Visual & Performing Arts
The Arts at BCHS are essential to provide diverse opportunities for students to develop their creativity and explore unique ways to express their interests.
Click on a link to jump to a section:
Visual Arts
Penny Ricker, Visual Art Teacher
All students at BHCS have access to at least one period of Art each week.
Art is an expression of the human condition. We are all creative but first we must believe in ourselves. I seek to amaze students with their own possibilities.Through experimentation and play the younger students experience the joy of creation. They paint, sculpt and create to tell stories and express their views of the world around them.
The middle school students have a chance to find their own voice through a variety of media and techniques. We look at the work of artists and the role that art plays in their communities.
ARTSONIA
Throughout the school year, many student works are uploaded to Artsonia, a digital art gallery. An account is created for each student when they begin at BHCS and access reminders are shared each year. Families are invited to view these accounts. Proceeds from product sales help fund our Visual Arts program. For students who attend high school at GSA, their portfolio will move with them automatically. Contact Mrs. Ricker for Artsonia support including account access or transferring an account to another school.
ORIGINAL WORKS
Each fall, we participate in a fundraiser where products can be ordered from student art. Packets are sent home with forms and instructions. Products are shipped back to BHCS and sent home with students in time for any December gift-giving.
STUDENT ART SHOW: SPRING
Each year our students’ work is exhibited at the Blue Hill Public Library, along with other schools from all over the Peninsula. I walk each of our students through this vast variety of art explorations so we can look at and discuss how art impacts their thoughts and emotions. Visit the most recent show.
General/Vocal Music
Students in the PreK-8 general/vocal music program under Ms. Audrey Means experience grade level appropriate activities.
Program Goals
I can perform various music pieces using my voice and/or instruments appropriately
I can identify and read musical notation and symbols
I can listen to and identify elements of music.
Music Pledge
This pledge reflects expectations of citizenship and work habits in the BHCS Music Program. It also encompasses BHCS/PBIS values of safety, respect and responsibility:
“Because I am a well behaved musician, I listen and follow directions, use self control, respect people instruments and materials, and always do my best. Because I am a world class musician, I listen attentively, to music of many styles and historical periods, and respect the music of other cultures. Because I am a performing musician, I use my musical skills to the best of my ability and contribute to the group in my highest capacity.”
Music activities for all students
General Music for PreK-4 twice a week
General Music for 5-6 once a week
2 Winter Concerts; K-4 General Music & 5-8 Chorus
2 Spring Concerts; K-4 General Music & 5-8 Chorus
Elective Music Activities
Learn more about extracurricular opportunities in music.
Online Opportunities
Explore Music Tech Teacher for additional music theory games
Explore Classics for Kids for great recordings and information on classical composers.
Instrumental Band
Bill Schubeck, Instrumental Music Teacher
The language of music is learned when children play an instrument. The discipline of focused concentration needed to gain the skill of learning to play an instrument is a valuable lesson for the middle school student. Students learn to work together for a common goal and they realize the emotional benefit that music provides. Being a member of the instrumental music program gives the students a wonderful sense of the traditions of Western Music. Finally, playing music is just plain fun!
BHCS Instrumental Music Groups
5th Grade Band
6th Grade Band
7th Grade Band
8th Grade Band
Jazz Band
ELECTIVE BAND ACTIVITIES
Learn more about extracurricular opportunities in Band.
Online Opportunities
Explore Music Teachers National Association’s directory of music websites for kids.
