The Middle/Upper School arts program hones the musical and artistic talents of its students, while opening the doors to those who have never thought about participating in the arts before. Students explore and showcase their creative energy in many facets – performing on stage, preparing for a forensic competition, being part of the visual arts or tech crews, playing in the orchestra, or being creative in the art room.
Band programs are available for beginning to advanced students in grades 4 – 12. Lower School students can participate in beginning band and strings while Middle and Upper School students have the option of beginning, concert, pep, and jazz bands as well as guitar ensemble and AP music theory. The pit orchestra, comprised of students in grades 6 – 12, takes part in the Middle and Upper School performances and bands participate in Florida Bandmaster's Association District and State events. Mentorship programs are also available and allow students to conduct and tutor musicians from lower divisions. Additionally, the Strings (orchestral) program is offered as part of the curriculum in the Middle and Upper School. Classes include a beginning strings class as well as an advanced String Ensemble.
The Choral program provides every student with the opportunity to use their voice as a means of self-expression. The curriculum framework educates students about notation theory, sight-singing, ear training, aural recognition, vocal development and cooperative learning techniques through classes including Vocal Techniques, Chamber Singers and Music Production and Composition. Students can perform in various choral ensembles through concerts and events throughout the year. Choral students also participate in district and state level Music Performance Assessments with results garnering consistent superior ratings.
Like many of the valuable, extra-curricular opportunities available, the Forensics program teaches students to become persuasive and effective speakers. Preparing for and competing at tournaments in speech and debate, this program offers the novice student a chance to become involved in an activity that is as much fun as it is educational. In fact, for the past several years, the University School forensic team has been ranked one of the top 10 high school teams in the nation.
The Theater classes teach students the basic techniques of performing arts, including directing, acting, lighting, costume design, and set design. Upper and Middle School students are able to practice these crafts through University School's accomplished theater productions, either on stage or behind the scenes. A unique component of this program is the student-oriented Mentorship Program, a supportive collaboration between students from the Middle and Upper School divisions. Under the supervision of faculty, upperclassmen become directorial mentors for numerous productions, helping to choreograph and stage all aspects of the show. The result is a memorable, full-scale musical production, not only showcasing talented, young students but creating, supportive, lasting friendships between classmates.
University School's acclaimed Video and Media Production program affords students hands-on experience in live television broadcasts, film production and non-linear editing. Students learn to work with the same video editing hardware and software that professional production companies use and even have the opportunity to build a remote broadcast studio and participate in a three-camera live edit of various events throughout the school year.
Visual Arts courses allow students to progressively build upon their understanding of the artistic process, as well as develop an appreciation of aesthetic qualities. Students can express themselves in a creative and imaginative way through ceramics, two dimensional design, digital photography, drawing and painting, and/or AP Studio Art classes all of which are offered within the curriculum. Those who wish to work on projects outside the classroom can join the Art Club and National Art Honor Society. Through these organizations, students will have the opportunity to share artistic ideas and promote artistic awareness both on campus and in the community at large.
Dance Techniques, a new addition to our arts program, is now available for 4th and 5th grade students as well as students in the Middle and Upper Schools. Students who are interested in pursuing dance beyond school hours can participate in University School’s Innovations Dance Theater. This extra-curricular program gives students the opportunity to practice more frequently with top instructors in the arts as well as perform in the spring dance concert and venues throughout South Florida.