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"At Friends Academy, we create and explore worlds. Our Arts programming develops innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and creative collaborators who have the tools to express their voices with intelligence, distinction, and authenticity."
On Stage!
The Upper School Winter Musical | Feb. 8-10
The Lightning Thief is a high-energy, musical adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, which was based on the young adult's novel by Rick Riordan. The show featured 35 Upper School student actors, a backstage crew of 10, and a live pit band for all three shows.
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Theater
In Theater, students learn and sharpen the skills they need to effectively and successfully communicate their story. Our curriculum begins with acting and storytelling fundamentals and progresses to Stanislavsky-based acting techniques, with the goal of each student formulating their own individual methodology of character development. Our technical theater track pulls back the curtain to the magic happening backstage, with opportunities in lighting, sound, costuming, and scenic design and construction, all taking place in a 400-seat theater with a sixty-foot fly tower and a fully functioning scene shop.
Dance & Aerials
Our Pre-K through Upper School Dance program provides a unique opportunity for students of all ages to simultaneously develop individual and ensemble work as they improve their physical skills and artistic expression. With a curriculum that ranges from modern to Broadway to ballet to aerial silks, our dancers receive a wide range of techniques aimed at developing physical abilities, executive functioning, and analytical skills, gaining confidence and connection as they move through the world.
Music
Music classes begin with our youngest students developing their rhythmic, singing, and listening skills. Each year, the program grows in breadth and depth, culminating with sophisticated large ensembles and impressive solo performances in the Upper School. Our curriculum follows national standards, incorporating musical styles spanning history and world cultures. We proudly send the majority of our NYSSMA students to attend All-County every year. Through joyful, rigorous study, music students build their individual skill sets and work together to create harmony and community.
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts at Friends Academy are designed to help students explore their identity and creative expression through visual mediums. Students grow in a scaffolded curriculum designed to support idea development, art appreciation, and skill-based learning from Early Childhood up through our AP Art students. Students are challenged to push themselves out of their comfort zones by using a variety of cultural and stylistic inspirations, gaining an understanding of how their artistic voice adds to the ongoing conversation.
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Identity, Culture, and Community
The Arts at Friends Academy invites everyone to explore who they are and how they relate with their community and the world at large. Our goal is for each student to develop their skills, techniques, and passions – and that as they grow, they find their voice and share it. Our students have gone out into the community and let their artistic lives speak through service opportunities like The Witness Project, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, and regular performances for local Senior Citizens. By participating in the arts at Friends Academy, your child will connect to a larger community of forward thinkers, creative problem solvers, and caring individuals.
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Middle School Arts Week
Every year, Middle School Arts Week suspends our regular academic program for a week dedicated to exploration, celebration, and arts immersion. Students can choose to participate in the Middle School play as either a cast or crew member, or engage in a variety of Arts workshops, including African Drumming, pinhole photography, sculpture with natural materials, musical improvisation, and more. Workshops are presented by guest artists and the Friends Academy faculty, allowing students to explore art forms not offered during the regular school program. For this one joyous week, fifth through eighth graders meet new friends, learn new skills, and push their artistry in exciting ways. The week culminates in a division-wide sharing where students reflect on what they’ve learned and celebrate each other’s successes.
