Arts preview for 2025-2026
Gordon’s arts faculty is excited to begin working with your children in September. In addition to the robust visual and performing arts classes that run throughout the school day for all grade levels, Gordon continues to offer rich co-curricular experiences both during and after school. Here is an overview of our offerings for music ensembles, after school theater, visual art exhibition, and special arts programming. Opportunities may be added as the year unfolds, so stay tuned for special announcements.
Arts in the school day
Every student has visual art and music as part of each year’s
curriculum. In seventh and eighth grade, this is structured around a series of electives. This year, Gordon’s in-house arts electives team will be supplemented by local professional teaching artists. This will expose students to a broad variety of media and processes as we seek to scaffold creative risk-taking and celebrate each student’s creative voice.
The annual schoolwide art show
One of Gordon’s most beloved traditions is our annual school wide art show. Featuring art from every grade level at Gordon, this annual exhibition demonstrates the power of self-expression and the joy of creation. The art show will take place in the Wales Theater in March, transforming our black box theater into an art gallery for one full week, and opens in conjunction with the spring conference day.
Theater
After school theater will continue throughout the year. Every student who wants to be in a Gordon theater production—in the cast or on the crew—will have multiple opportunities before they graduate. Their work will be creative, child-centered, and celebrated. Rehearsals run Monday through Thursday after school, with three culminating performances throughout the year.
The production that used to include third and fourth grades will now be exclusively for fourth graders. Third and fourth graders will all have opportunities during the school year to build their performance skills and make the fourth grade musical a true culmination of their Lower School theater work.
Middle School fall play
Open to fifth through eighth grade
Auditions will be held in September
Middle School musical
Open to fifth through eighth grade
Auditions will take place before winter break
Fourth grade musical
A mini-version of a musical for our students
This year, the production will take place in early May with performances coinciding with Grandfriends’ Day
The Britt Nelson Visiting Artist
The Britt Nelson Visiting Artist is a three-week program where a professional artist spends time with our students and community, sharing their art and creative process. Students work alongside the artist to create art, gaining firsthand experience of what it is like to be a working artist and learning about the inspiration and motivation behind their work. Stay tuned for the highly anticipated announcement of this year’s Britt Nelson Visiting Artist.
Private music lessons
After school music lessons will continue on campus this year for students of all grade levels. Please see www.gordonschool.org/musiclessons for further information on instruments and instructors.
Music ensembles
Formal music ensembles in Middle School are offered through the arts electives program, including choral ensemble, guitar ensemble, percussion ensemble, and band. Electives begin at the start of the school year and meet throughout the schedule rotation, with seventh and eighth grades combined. Fifth and sixth grade choral and percussion ensembles begin later in the year, also meeting during the school day during the clubs period. Ensemble participants at all Middle School grade levels are expected to celebrate their learning in culminating concert events. Younger students also showcase their music learning with grade level concerts and gatherings throughout the year. Please note the Gordon calendar for the latest information on concerts and gatherings—these are joyful experiences for performers and audiences alike!
G-Notes
G-Notes continues this year as our auditioned a cappella ensemble. Any student entering sixth, seventh or eighth grade who is willing to meet the challenges of this style of singing is welcome to audition; students who have been part of the group do not need to re-audition. Separate information on the audition process is at www.gordonschool.org/gnotes
No Fear Friday
The Eighth Grade arts council will continue to run No Fear Friday open mic nights throughout the year. All of Middle School is invited to sign up to share their short-form staged performances. From live music to puppetry to comedic skits, any type of performing arts is welcome. As the dates approach, we will publish sign-ups and guidelines for participating as a performer or audience member.
The arts at Gordon School continue with vibrant and vital programming that seeks to engage students and ignite passion. Please reach out to any of the arts faculty with questions or concerns. We look forward to welcoming your children back to school!