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Arts

In the art department at Besant Hill, students come to know and understand the world around them, how to relate to and understand one another’s point of view and perspective, and how to express their passions, all in an environment that celebrates individuality and expression at each and every turn. With over 20 offerings in music, performing arts, visual arts, and digital arts, the arts at Besant Hill involve the whole person and affect the whole community.

Besant Hill School places equal emphasis on the visual and performing arts as in other core college-prep offerings. We believe that everyone has a desire to do art, and we aim to foster that ability in each student. The arts are everywhere on campus, in the recording studio, in the ceramics studio, in the Beato Atelier, in the multi-media room, or on stage in our beautiful 150-seat Zalk Theater. In fact, the arts’ course selections are as expansive and comprehensive as those in some liberal arts colleges.

Since its founding in 1946, our community has always placed great emphasis on the importance of the arts and artists in our society. As the home of famed ceramicist Beatrice Wood (whose home and studio stands as a museum and art gallery to some of the most innovative and creative artists on the scene today), Besant Hill continues to uphold creative expression as an essential component of the school experience.

Arts

In the art department at Besant Hill, students come to know and understand the world around them, how to relate to and understand one another’s point of view and perspective, and how to express their passions, all in an environment that celebrates individuality and expression at each and every turn. With over 20 offerings in music, performing arts, visual arts, and digital arts, the arts at Besant Hill involve the whole person and affect the whole community.

Besant Hill School places equal emphasis on the visual and performing arts as in other core college-prep offerings. We believe that everyone has a desire to do art, and we aim to foster that ability in each student. The arts are everywhere on campus, in the recording studio, in the ceramics studio, in the Beato Atelier, in the multi-media room, or on stage in our beautiful 150-seat Zalk Theater. In fact, the arts’ course selections are as expansive and comprehensive as those in some liberal arts colleges.

Since its founding in 1946, our community has always placed great emphasis on the importance of the arts and artists in our society. As the home of famed ceramicist Beatrice Wood (whose home and studio stands as a museum and art gallery to some of the most innovative and creative artists on the scene today), Besant Hill continues to uphold creative expression as an essential component of the school experience.

Arts

In the art department at Besant Hill, students come to know and understand the world around them, how to relate to and understand one another’s point of view and perspective, and how to express their passions, all in an environment that celebrates individuality and expression at each and every turn. With over 20 offerings in music, performing arts, visual arts, and digital arts, the arts at Besant Hill involve the whole person and affect the whole community.

Besant Hill School places equal emphasis on the visual and performing arts as in other core college-prep offerings. We believe that everyone has a desire to do art, and we aim to foster that ability in each student. The arts are everywhere on campus, in the recording studio, in the ceramics studio, in the Beato Atelier, in the multi-media room, or on stage in our beautiful 150-seat Zalk Theater. In fact, the arts’ course selections are as expansive and comprehensive as those in some liberal arts colleges.

Since its founding in 1946, our community has always placed great emphasis on the importance of the arts and artists in our society. As the home of famed ceramicist Beatrice Wood (whose home and studio stands as a museum and art gallery to some of the most innovative and creative artists on the scene today), Besant Hill continues to uphold creative expression as an essential component of the school experience.

Performing Arts

Besant Hill School Performing Arts Department is dedicated to educating students of all levels in the art of theater, film, vocal and instrumental music, and musical theater.

We believe that education in the performing arts occurs not only in the classroom, but must also occur in performance/production opportunities as well. Each year, Besant Hill School produces spectacular mainstage theater productions, formal musical concerts, and student-led variety shows. Students are also actively involved in performing in the community as well. Curricular offerings are supplemented with opportunities to work side by side with professional artists in lectures and workshops. We’re committed to maintaining this in an era when the arts are often being eliminated from education. At Besant Hill School, we celebrate them! The arts are forms of storytelling, human relations, and emotional expression. Imagination has always been a celebrated characteristic of those learning and teaching at the school. Yes, we are “still learning,” but, with the arts, we’re also dreaming.

Performing Arts

Besant Hill School Performing Arts Department is dedicated to educating students of all levels in the art of theater, film, vocal and instrumental music, and musical theater.

