Peck's Fine Arts program offers diverse experiences in studio arts, music, woodworking and drama as essential elements of a child's education at the School.
The unique art program at Peck incorporates the study of various artists and their work into student projects. The basic elements of design are introduced in kindergarten and are reinforced and expanded upon through grade eight. Students learn the rudimentary language of art and how it applies to the creative process. This is all accomplished through a variety of techniques, mediums and projects relating to other academic disciplines. The beautiful masterpieces created by Peck's students are everlasting treasures.
Peck's kindergarten through eighth grade music program develops music literacy and music intelligence through rhythm, song, dance, instrumental technique (including xylophone, chimes, recorder and keyboard), theory, history and composition. In addition to music classes, a handbell group, choruses, and steel pan bands provide extra, optional musical opportunities for children.
Beginning in third grade and continuing through eighth, Peck students experience a distinctive course of study in woodworking. With safety as the foundation of the program, young students learn how to manipulate various hand tools to craft simple projects. Starting in grade six, students receive instruction for using power equipment, and eighth graders design and create projects of their own choosing.
In drama classes, offered in seventh and eighth grades, a series of theater games, improvisations, writing tools, readers' theater, and story theater introduce students to the basic tools of acting, improvisation, and character development. Students build self-confidence and improve public speaking skills. The culmination of the eighth grade year is a play performance.
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The Lower School Chorus is open to all students in Grades 2, 3 and 4 who have an interest in singing. Practices are scheduled once each week. The chorus performs at two school concerts and in the local community, at museums and nursing homes.
Upper School Chorus is an elective offered to all students in grades 5-8. Students prepare two and three part musical selections for winter and spring performances. The chorus also participates annually in the Music in the Parks Competition.
