as a scholar and citizen. Self discipline, sustained focus and the development of internal standards of excellence
lead to personal responsibility and expansive thinking.
I hope the vignettes that follow capture the dynamic diversity of the arts that every Potomac student
experiences. Each one provides a window into the unique program we offer our students. Our faculty
encourage, guide and inspire, while our students continually surprise and delight us with their discoveries
and growth. We believe these pursuits stir the mind and the soul.
Geoffrey Jones
Head of School