The Lower School fine and performing arts division strives to create an active learning program that encourages creativity, motivates thinking skills, and teaches children the ability to express feelings and communicate thoughts through singing and instrumental development. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Sun Pipers, a musical group of 4th and 5th grade students, who learn the basic music concepts of playing the recorder. The Sun Chimes, open to students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, teaches the technique of playing the tone chimes. Sunsations, a show choir with students in grades 2-5, highlights the vocal and performing skills of talented young students.

Another cultural arts alternative is Beginning Band in which students learn to play an instrument, read music, determine proper breath support, and simply enjoy creating melodious sounds on brass and woodwind instruments. Under the supervision of the Lower and Middle School band director, Beginning Band gives these young musicians a chance to interact and observe upperclassmen, giving them a better understanding of the opportunities available at University School for the student/musician.

Annually, grades Pre-K-3 performs a class production incorporating dance, theater, music, and visual arts. Some productions are thematic, where teachers choose music and material pertaining to the current curriculum, while others incorporate a comprehensive repertoire of songs, movement, and dialogue to showcase the students. Grades 4 and 5 also have the opportunity to sing, dance, and act as each year they participate in a musical performance choreographed and staged with the help of Middle and High School students.

The Fine Arts Program introduces students to the elements and principles of design. Students are given the opportunity to explore various techniques of painting, drawing, composition, pottery, printmaking, weaving, and mixed media. Integrating the techniques of famous artists is part of the art curriculum; this unique approach combines an appreciation for art and history with the basic principles of enjoying art! Every artist’s work is displayed in a gallery-style setting at the end of the school year called “An Afternoon of Art,” where parents and guests are welcome to view the artists’ works.