The Arts define and deepen the human experience by developing the ability to connect time, experience, intellect, and emotion to our daily lives. Two-dimensional art, three- dimensional art, vocal music, including music appreciation and music theory, drama, and debate at Barstow are all outlets to explore and enhance this experience. The students are encouraged to value their own contributions, as well as those of previous cultures. A means for growth and creative expression, the Arts programs provide a common ground for uniting the skills and subject areas fundamental to the educational process. The left-brain thinking that powered the Information Age is necessary but no longer sufficient. Right-brain abilities, such as inventiveness, empathy, meaning, and comprehending “the big picture” are the qualities that students will need to utilize when working in the Conceptual Age.

 

Art education is as fundamental to personal development as training in mathematics, language, and science. Art education enhances the ability to fully experience beauty and art, while deepening one’s understanding of culture and history. It sharpens both perception and analytical abilities, as it nurtures the creativity and imagination necessary for innovative thinking and problem solving. The Barstow visual arts program develops skills vital to a child’s full educational development. “Good

design is a Renaissance attitude that combines technology, cognitive science, human need, and beauty to produce something that the world didn’t know it was missing” (Paoli Antonelli).

 

Music classes are designed to provide experiences in self- expression, social values, cultural influences, awareness of feelings, performance skills, and emotional release. Students learn to produce music in a pleasing manner, read and interpret written music and music theory, and become familiar with different styles of music literature. The drama program offers students the chance to learn fundamentals, find expression, and learn the cultural and technical knowledge of the theater. In Upper School, Acting I and Acting II, Scriptwriting and Directing, plus the opportunity to perform in the fall musical or spring play round out the offerings at Barstow. Auditions for musicals and plays are open to every student, and these productions provide a wonderful chance to learn about structuring time, working cooperatively, maintain discipline, and, in some cases, handling rejection.

 

The Barstow School’s dedication to superior and challenging pedagogy, and support of creating advantageous student experiences, is reflected in the course work and competitive opportunities it offers in its debate courses. They are designed to teach the scholarship of argumentation and critical thinking, research, writing, and the art of performance skills required to construct, defend, and communicate cogent arguments. All but the beginning debate courses are “co-curricular” and require students to uses those performance skills competitively.