Reflecting our innovative and engaging approach to education, creativity is not simply taught at Perkins—it is celebrated in a myriad of meaningful ways.

Music

Music is an essential part of the Perkins experience. Our music teacher is both a working musician and a trained elementary school educator who brings a high level of sophistication, insight, and passion to all aspects of the program. Students compose, perform, and work with outside musicians to cultivate musical skills and gain a deep appreciation of various genres. 

PERFORMANCE

Students perform at weekly assemblies, quickly becoming comfortable with singing, dancing and playing instruments in front of an audience. They present solo and in ensembles, reinforcing the idea of collaboration, concentration, and daily practice.     

Themes of our annual spring all-school concerts have included songs of peace and inspiration, Beatlemania, pop music through the decades, history of Northwest music, and powerful women musicians. 

COMPOSITION

Students receive hands-on experience crafting their own compositions, creating digital music and building instruments such as a 1-string slide guitar or maraca..  Our students learn to fearlessly dive into the creative process., writing their own melodies and lyrics and learning facets of improvisation.

   

APPRECIATION AND INSPIRATION

We recognize and appreciate the importance of individualism and risk, and thus our studies include identifying artists who have taken risks to create novel genres and sounds.  Formally and informally, we analyze, perform, and appreciate a variety of inspirational musicians. Examples include:

  • Electronic Artists: Boards of Canada, Brian Eno, Mexican Institute of Sound

  • Traditional and Modern Composers: Bach, Beethoven, Philip Glass

  • Classics: Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, The Beatles, David Bowie

  • Contemporary Artists: Alicia Keys, Santigold, Radiohead

  • Reggae: Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Black Uhuru

  • Folk: Woody Guthrie, Joni Mitchell, Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Art

Art appreciation and production is a valuable way to express ourselves, and more deeply understand other cultures, people, perspectives, and eras. Fine art experiences develop strong self-esteem, creativity, and innovation in children. Beautiful paintings, playful drawings, and kid-made sculptures are found in every nook and cranny of Perkins, along with a variety of opportunities for learning through creative expression.

FORMAL ART CLASSES

In addition to free choice art experiences, younger students learn foundational art concepts with formal art classes. These classes are designed to provide and foster an environment in which students can learn and understand the basic elements of art, develop skills and techniques, experiment with all kinds of media, and talk about the wide diversity of art and artists around the world. Art classes also aim to develop visual thinkers and encourage creative problem solving.

 

THEMATIC STUDIES

Older students explore art techniques and media through thematic studies. Examples include understanding of  line and weight through examination of NW Coast Native American forms, comparing contrasting colors and textile techniques within a U.S. colonial unit, or learning perspective within the art of an Australian Aboriginal painting.  

 

ART WEEK

Our annual Art Week is a cherished Perkins tradition, during which the curriculum is focused solely on creativity. Working with a variety of teachers and artists, students  immerse themselves in multi-faceted art experiences. From breakdancing to mosaics or mural-making, art is an essential part of the Perkins experience.  

ART CLUBS

Our after-school program offers a variety of interactive and rewarding art experiences.  From pottery to mosaics or acting, our students have myriad opportunities for expression and creativity in art, in the classroom, and beyond.