Arts

At PBDA, art is considered an essential part of a student’s growth, beginning as early as 2. Students work on interdisciplinary art lessons and projects that are hands-on: painting, collaging, and sculpting. The age-appropriate materials used in our art program allow students to experiment and play while developing fine motor skills and learning art techniques.

Our young learners develop critical thinking skills by looking at art and reflecting on their creations. Students build their aesthetic perceptions, gradually studying the elements of art and principles of design. They then figure out how these elements and principles create aesthetically pleasing or thought-provoking pieces. Students analyze them in modern and historical art pieces while using them purposefully in their works. These skills help give students the confidence to succeed in all aspects of life, in and outside of school.

The music program for PBDA’s Pre-Primary and Primary students focuses on promoting a love of music, dance, and drama in a fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate way. Students attend music class once per week for 30 minutes each.

For students in Kindergarten through Third Grade, the PBDA music program builds a musical foundation by incorporating musical history and theory. Through their music class held once per week for 40 minutes each, students are introduced to a variety of musical genres.

Students in First through Third Grades are encouraged to participate in Chorus. Performance is a significant aspect of the music program in the later grades offering students several opportunities throughout the year to perform.

Beginning in the Fourth Grade, students develop their talents in drawing, painting and pottery. In Seventh and Eighth Grades, students branch out into electives such as computer graphics and TV production.

Our Upper Campus music curriculum is comprehensive and sequential with a goal of increasing the growth, appreciation and love of music.  Although some of the same content will be covered in different grades, it will become increasingly more challenging each year.  

Vocal

Students sing songs alone and with others (rounds, partner songs, two-part songs) while maintaining their own part with and without accompaniment. Students are taught to sing using healthy singing techniques (posture, breath, support, articulated consonants, etc.) with songs that represent various cultures, genres, and styles. Students are also taught different expressions and styles including dynamics, tone quality, phrasing, articulation, and interpretation.  

Students in Grades 4-8 are encouraged to join the Bulldog Chorus. This Upper Campus Performance group actively performs in the community, showcasing their talents at local events including the Esplanade Christmas Tree Lighting, Spotlight on Young Musicians at the Kravis Center, the South Florida Fair, All State Competitions, and more.

Instrumental

Students perform on instruments alone and with others by performing melodies that combine a variety of note values and patterns with various rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic classroom instruments. Students learn to perform using appropriate instrumental techniques, expressive and stylistic devices, and perform simple music phrases by ear.  

• Instruments:
  • 4th Grade: Recorders, Ukulele, and African Drumming
  • 5th Grade: Steel Drums, African Drumming and Handbells
  • 6th Grade: Percussion Ensemble and non-traditional instruments
  • 7th and 8th Grades: Advanced Handbells, Ukulele, and Steel Drums

Both Vocal and Instrumental

Students understand music in relation to culture and history by learning about composers and musicians that represent various historical periods, genres, and cultures. Students are taught to understand the relationship between music and the world beyond the school by knowing multiple uses in music, and applying appropriate audience behavior in a variety of musical settings.

Students in Grades 4-8 perform in the following school-wide events: Pageant (Drama and Music), Holiday Sing (Chorus, steel drums, recorders, and audience participation accompanied by a faculty band), Upper Campus Musical (Grades 7-8), Fine Arts Festival (Grades 4-8 Instrumental and Vocal) and 6th Grade Percussion Ensemble Performances.