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The Aesthetic Potential

Ever dream of being an actor, painter, photographer, or musician?  So have many of our students and those dreams have been fulfilled in many ways.  From the Lower School through the Upper School Fine Arts Program, Miami Country Day School students are encouraged to explore the creative process.  The goal of the Arts Department is to help all students develop confidence as they express themselves through a variety of art forms.  Designed to broaden students' preceptions, enhance their creativity, and develop their self-discipline, the Fine Arts Program's scope reaches far outside the art room.  The well-qualified faculty strive to challenge students to explore the broad heritage of art while acquiring the skills to produce their own art work.  Individuals gain confidence in their ability to experience art by working in a variety of media in the range of classes offered.

Beginning in the Lower School, children work with their drama, visual art, and music teachers; learning the language and fundamental skills required in each artistic discipline.  Beginning in Grade 6 and continuing through the Upper School, students choose their arts classes from leveled electives, including Advanced Placement classes.  There are also independent study options for students who wish to pursue a particular discipline beyond the scope and sequence of courses currently offered.

After school, students may choose to become involved with theater productions—both onstage and behind the scenes—to join one of several singing groups, or to be part of the Early Bird Orchestra, Jazz Band or other instrumental ensembles.

In addition to performing for the student body, the performance arts groups are given opportunities to perform outside of the school setting for community organizations and functions.  The music department is affiliated with all the professional Florida Music Associations and attends annual festivals sponsored by these organizations.  These festivals provide the students with an opportunity to grow as performers and continue to improve their skills.  There is always a project to work on in the Art Department.  If it isn't preparing for the regular school music and art assemblies, plays, and functions, it is getting ready for our Theater for Social Change or the Spring Musical.  These major events bring the three divisions of Lower, Middle, and Upper School together to bring the musical and artistic fun and entertainment to the Miami Country Day community.

Concerts, plays, and shows are the obvious manifestation of our work, but behind the scenes, all students find their instruments or voices at Miami Country Day School, and they come to know the challenges and joys of the creative process.