Cougar Arts: Explore, Create, Solve
The Arts Department at The Clariden School’s Mission is to provide an authentic arts experience that honors the creative process while providing a foundation of solid technical training while having fun. We aim to promotes creative expression, communication skills, problem solving, and innovative thinking through courses designed to foster a lifelong appreciation of the arts.
Music and Voice
Understanding sound, movement, notes, and composition are all a priority at Clariden. We understand the significance of music in enhancing creativity and learning. Students participate in music instruction from Cougar Prep through Upper School. Our music program enables students to explore many aspects of music including how to read and write music, understand the science behind how sounds are created, play musical instruments, and use one’s voice. Student project examples led by our incredibly gifted music educator include:
- Winter Concert CP-Grade 6
- Recorders in Grade 3
- Ukulele in Grade 6
- Spring Program for Grades 4 and 5
Movement and Dance
Movement and motion are a core part of our music education. We also offer Dance as an elective exercise class in addition to a traditional Physical Education class. Students taking this class get a cardio workout and learn a variety of styles of dance. Students in Dance are offered several opportunities to perform for the Clariden community and hone their skills as choreographers.
Theater, Film, and Videography
Clariden students have the opportunity to participate in a number of theatrical experiences. There are roles at the sound board, behind the curtain, on stage, and in prop design and stagecraft. Students in Middle and Upper School are offered Theater and Musical Theater electives on a rotating basis. Students learn theater terminology, acting technique, audition etiquette, and rehearse and perform a theatrical production. Students in 2nd grade and up are invited to participate in our after-school Drama Club, which produces a full-length musical every spring.
Simmons, Kirsten
Kirsten holds an MFA in Musical Theater from the Boston Conservatory and a BA in Music Performance from Whitworth University. She has been the performing arts teacher at Clariden since 2018, teaching music, theater, and dance to students in Cougar Prep through Upper School. Mrs. Simmons is the director of Drama Club and has put on several musical theater productions including The Lion King Jr. and Finding Nemo Jr. She is also the Cheer coach. Kirsten is thankful to teach at Clariden with her husband, Marcus.