We believe that education in the performing arts occurs not only in the classroom, but must also occur in performance/production opportunities as well. Each year, Besant Hill School produces spectacular mainstage theater productions, formal musical concerts, and student-led variety shows. Students are also actively involved in performing in the community as well. Curricular offerings are supplemented with opportunities to work side by side with professional artists in lectures and workshops. We’re committed to maintaining this in an era when the arts are often being eliminated from education. At Besant Hill School, we celebrate them! The arts are forms of storytelling, human relations, and emotional expression. Imagination has always been a celebrated characteristic of those learning and teaching at the school. Yes, we are “still learning,” but, with the arts, we’re also dreaming.

Performing Arts

Besant Hill School Performing Arts Department is dedicated to educating students of all levels in the art of theater, film, vocal and instrumental music, and musical theater.

We believe that education in the performing arts occurs not only in the classroom, but must also occur in performance/production opportunities as well. Each year, Besant Hill School produces spectacular mainstage theater productions, formal musical concerts, and student-led variety shows. Students are also actively involved in performing in the community as well. Curricular offerings are supplemented with opportunities to work side by side with professional artists in lectures and workshops. We’re committed to maintaining this in an era when the arts are often being eliminated from education. At Besant Hill School, we celebrate them! The arts are forms of storytelling, human relations, and emotional expression. Imagination has always been a celebrated characteristic of those learning and teaching at the school. Yes, we are “still learning,” but, with the arts, we’re also dreaming.

Studio Arts

Besant Hill School’s Studio Arts Department cultivates critical thinking and creative practices with an awareness of our constantly evolving global environment.

We believe the arts have the power to speak across language and culture. Creative problem solving is promoted, connecting individual ideas to larger communities. Courses explore the fundamentals of art and design, concept development, technique, and craft. Content and style are examined using history and culture as tools to discover deeper meaning. In-depth portfolio guidance is available for students who plan to apply to art schools and colleges.

All students at Besant Hill School are encouraged to participate in the Studio Arts, regardless of experience or level. We instill confidence in students, so they can find their unique voice, and we teach how to apply this voice through vision and form.

Check out our SPRING ARTS 2021 Virtual Gallery!

Studio Arts

Besant Hill School’s Studio Arts Department cultivates critical thinking and creative practices with an awareness of our constantly evolving global environment.

We believe the arts have the power to speak across language and culture. Creative problem solving is promoted, connecting individual ideas to larger communities. Courses explore the fundamentals of art and design, concept development, technique, and craft. Content and style are examined using history and culture as tools to discover deeper meaning. In-depth portfolio guidance is available for students who plan to apply to art schools and colleges.

All students at Besant Hill School are encouraged to participate in the Studio Arts, regardless of experience or level. We instill confidence in students, so they can find their unique voice, and we teach how to apply this voice through vision and form.

Check out our SPRING ARTS 2021 Virtual Gallery!

Studio Arts

Besant Hill School’s Studio Arts Department cultivates critical thinking and creative practices with an awareness of our constantly evolving global environment.

We believe the arts have the power to speak across language and culture. Creative problem solving is promoted, connecting individual ideas to larger communities. Courses explore the fundamentals of art and design, concept development, technique, and craft. Content and style are examined using history and culture as tools to discover deeper meaning. In-depth portfolio guidance is available for students who plan to apply to art schools and colleges.

All students at Besant Hill School are encouraged to participate in the Studio Arts, regardless of experience or level. We instill confidence in students, so they can find their unique voice, and we teach how to apply this voice through vision and form.

Check out our SPRING ARTS 2021 Virtual Gallery!

Are you ready to discover the Power of Small?

Tracey Sutton

Performing Arts Chair

“As performing artists, we are the agents of change in our world. We give voice to the characters we play. In doing so, we find a safe place to express ourselves creatively. Guiding young performers to feel comfortable in their own skin is my passion; seeing them embrace their bliss in performing is my greatest joy.”

tsutton@bala-lifestyle.com

Claire Lowndes

Director of Academics & Advanced Studio Arts Teacher

“The Besant Hill School community provides a collaborative, inspiring environment for students to embrace their passions and unlock unimaginable potential.”

Nicole Hawkins

Digital Arts Teacher

“I believe that learning fuels life and curiosity fuels learning. Besant Hill’s mission and environment encourage students and teachers of distinct backgrounds to learn, explore and create together.”

khawkins@bala-lifestyle.com

Sally Chung

Studio Arts Teacher

“Every one of us is a creative being and cultivating that discovery is at the heart of what I teach.”

Jennifer Gallegos

Music Teacher

“Music makes the World go ’round…keep turning!”

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