Upper School Arts
A high school arts program is integral to the private school education at Keith School and we believe every student can achieve a measure of success in the arts. While a strong academic curriculum is at the heart of the Keith Country Day School experience, our performing and visual arts programs are the soul. The fine arts program works toward providing students with broad fundamentals in the fine, creative and performing arts. As a result, our students develop self-confidence and a willingness to expand their horizons. High school students are required to take two fine arts classes per year.
Visual Arts
Keith’s visual arts program encourages students to express their creativity and explore a range of art mediums in an art studio that overlooks the Rock River. Drawing, painting, ceramics, mixed media, graphic design, photography, Keith yearbook, and computer art all are part of the art curriculum. Students participate in community art shows four to five times a year and the school dedicates an entire week for its Fine Arts Festival, which includes gallery nights to showcase student works, guest performers, and daily student performances.
Many Keith artists have won local and national awards. Our specialized studio includes a photography darkroom, a ceramics studio, a kiln room, and several desktop computers for digital media work.
Music
Music is part of the core high school arts curriculum. In addition to an abundance of music courses, Keith also offers a variety of choral opportunities including two student-led acapella group, All Spice. Open to all students, participants have the opportunity to perform at all-school assemblies, music night concerts, drama productions and special competitions such as the Illinois Music Education Association Festivals. High school has offerings in the chorus, band, string ensemble, and piano.
Theater
Theater is introduced at Keith in Lower School to learn the elements of storytelling and creative dramatics. High school thespians stage four to five productions every year in a small theater setting fully equipped with moveable sets, state of the art lighting and soundboards and a proscenium arch to compliment the sets on stage. Our theater program teaches students about all facets of theatrical performance – both on and behind the stage. Students are responsible for the entire performance, and act, sing, dance, play music, build the sets and work behind the scenes as stage managers, technicians, and set, sound, and lighting designers.
