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THE CREATIVE ARTS
At St. Andrew's, artistic
endeavors spill over from
the classroom into the
everyday life of students.
But the skills of expression are fostered
in a classroom setting where
students develop a firm understanding
of the theoretical, historical and
cultural background of the arts.
Student artists emerge and grow
through formal training, free
expression and close contact with
established faculty artists, who, side
by side with the students, are
cultivating their own work. What
emerges is a strong sense of the
lifelong importance of the arts as
something to be cherished, as an
ongoing process of renewal and
growth, as, ultimately, a goal of
finding the inner expression of
one's self.
The visual arts are pursued in the
art building, which is located on the
north side of campus. With high
ceiling, slanted roof, and interesting
plays of light, students find the
inspiration to create. The studio
remains open throughout the day,
and instructors are often available to
assist students who wish to work in
their free time.
St. Andrew's is rarely without
music. During the afternoons one
can often hear the melodic strains of
Chopin, the electronic pulse of a
student rock band, or the harmony
of voices in counterpoint with the
crack of ball against bat, the swoosh
of soccer ball in the net, or the cheer
of enthusiastic spectators. But the
first notes begin in the teaching
studios and practice rooms, where
students learn fundamentals of
expression. Encouraged to perform
for the School community, many
students participate in recitals held
in the acoustically live Cameron
Room with its large Romanesque
window. Student bands are very
common. Over the years some of
our students have left our practice
rooms and gone on to professional
recording studios.
The creative arts are respected at
St. Andrew's, and involvement in
the arts, regardless of talent or
previous experience, is encouraged
to provide a vital balance between
academics and other cocurricular
activities.
The community sets aside one
weekend each May, Arts Weekend,
for the entire School to come
together for recitals, concerts,
exhibits and theater.
History of Music
D
evelopment of music in Western
Civilization from the Middle
Ages to the present is traced by
the group. The year's study is divided
into three seminars (one each term) whose
topics are selected from the following
six: Middle Ages/Renaissance, Baroque,
Classical, Romantic, Post-Romantic/Early
20th Century, Contemporary/Modern.
Among elements stressed is the evolution
of forms and musical styles within
the framework of cultural developments.
Extensive listening experiences are integrated
with the course material. (Elective
minor fo r IV through VI Forms)
Music Theory I
S
urveying the elements of the
theory of music including notation,
rhythm, tonality, harmonic
progression, diatonic and altered harmony
and basic forms is the intent of
this course. (Elective minor for Ill through
VI Forms)
Music Theory II
his course continues the study of
the elements introduced in Music
T
Theory I, but in more depth and
detail. Advanced part-writing and analysis
of complex forms are explored.
(Elective minor; Prereq uisite: Music Theory I)
Music Composition
M
usic Composition examines
the compositional styles and
techniques from 1450 to the
present from the viewpoint of melody,
harmony, counterpoint and structure
and the incorporation of these techniques
into original compositions. Emphasis
is on 20th Century style. (Elective
minor for Ill through VI Forms; Prerequisites:
Music Theory or examination by the
Department)
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