Arts

The Lower School Arts program encourages students to actively participate in the creative process, using materials appropriate for their age. They learn to understand and apply different media, techniques and processes, gaining an appreciation for the visual arts in the context of history and cultures. The program aims to connect visual arts with other academic subjects, engaging students’ imaginations, fostering creativity and developing an appreciation for the visual arts.

The Middle School Arts program covers a variety of concepts based on the elements and principles of art. Integrating with the social studies curriculum in Grades Five through Seven, students explore art from different civilizations, cultures, and countries, applying this knowledge to various projects. They learn not just how art is created, but also the reasons behind its creation. In Grade Eight, students take Intro To Design Principles. The Middle School Art curriculum prepares students for Upper School courses, such as Studio, Photography and Ceramics, which they can begin in the ninth grade.

In the Upper School program, visual arts courses are typically semester-long, except for Honors and Advanced Placement Studio Art courses, which span the entire year. The Upper School Arts curriculum emphasizes the elements and principles of design across various media experiences. Students can choose from a range of sequential courses offered in the studios, ceramics lab and Mac labs. Alongside developing and producing their work, students engage in art criticism, historical inquiry and aesthetic evaluation. They are encouraged to connect with both historical and contemporary artists, develop personal modes of expression, and solve design problems with creativity and originality.

The HRA Theatre Department offers an innovative curriculum and a dynamic production schedule designed to provide students with an experience that combines critical thinking, cultural awareness, and creative application. Annual theatre program productions include the One-Act Play Festival, Upper School Fall and Spring productions, and a Middle School musical. These productions are carefully chosen to highlight the talents of our students and enhance the social and emotional awareness of our audience. Additionally, they immerse students in professional standards while teaching responsibility, time management and risk management.

The HRA band program offers students a platform to express their talent through instrumental music, both individually and in ensembles. This program is designed to help students connect artistically with themselves and their audience, moving beyond just playing notes and rhythms. The brand program aims to develop well-rounded students in Middle and Upper School who contribute meaningfully to their community and society. Students also have the opportunity to participate in various extracurricular activities.

In HRA’s Lower School music program, students in Pre-K through Grade Four develop a lifelong appreciation of music through active participation. They acquire skills such as note reading, rhythm, identifying musical styles, moving to the beat and playing rhythm instruments and the recorder. The curriculum includes exploring global music and participating in mini-musicals throughout the year, which also help develop their stage skills. Starting in first grade, students can expand and celebrate their singing skills by joining an after-school chorus. In fifth grade, students focus on the recorder, preparing them for Middle School chorus, strings and band.

At HRA, all stage productions are built and managed by students, allowing those in the Technical Theatre program to see their hard work come to life on stage. Students gain hands-on experience and exposure to the three main components of technical theatre: Scenic Design/Set Construction, Lighting Design/Implementation, and Sound Design/Live Sound Operation. They also work on props and costuming, study general theatrical design theory and handle stage maintenance and school event setups.

The HRA Upper School Chorus is a small mixed ensemble of 23 students that does not require auditions to join. Its members participate and perform at events at HRA and in the local community throughout the school year such as Busch Gardens Christmas Town, and the Theatre Middle School Musical, the Spring Concert, District VIII Chorus, Kings and graduation.

The Middle School Chorus is available to students in Grades 5-8. Students perform annually at the Winter Concert and utilize Smartmusic, a program that allows them to refine their musical skills at home.

In our Strings program, students transform the challenging task of learning string instruments into an enjoyable and rewarding experience, developing a deep commitment to music study and cultivating a strong work ethic and practice routine. Our talented instructors guide students through a rich curriculum that includes classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Students have the chance to perform in various school events and competitions, showcasing their talents and hard work. The program not only cultivates musical excellence, but also fosters teamwork, discipline and a deep appreciation for the arts.