Fine and Performing Arts

Shenendehowa offers a robust K–12 fine arts program with abundant opportunities for students to engage in visual art and music experiences.  Our programs emphasize engagement, creativity, and the progressive development of artistic skills for every student.  Curriculum is aligned with New York State learning standards and intended outcomes are guided by the Shenendehowa Profile Documents.  We maintain a rich tradition of excellence as our students frequently reach high levels of performance and recognition within the arts community and beyond.  

The Shenendehowa Art Program

The Shenendehowa Art Program provides a comprehensive, sequential journey that empowers students to evolve from curious makers into purposeful visual communicators. By balancing technical skill-building with creative problem-solving, our K-12 pathway ensures that students don't just learn to create art—they learn to see, think, and innovate.  Our curriculum fosters a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts and equips students with the essential 21st-century skills of critical thinking and self-expression.

Elementary Art

The Shenendehowa Elementary Art Program fosters visual communication through hands-on creative practice and critical thinking. Students will explore, develop, and express ideas using a variety of media. Specifically, students will:

• Build foundational knowledge of the elements of art.
• Strengthen fine motor and manipulative skills while learning age-appropriate artistic techniques.
• Grow art appreciation by studying how diverse cultures use visual art and how artists’ styles and approaches have changed over time.

Middle School Art

The Shenendehowa Middle School Art Program builds on the skills developed in elementary art with age appropriate skill development and refinement.  A student’s middle school art journey will encompass the following experiences:

• Art 6: A half unit of study during grade 6
• Art 7: A full unit of study during grade 7
• Studio in Art: Studio is a foundation level art class typically offered to HS students.  Select students may be considered for this opportunity in grade 8 through a competitive process.  This experience in grade 8 is offered to students who anticipate following A Visual Arts pathway in HS and offers them the opportunity to start the process early and subsequently access more Art classes at the HS level.  

High School Art

The Shenendehowa High School Art Program offers students a variety of experiences in foundation level art courses as well as opportunities to take exciting electives in specific media.  Foundation level classes satisfy New York State graduation requirements and serve as an entry point to the art program.

All offered courses help students develop their artistic talents which include critical thinking skills, creativity, and visual communication skills.  More information about these courses can be found in the High School Program of Studies.   

The Shenendehowa Music Program

The Shenendehowa Music Program provides a comprehensive, sequential journey that empowers students to evolve from curious participants into informed enthusiasts or purposeful performers and creators. By balancing technical skill-building with appreciation, our K-12 pathway ensures that students can derive their own meaning and intention in music.  Our curriculum fosters a lifelong appreciation for the musical arts and equips students with the essential 21st-century skills of critical thinking, discipline, and creative self-expression.

Elementary School Music

The Shenendehowa Elementary Music Program fosters musical development and creativity through engaging instruction in music class.  Students will create, perform, respond to, and connect to music during their experience in General Music Class.  Specifically, students will:

• Build foundational knowledge of music and musical concepts
• Apply learned musical concepts through play, performance and creation.
• Grow music appreciation by studying how diverse cultures use music and how musicians’  styles and approaches have changed over time.

Chorus and Orchestra programs begin in grade 4 and the Band program begins in grade 5.  Band and orchestra programs provide small group instruction on chosen/assigned instruments as well as provide larger ensemble experiences to involved students.

Middle School Music

Students must be enrolled in music or a music ensemble in middle school.

The Shenendehowa Middle School Music Program builds on the skills developed in elementary music with age appropriate skill development and refinement.  A student’s middle school music journey will encompass the following experiences:

• Grade 6: A half unit of study in General Music or a full unit of study in Band, Chorus, or Orchestra for students who have chosen to continue in a performing ensemble.
• Grade 7: A full unit of study in General Music or a full unit of study in Band, Chorus, or Orchestra for students who have chosen to continue in a performing ensemble.
• Grade 8: Optional full unit of study in a Performing Ensemble (Band, Chorus, Orchestra) for students who have chosen to continue in a performing ensemble.

High School Music

The Shenendehowa High School Music Program offers students an opportunity to progress in a performing group and also offers several, non-performing  electives, for students interested in music.  All of our full credit ensembles satisfy the New York State Fine Arts graduation requirement.  Our highest level groups continue a tradition of award winning excellence.  
  
All offered courses help students grow their musical talents.  More information about these courses can be found in the High School Program of Studies.