The Arts
At Westminster Academy, we believe a thorough understanding of the arts is essential for a well-rounded education. Through music, art, and drama, we aim to develop in our students a love of beauty.
Watch our video to hear our faculty and students speak to how the visual and performing arts are the gateways to a world of wonder, sparking the imagination and transforming the learning experience into something vibrant and immersive. The arts weave a rich tapestry into the academic curriculum at Westminster Academy, inspiring curiosity and fostering a deep connection to God’s wider creation.
Music
Music is a vital part of Westminster Academy. Our mission is that students will fulfill the Biblical command of singing and playing instruments skillfully to the glory of God. Music education, which encompasses world history, music theory and musical performance through the medium of classic texts, hymns and scripture, is our main goal. View more Music performances here.
Art
Starting in Junior Kindergarten, our students begin to learn the fundamentals of art. Our belief is that, when trained in the arts, every student is capable of creating beautiful artwork.
Studio Art
The goal of Westminster Academy’s Studio Art class is, ultimately, to teach students the importance of observation. Observing the details as you create a piece of art is a transferable skill to all areas of a person’s life. Studying details in art helps hone the skill of slowing down and observing the world in which we live, which is incredibly fast-paced and fleeting. By extension, this skill of observation helps us slow down and try to better understand the people we are in community with.
The first quarter of Studio Art is dedicated entirely on creating a quality self-portrait drawn with graphite. In the process of creating this fully-rendered drawing, students study the proportions of the human face, learning that while each of us is purposefully and intricately designed, we are also unique. Regardless of a student’s skill, every student can achieve a certain level of success by approaching this drawing in an organized, structured way, which lays a solid foundation for subsequent projects.
Drama
The performing arts are an integral part of a classical Christian education. From our third grade reader theater to our Upper School House Drama Challenge, students are offered a variety of ways to learn, stretch, and express themselves on stage and in the classroom.
Our Defender Drama Troupe also puts on two full stage productions each year.
Strings
We have four excellent strings instructors, along with a piano and voice teacher, who come to the school and work individually with students. These teachers bring a tremendous amount of experience with them. Lessons are open to ALL ages, JK through 12th grade. View more performances here.
String Ensembles
Beyond the individual lessons, we also offer three ensembles in which students may participate. All of these ensembles play in our Fall, Christmas, and Spring concerts. Advanced string players have the option of auditioning for the West TN Band and Orchestra Association All West Honor Orchestra.