THE ARTS AT PIONEER VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Pioneer Valley Christian Academy’s arts program allows every student to reflect the creativity of God through education in visual art, music, and theater. In art courses, students work with a broad range of materials and techniques, practice the work habits of an artist, and grow in appreciation of God’s character. Through music education, students have an opportunity to develop both vocal and instrumental skills for the glory of God and the blessing of others. Students who participate in the theater program learn and practice dramatic techniques across a variety of genres, enabling them to acquire skills in both production and performance.

ELEMENTARY ART EDUCATION

In their weekly art class, elementary students use a variety of materials and techniques to create both 2D and 3D art. From drawing and painting, to construction and ceramics, students use creative ideas as they grow in their art skills.

UPPER SCHOOL ART EDUCATION

Students of various learning levels grow in their knowledge of art vocabulary, mediums, materials, and techniques. Units of study vary from year to year, but always include drawing, painting, and sculpture. Students explore and grow in art skills while applying their Christian faith to their artistic choices.

Art for Grades 6-8

Students use a variety of materials and techniques while developing as student artists. Drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, textiles, construction, and ceramics are the mediums used to reinforce the elements and principles of art.

Foundations of Art

This introductory art class gives students the foundational skills for exploring a variety of mediums and materials and developing their understanding of the principles of art. Students are encouraged to see God’s intentional design for the world as they create their own artwork and study the work of influential artists.

Semester-Long Art Electives

After completing the introductory course, Foundations of Art, students are encouraged to continue their art education by taking one, or several, semester-long art courses, such as Drawing, Painting, Fiber Arts, and Ceramics. Students who enroll in these courses have an opportunity to develop skills in one medium for an extended period of time and complete detailed, high-level works of art.

ELEMENTARY MUSIC EDUCATION

Kindergarten, grade 1, and grade 2 have music for one, 30-minute class each week. Grades 3, 4, and 5 have music for two, 30 minute class times each week. Students will learn to create, perform, and critically respond to music working to become musicians by engaging in music through reading, writing, listening, singing/speaking, and vocabulary use. Students will explore the artistic side of music through performance, improvisation, and composition and will play instruments including the recorder, metallophones, xylophones, and various percussion instruments.

UPPER SCHOOL MUSIC EDUCATION

GENERAL MUSIC 6-8

Middle School General Music is a one semester class that meets three times per week. Throughout the three years of middle school, students will contemplate the creativity, beauty, and complexity of God as the Creator of music in relation to music theory, music history, music appreciation, and the history of jazz.

CHOIR GRADES 6-8

Middle School Choir is an elective that meets three times a week for both semesters. It offers a wonderful opportunity for students to sharpen their musical talents and use them for the glory of God. The choir practices various vocal exercises to strengthen and develop their voices, is exposed to diverse styles of music, and sing two to three part music. Students are given the following performance opportunities throughout the year: Christmas Concert, Spring Musical, and Spring Concert.

CHOIR GRADES 9-12

High School Choir is an elective one-credit course that challenges students in the areas of vocal
technique, sight reading, music theory, and ministry. Students are taught that music is one of the
gifts God has given us to use in worship. As musicians, we have the unique opportunity to return
this gift to God in a way that not only pleases Him, but also encourages and blesses others at the
same time. The choir is given the following performance opportunities throughout the year:
Christmas Concert, Spring Concert, National Honor Society Program, and Graduation.

STUDENT WORSHIP TEAM

The student worship team is made up of student musicians and vocalists passionate about worshiping their Lord and Savior. The student worship team leads worship during weekly chapels, special events, and the fall and spring retreats. Students in Audio Engineering and Digital Media also have the opportunity to collaborate with the worship team by coordinating sound production and visual effects.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT AND DANCE

DRAMA

Drama Club is an extracurricular activity offered to students after school hours. Interested students are given the opportunity to audition for a part in the  annual spring production. Opportunities to learn set design, costume design, sound and lighting, and stage assisting are available to students who prefer to work behind the scenes.