Arts
At ISB, we recognize that the appreciation of art and the participation in artistic expression play significant roles in the development of the student spirit.
Our Arts program supports students discovering new interests and those looking to further explore developing passions. In all grades, ISB students are introduced to the arts through our Academic program, which includes grade-level and age-appropriate art courses. Students looking to develop their skills further - whether in the Visual or Performing Arts - can select from seasonal or year-long clubs, performance groups, or private lessons.
Walking the hallways at ISB, you will see and hear the arts come to life. Student artwork is prominently displayed throughout the School, and students can be found rehearsing for upcoming performances and productions open to the School community.
Performance & Club Opportunities (Preschool-Grade 5)
Seasonal Clubs: Students in Pre-K through Grade 5 have the option to sign up for clubs during each of the three club seasons. Past clubs related to the arts include Charcoal Drawing, Dance, Digital Arts, Discovery of Music, and Violin/Viola Ensemble.
Open Chorus: Students in Grades 1 through 5 can choose to participate in "Open Chorus" on select days during recess. This allows student dedicated time each week to rehearse.
Private music lessons are also available through the after-school club program.
Performance & Club Opportunities (Grades 6-8)
Drama Club: The Middle School Drama Club offers students the opportunity to select a one-act play, rehearse it during the year, and perform it for an audience. Led by Middle School faculty, this club is collaborative, fun, and a great chance for students to hone their acting skills.
Rock Band: The Middle School Rock Band is open to students in Grades 6 through 8 and provides the foundation for students' future participation in the Upper School Rock Band. The Rock Band performs two to three times per year in both a formal concert setting and for school events. Typical instrumentation includes vocals, guitar, piano, bass, drums (provided by the School), but Rock Band is open to all instruments and all levels of performers.
Seasonal Clubs: Students in Grades 6 through 8 have the option to sign up for clubs during each of the three club seasons. Past clubs related to the arts include Photography, Digital Art, Makerspace/Crochet, and Guitar.
Private music lessons are also available through the after-school club program.
Extracurricular Applied Arts (Grades 9-12)
Rock Band: Rock Band is an instrumental and vocal ensemble opportunity open to Grades 9 through 12. Students choose, prepare, and rehearse popular songs from various genres. The Rock Band performs two to three times per year in both a formal concert setting and for school events. Typical instrumentation includes vocals, guitar, piano, bass, drums (provided by the School), but Rock Band is open to all instruments and all levels of performers.
Theater Company: Open to Grades 9 through 12, this year-long class meets once a week to rehearse a published play. The final performances have full production values and those who are interested in learning how to do sound, costume, set or lighting design are mentored by a theater professional. Students also participate in the Massachusetts Young Playwrights Project/ New Noises Festival at Boston University and take a field trip to NYC.
French Theater Company: The Theater Program is structured around three main axes: artistic practice, the school of the spectator (shows watched and analyzed by the students), and consideration of the cultural and historical context. Students also have the opportunity to participate in writing, scenography, costume selection, and the creation of lighting and sound. This allows students to gradually understand how a creative process develops.
Studio Art: Open to Grades 9 through 12, students have the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively to build a body of work that is cohesive and representative of each student’s skills and interests. All planning, sketching, and research is completed in an Art Journal with a goal to complete four to six art projects each year. Drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, sculpture and 3D Art are potential media for exploration.
Events & Traditions
Arts & Design Night
This annual school-wide tradition held in May features interactive exhibitions and displays of student work throughout all spaces of the School. Visitors will discover a vast array of projects across mediums: art, design, fashion, literature, photography, video, music, and theater. The event includes performances from the Rock Bands and theater clubs.
MaMA (Maternelle Museum of Art)
The "MaMA" (Musée d'Art de la Maternelle) is our very own museum at ISB, curated and created in collaboration between Maternelle students and teachers. Visitors will experience unique exhibits featuring paintings, sculptures, instruments, and much more.
Recycled Runway Fashion
This event features creative and wearable outfits made from recycled materials by Secondary School Students. Through their participation, students learn about the impact of fast fashion. The event is organized by the Upper School's Life Art and Eco Action Clubs in coordination with the Art Department.
Grade 12 Art Exhibition Opening
The Grade 12 Art Exhibition Open is the culminating event for students enrolled in the two year International Baccalaureate Visual Arts course. Each individual exhibit reveals a resolution of theme, content and technical skill.
