A broad range of projects in drawing, painting, and sculpture challenges students' creativity and technical skills as they work toward preparing individual portfolios. The students concentrate on using more formal elements of art such as line, color, shape, and composition to represent space, volume, multiple perspectives, and more abstract ideas and values. During the spring, the 13s are involved in all aspects of a musical production. This multi-media event combines music, theater, and the visual arts. The art and shop teachers collaborate to help students produce sets and props.
Students often work in different groups depending on the needs of the production.
The production is also an excellent opportunity for the 13s to practice a number of artistic skills. Students get hands-on training in musical theater singing, acting and dancing, as well as all aspects of back stage theater production. They will also work on group effort to a collective goal. The chorus focuses on successful harmony singing through a varied repertoire of classical and folk pieces, spirituals, and contemporary music. Students who wish to join instrumental ensembles are grouped with other students who are at a similar level and who wish to play similar styles of music.