John F. Kennedy said "You can measure the quality of a civilization, by the quality of its Arts".

The arts are a critical part of discovering who we are. Art is a way of experiencing and communicating the human experience that is integral to the quality of life.

The art department is committed to providing all students with a means for self-expression and an appreciation of art. Through a variety of course offerings, students will also be prepared for careers in art-related fields. Art classes are offered to students with a variety of skills and are adapted for youngsters with special needs.

Art Department: Program Goals

By the end of grade 12 at Edwin O. Smith High School, students who have taken an art course will:

• create (imagine, experiment, plan, make, evaluate, refine and present/exhibit)art works that express concepts, ideas and feelings in an art form;
• respond (select, experience, describe, analyze, interpret and evaluate) with understanding of diverse art works in an art form;
• understand and use the materials, techniques, forms(structures, styles, genres), language, of an art form;
• understand the importance of the arts in expressing and illuminating human experiences, beliefs and values:
• identify representative works and recognize the characteristics of art from different historical periods and cultures;
• develop sufficient mastery of at least one art form to continue lifelong involvement in that art form not only as responders (audience members), but also as creators;
• develop sufficient mastery of at least one art form to be able to pursue further study, if they choose, in preparation for a career;
• seek arts experiences and participate in artistic life of the school and community;
• understand the connections among the arts, other disciplines and daily life.

Music Department: Program Goals

By the end of grade 12 at Edwin O. Smith High School students who have taken performance music classes will:

• Create (plan, experiment, refine and present) musical works that express concepts, ideas and feelings.
• Perform (select, analyze, interpret, rehearse, evaluate, refine and present) diverse musical works.
• Respond (experience, describe, analyze, interpret and evaluate) with understanding to diverse musical works and/or performances.
• Understand and use the materials, techniques, forms (structures, styles, genres), language, notation written symbol system and literature/repertoire of each art form.
• Understand the importance of the arts in expressing and illuminating the human experiences, beliefs and values.
• Identify representative works and recognize the characteristics of music from different historical periods and cultures.
• Develop sufficient mastery of instrument/voice to continue lifelong involvement not only as responders (audience members), but also as creators or performers.
• Develop sufficient mastery to be able to pursue further study, if they choose, in preparation for a career.
• Seek arts experiences and participate in the artistic life of the school and community; and
• Understand the connections among the arts, other disciplines and daily life.

         Adapted from Connecticut’s Common Core of Learning

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