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.

In Grade 6, students explore both the how and why of creating visual art through a project-based curriculum integrated with social studies. They examine artistic traditions from a wide range of civilizations, cultures, and countries, building both technical skills and cultural awareness. In Grade 7, students build upon their art skills by using the elements of art along with process-based techniques. They will use proper art vocabulary to talk about styles, tools, and meaning. In Grade 8, students take Introduction to Design Principles, which prepares them for Upper School visual arts courses. All middle school students will solve problems creatively and take part in critiques to recognize what works well and what can be improved in their own art and their classmates’ work.

Upper School visual arts courses challenge students to solve design problems through creative experimentation while learning new techniques and exploring a range of media. Students are encouraged to develop a personal artistic style, create work that reflects both conceptual depth and personal investment. They will engage critically with both historical and contemporary artists, honing their technical skills and deepening their understanding of visual language. Courses are semester-long, with the exception of AP Studio Art: Drawing and 2D Design, which run for the full academic year.

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 features of the theatre program include an Upper School one-act production that competes at the Virginia Theatre Association Festival, a full-scale Upper School play or musical in the spring, and a Middle School production open to students in Grades 5 through 8. Eighth graders are also invited to audition for the Upper School spring production. Performance opportunities are carefully designed 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. Starting in Grade 6, the band 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 co-curricular activities, such as the pep band.

In HRA’s Lower School music program, students in Pre-K through Grade 4 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 and monthly Leadership Assemblies throughout the year, which also help develop students’ stage skills. Starting in first grade, students can expand and celebrate their singing skills by joining an after-school chorus. In Grades 3 and 4, 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.

Middle School students have the opportunity to hone their singing skills through our exploratory music program and a co-curricular Choir Club that performs throughout the year, including at springtime competitions in theme parks. Starting in Grade 8, students may perform with the Upper School chorus, a mixed ensemble that performs at community events and special occasions at the school, such as Grandparents and Special Friends Day and Commencement. Eighth through twelfth graders can also join the contemporary a capella group Nowhere to Hide, a no-audition ensemble that performs familiar pop songs, many arranged by the students themselves. Whether participating in full ensembles or smaller chamber groups and combos, HRA’s vocalists have the opportunity to share their talents in unique and varied ways.

In our strings program, students in Grades 6 through 12 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.