GIFTED ARTISTS. EVEN BETTER HUMAN BEINGS. It's more than what I achieve. It's who I become

VISUAL, PERFORMING, & COMMUNICATION ARTs

The Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts Department strives to provide a myriad of experiences and a comprehensive program for students in preschool through Grade 12. Drama, dance, music, visual arts, literary arts, forensics, and film courses enable students to reach their full potential and encourage them to experiment with and develop creativity.

In music, our performing groups, both vocal and instrumental, accomplish remarkable feats that place them among the finest programs in the state every year. Students taking classes within our department of theatre and dance participate in experiences that are often found at the college level. The visual, film and literary arts programs produce outstanding young artists, some of whom have works exhibited and recognized on the national level.

Students in our arts programs at Detroit Country Day School have flourished in the metro Detroit area and nationally under the guidance of our visionary arts faculty. Our faculty's enthusiasm to share their passion for the arts is truly infectious and inspiring for our students. This enthusiasm led to the creation of our high school conservatory program over 15 years ago. The goal of the conservatory program is to provide high-level arts curriculum to students interested in the arts as a profession to matriculate to reputable art, theatre, and music schools.

There are so many careers that draw from skills you learn by being involved in the arts, both directly and indirectly. I look forward to continuing to build upon this for the careers of the future.
~ Jim Davis, Executive Director of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts

"There are so many careers that draw from skills you learn by being involved in the arts, both directly and indirectly. I look forward to continuing to build upon this for the careers of the future." Jim Davis, Executive Director of Visual, Performing, & Communication Arts

Sample Arts Courses

Communication Arts

Students can explore and challenge themselves in areas such as filmmaking, forensics, and debate.

Debate

Students have the opportunity to learn how to analytically approach the subject of communication through constructive argument. The class will focus on developing skills in persuasion, persuasive language use, argument structure/presentation, critical analysis of argument and audience, research, logical thought and fallacies of reasoning.

For students wanting to use their skills in a competitive setting, many will participate on the Debate Team.

Digital Communications

Filmmaking

From film theory to production and advanced filmmaking techniques, students are presented with unique opportunities to build skills in emerging discipline that will prepare them for a future behind the camera.

Coursework in filmmaking starts with two sequential foundational courses and then moves into a full year studio production course. Students in the production course will be required to create art films, narratives, news broadcasts and much more.

Forensics

Students in this course learn skills necessary to express ideas through public speaking and literary performances. Also covered are skills on informative and persuasive speaking in both composition and delivery of presentations and oral interpretation of literature.

For students wanting to use their skills in a competitive setting, many will participate in the Forensics Club.

PERFORMING ARTS

Multiple levels of courses in music (vocal, instrumental, theory and composition), theatre, and dance are offered.

Dance

Formalized dance instruction begins in the Middle School for those students wishing to explore artistic expression through dance. Classes start as a rotator that allows dancers of all levels to enjoy a creative and holistic approach to dance in a non-intimidating setting. For the more advanced students a year-long ensemble is available through audition. In the Upper School dance classes are semester long courses in either Foundational Movement, Performance Studies, and by audition a Repertory Ensemble.

Dance instruction for Lower School students interested in dance is offered for an additional cost as an after-school program run onsite through Eisenhower Dance Detroit.

Instrumental Music

There are many opportunities for students to learn to play an instrument and perform in various settings.

All instrumentalists will perform at least two concerts in our professional venue, The Seligman Performing Arts Center and at our annual arts event in the spring, Celebrate the Arts. Middle and Upper School students participate in the Michigan School and Orchestra festivals.

Examples of classes and ensembles:

Concert Band
Concert Orchestra
Jazz Band
Honors Symphonic Orchestra (audition required)
Quartet
Middle School audition groups: Symphony Band, Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra, and Chamber Ensemble.

Theatre

Theatre participants are exposed to instruction and experiences that are more often found at the college level. Students learn the craft of acting with vocal development and stage movement exercises, and move on to more challenging materials for monologue and scene work. For those interested in theatre production, there are roles for students in stage design, stage crew, lighting, sound, and spotlight operators, and other stage management roles. Young actors have the opportunity to be a part of a range of dramatic and musical productions through the school year.

Classes offered in theatre include but are not limited to performance studies in Performance Foundations (Theatre I) and Performance Studies (Theatre II), and Studio Theatre Ensemble, and production studies in Stagecraft (Theatre Production I) and Theatrical Design (Theatre Production II), and Technical Theatre Studio.

Vocal Music

Vocal music skills are taught very early on and then formalized in a focused setting starting in Grade 4. The Middle School offers gender specific choirs for Grades 7 and 8. The Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in a complete Concert Choir. All Middle and Upper School choirs participate in the Michigan School Vocal Music Association festivals.

Both the Middle and Upper School students have the opportunity to audition for smaller vocal ensembles: Choral Aires in the Middle School and Bella Voce in the Upper School. These groups may perform and compete in additional venues from the main school choirs.

VISUAL ARTS

Courses are available in painting, drawing, jewelry, metals, ceramics, photography, and computer graphics.

GIFTED ARTISTS. EVEN BETTER HUMAN BEINGS. It's more than what I achieve. It's who I become

VISUAL, PERFORMING, & COMMUNICATION ARTs

Sample Arts Courses

Communication Arts

Debate

Digital Communications

Filmmaking

Forensics

PERFORMING ARTS

Dance

Instrumental Music

Theatre

Vocal Music

VISUAL ARTS

Drawing, Painting, & Design

Ceramics

Jewelry & Metals

Photography

Curriculum Guide

Art Facilities

Immersion, Innovation & Inspiration. A Vibrant, Diverse, and Welcoming, Community.

Lower School PK-Grade 3

Middle School Grades 4-8

Upper School Grades 9-12