"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."
—Pablo Picasso
The Arts
Creative opportunities that explore our cultural heritage… and the empathy and compassion to see the world from perspectives other than their own.
Art
Consistent with Montessori’s philosophy, Caedmon’s art classes focus on the processes of creation ahead of the end products. Throughout the year, students experience deep, focused studies of the works of a single, well-known artist. Often the art and social studies curricula are designed to enhance one another. Not only does this lend greater meaning to the students’ social studies pursuits, but it also provides a highly focused vehicle for the refinement of their technical skills in drawing, painting, and clay sculpture and pottery. Museum visits enhance the curriculum through exposure to historical and contemporary art. Students use sketchbooks to document their personal ideas and studies, and they draw and paint using a variety of media, including watercolor, tempera, and acrylic paints.
Music
Caedmon's music curriculum nourishes the innate musical ability of every child. Through Orff and Kodály educational methods, children develop musicianship and literacy by reading, writing, singing, moving and playing instruments. Several times a year, professional music ensembles perform in the school, presenting a variety of musical genres for the children to experience live. Caedmon's faculty includes many trained, active musicians in addition to the music specialists, so that for Caedmon students, music becomes a regular and integral part of their lives: a language in which to become fluent, a tool for creative expression, and a world of sounds to be enjoyed for a lifetime.
Violin
In addition to music class, Caedmon students in Kindergarten through third grade participate in the school’s violin program. In addition to creating an awareness and appreciation of music through hands-on study of the violin, the lessons assist children developmentally as they hone their fine motor skills, organization, left-to-right eye movement, and listening skills. The school provides each student with a violin for use during the class, specifically designed to accommodate young children, free of charge. The curriculum teaches the fundamentals of music theory and ear training. As skills advance, so does the repertoire and level of performance. Violin students improve their ability to focus and gain a great sense of accomplishment and self-confidence as a result of their progress.
Caedmon Music School
For any child with a talent or desire to play a musical instrument, an afterschool faculty of accomplished, professional musicians offers private classes in piano, violin, voice, guitar, cello, flute, trumpet, rock guitar, rock drums, and Dalcroze (a method of musical training based on the concept of eurhythmics). Instruments may be added should sufficient demand arise. Lessons are given at the school from 3:30 to 6:00 pm. Regular "musicales" and recitals give the young musicians a chance to perform for fellow students, parents, and the Caedmon community in a supportive setting.
