Visual and Performing Arts

Our Visual Arts curriculum seeks to foster self expression by encouraging students to explore the world around them through art. We provide an environment that allows students to plan, experiment, and problem-solve through the art process as they make decisions and learn from the experience of creating.

In the Lower School, students visit the art studio weekly, and our art teacher helps students develop their sense of individuality and appreciation for creative expression.

Beginning in the Fourth Grade, students develop their talents in drawing, painting and pottery. In Seventh and Eighth Grades, students branch out into electives such as computer graphics and TV production.

Our Drama curriculum on both campuses teaches empathy and communication through a wide variety of activities and performances onstage, backstage, in front of and behind the camera. Through the performing arts, students of all ages learn how to use their words and bodies to communicate, empathize, and play.

As they progress through PBDA, our students learn to write, edit and perform scripts that challenge their imagination. Students also do improvisational work with no scripts where the focus becomes listening, arguably the most important aspect of communication. Students ultimately audition to join the cast of our annual Upper School Spring Musical. Students may choose to participate in this musical as an actor, singer, and dancer on stage or be a crucial part of backstage, helping with the set, sound and lighting elements of our production.

PBDA recognizes the role music plays in academic achievement as music ignites the brain and body to work together to strengthen language and mathematical thinking. Providing an additional outlet for creativity, our Music program strives to instill a love of singing and music while developing musicality and musical literacy. 

In our Lower School, students participate in a minimum of one music class per week and are given opportunities to showcase their musical skills as they perform at Flag Assemblies, participate in our Winter Concert and in a chorus program, and culminate their Third Grade year with a special musical.  

Our Upper School music curriculum is comprehensive and sequential with a goal of increasing the growth, appreciation and love of music. Through their Upper School years, students learn to play ukuleles, recorders, handbells, steel drums, percussion ensemble instruments, African drums, and non-traditional instruments. They also learn basic music theory, vocal techniques and stage presence. The Upper School also offers Bulldog Chorus, who perform for school presentations and community events along with our handbell ensembles. The music program also works side by side with our drama program to present various productions including the Spring Musical.