The Arts

GRADE 5
Fifth graders continue their development in the fundamentals of Visual Art. ​They explore a variety of materials in conjunction with their subject area curricular topics. Examples include free-style drawing, watercolor painting, and clay molding. Fifth-grade Music provides an outlet for boys to explore and create music through instrumental and vocal music classes. All boys in fifth grade participate in both ensembles, allowing for a unique approach so that they can interact with music in new and exciting ways. Boys also have the opportunity to join the String Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Choral Ensemble. In Drama, boys learn the foundations of acting, theatre history, and script reading/writing. In Design Technology, students explore their own ideas and develop them in a 3D format using a wide variety of design and fabrication tools from design software to woodworking hand tools to 3D printers and laser cutters. Classes are taught in both our traditional woodshop and our campus maker space STEAMworks, equipped with the latest technology.

GRADE 6
Visual Art challenges and motivates through projects that provide opportunity for student choice and self-expression. Studio projects include painting, drawing, ceramics, wire sculptures, print-making, mosaics, and photography. ​Sixth graders explore modern art concepts with a focus on the role of social justice and advocacy through art. Street art, graffiti, and Pop Art are introduced to students. In Music, boys learn techniques and musical practices through rehearsing a repertoire that encompasses diverse cultures, and study theory, history, composition, and other musical disciplines. Boys have the opportunity to join the String Orchestra, Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Choral Ensemble. In Drama, boys explore the body, voice, and emotion that are necessary to create a character. The drama program stages two major productions each year. In Design Technology, students explore their own ideas and develop them in a 3D format using a wide variety of design and fabrication tools from design software to woodworking hand tools to 3D printers and laser cutters. Classes are taught in both our traditional woodshop and our campus makerspace STEAMworks, equipped with the latest technology. 
 
GRADE 7
Visual Art challenges and motivates through projects that provide an opportunity for student choice and self-expression. Studio projects include painting, drawing, ceramics, wire sculptures, print-making, mosaics, and photography. ​Seventh graders focus on observational drawing techniques such as shading. color blending and creating three-dimensional drawings. In Music, boys learn techniques and musical practices through rehearsing a repertoire that encompasses diverse cultures, and study theory, history, composition, and other musical disciplines. Boys have the opportunity to join the String Orchestra, Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Choral Ensemble. In Drama, boys explore developing a voice as a performer and technician. They present monologues, study script analysis, musical theater, audition techniques, and playwriting. The drama program stages to major productions each year. In Design Technology, students explore their own ideas and develop them in a 3D format using a wide variety of design and fabrication tools from design software to woodworking hand tools to 3D printers and laser cutters. Classes are taught in both our traditional woodshop and our campus makerspace STEAMworks, equipped with the latest technology. 
 
GRADE 8
Visual Art challenges and motivates through projects that provide an opportunity for student choice and self-expression. Studio projects include painting, drawing, ceramics, wire sculptures, print-making, mosaics, and photography. ​Eighth graders are stretched to think about and create art that is personal and meaningful to them. Portraits, logo design and mosaic collage techniques are created. In Music, boys learn techniques and musical practices through rehearsing a repertoire that encompasses diverse cultures, and study theory, history, composition, and other musical disciplines. Boys have the opportunity to join the String Orchestra, Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Choral Ensemble. In Drama, boys are expected to become masterful actors and technician, delving deeply into characterization, directing, and improvisation. The drama program stages two major productions each year. In Design Technology, students explore their own ideas and develop them in a 3D format using a wide variety of design and fabrication tools from design software to woodworking hand tools to 3D printers and laser cutters. Classes are taught in both our traditional woodshop and our campus makerspace STEAMworks, equipped with the latest technology.
 
 

Arts Chair

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Samantha Pierce

    Mrs. Sam Pierce 

    Middle School Chair of Arts : 5 - 8 Drama Teacher

Shaker Heights Campus

20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
JUNIOR K – GRADE 8
Phone: 216-321-8260

Hunting Valley Campus

2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9 – 12
Phone: 216-831-2200
University School serves over 850 boys in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. The School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence. University School is a diverse and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved. 
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