Performing Arts

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We believe that arts education is important to developing the whole child.  We know that instruction in the arts does according to many research studies shows a link to academic gains for students.  Therefore, we begin arts education early and continue opportunities for more study through students' high school years.

All students in our elementary schools learn the fundamentals of music through vocal music instruction in grades K-5.  Integrated into their musical experience is also character education instruction.  Often times, because our music instructors collaborate with their core content area peers, the music students learn and sing is directly linked to the things that they are learning in their regular classroom. 

At 5th grade students are provided with the opportunity for instrumental instruction in either band or strings.  The district has an arrangement with a local instrument provider who will consult with each child as to their musical interests and which instrument might be a good match.  The provider also rents these instruments at school-rates directly to families.  Students who participate in our 5th grade band and strings program are instructed at their area middle school two to three days per week during the 1st period which is typically 1 hour before the start of their elementary school day.  These students ride the busses on the earlier middle school route for their instruction and then are shuttled back to their elementary schools in time for the first lesson of the day.  Aside from excellent instrumental music instruction with world-class teachers, these students also get a preview of middle school which we have found to help them with the transition the following year.
 
In the secondary school, arts instruction can be studied further through participation in:
 
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Vocal
  • Theatre Arts Classes which lead to annual dramatic products at both middle schools.  Visit their sites to see their latest productions:
  • Chorale Classes
Instrumental
  • Beginning Band & Orchestra  (for students with little or no instruction prior to middle school)
  • Concert Band & Orchestra (for students with approximately 1 year of prior instruction)
  • Symphony Band & Orchestra (auditions required)
Visual
  • Visual arts classes at the middle school cover drawing, painting, and graphic arts, among other concepts.
Other elective opportunities in arts instruction exist.  Please consult your middle school course guide or contact your child's middle school counselor for further information.
 
HIGH SCHOOL
The high school's fine arts opportunities are abundant.  Students can study during the school day a variety of artistic areas, including Theatre, Graphic Arts, Dance, Visual Arts, Vocal Music and Instrumental Music to name a few, through the many course offerings at WBHS.  Extra-curricular activities in the arts also exist.  To learn more about all there is, visit the WBHS Fine Arts web page:   http://web.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/finearts/
 
For more information on any of our Fine and Performing Arts programs or offerings, please contact your school principal, your child's counselor or the district's Fine Arts Coordinator, Blake Prewitt ( ).