Kuper Academy - Music & Arts

Kuper Academy - Fine Arts

At Kuper Academy we realize the importance of nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only successful in school, but who grow up to be confident and self-assured contributors to society.

All students have the opportunity to study art in its various mediums and to find new forms of self-expression that help to build their skills as well as nurture their identity and self-awareness. Students in the elementary school learn to express themselves by experimenting with a variety of media, including: drawing, painting, collage, sculpture and printmaking.

At Kuper Academy, the intent of art education is to develop visual thinkers and to encourage creative problem solving. The visual arts program promotes visual literacy through the creation of art, through studies in art history and aesthetics, and through art appreciation and criticism. Artistic expression is valued and appreciated no matter what the age of the student and art education is not only part of the curriculum but is also an extracurricular option for children of every age who study at Kuper.

At the secondary level, students continue to learn how to further express their creative energy and to develop a greater sensitivity to the beauty of the world around them. Each course contains an art history component that is coordinated with the History and English programs. A variety of techniques are explored, including: drawing, painting, printmaking, pottery making, jewellery making, sculpture, and origami. Senior students who have a thirst for art courses are often encouraged to take additional classes that suit their interests. Art teachers help students who wish to pursue art in post secondary studies to prepare a portfolio.

Kuper Academy - Music and Band

Musical training helps develop language and reasoning. The elementary school music program develops performance, appreciation, and creative aspects of music at all levels. Beginning in preschool, students participate in singing and movement activities in a group context. Students work through a variety of group activities which reinforce the concept of steady beat, pitch-making skills, rhythmic dictation, and cooperative learning.

Students also become familiar with orchestral instruments and learn to listen to music with a discerning ear. In grades two, three and four, students continue to build upon these skills while learning to read music and play the recorder. Additionally, students in grade two, three and four learn to play music in an ensemble setting (using Orff instruments and the recorder), working to maintain separate lines of music in a group context.

In grades five and six, students have the option to select the concert band course. At this level, there is more focus on performance. Students work independently as they learn to play brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Cooperation, rhythmic and pitch accuracy, musicality, and self-discipline are at the core of the elementary band program. In addition, students also participate in annual musicals, Mother's Day concerts, Remembrance Day ceremonies, an optional talent show, and two annual school-wide concerts.

As part of the extra-curricular music program, students may choose to participate in the choir. In addition to performing in front of their peers, the choir members perform at a variety of venues throughout the academic year, including: the Ogilvy's Toy Tea fundraiser, the Kirkland tree lighting ceremony, a variety of senior's residences, and other community venues.

At the cycle one level in the secondary school, band is mandatory in grade seven and becomes an option in grades eight and nine. In cycle two (grades nine through eleven), students can choose band, drama, glee, or the performing arts, participating in our elaborate school musical or various concerts. An acoustic guitar course in grade 11 is a popular option.

At the secondary level, music appreciation courses introduce students to a variety of musical genres and provide opportunities to attend live musical performances. Students are exposed to various forms of performance, improvisation, vocalization and singing.

Extracurricular activities include Jazz Band, Rock Band and Glee.

Kuper Academy - Drama

Participation in drama contributes to the development of each pupil’s self-actualization and emotional awareness. Several dramatic performances are held throughout the year. Elementary school holiday productions provide entertainment for the entire Kuper community. High school students acquire an appreciation of theatre arts through the interpretation of monologues, scenes and short plays as well as the creation of their own dramatic texts. The culminating activity is the production of an elaborate senior school play or musical in which many students participate either as actors, set and costume designers, make-up artists, lighting technicians or directors.