The Arts program at Pennington is a hands-on exploration of humanity—in all of its glorious forms.
At Pennington, involvement with the Arts nurtures skill sets both creative and conceptual, individual and collaborative. We guide students through creative processes, during which they learn to think critically, create story, compose worlds, and identify that which unites and divides the human experience. With the tools and techniques of drama, music, and visual arts, we teach students to make sense of and express their understanding of the world.
Arts are integral to the Middle School curriculum. Middle School students delve into a range of disciplines, with courses in visual art, music, and theatre built into the school day. Students also have opportunities to pursue arts activities beyond the daily schedule, such as the Middle School Art Club, cast or crew of the Middle School Play, Middle School Singers, and instrumental ensembles, as well as private music lessons.
Upper School students in the Arts program are empowered with possibilities. Courses range from acting, music theory, and video production to ceramics, studio art, and photography. There are also a variety of extracurricular activities and ensembles to explore. While we are proud of the many opportunities for shared experiences in the program, the students’ unique perspectives, backgrounds, and interests are embraced and guide their artistic explorations.
The Pennington Arts program provides preparation for careers that require creativity, inquiry, empathy, critical analysis, and collaboration. The upper-level classes and extracurricular activities equip students with the necessary skills and experiences to pursue the arts at the college level and beyond. Whether our students go on to participate in the arts as a vocation or avocation, the lessons learned in arts classes enrich their lives immeasurably.
Arts News
Jenny Z ’25 was the featured erhu soloist at a Westminster Conservatory Community Orchestra concert, playing an arrangement of “Jasmine Flower.” This showcase was held in Princeton’s famed Richardson Auditorium.
On Monday, January 8, a reception was held for students being inducted into the arts and world languages honor societies.
The Pennington Presbyterian Church provided the backdrop for the School’s annual Holiday Candlelight Celebration on December 12.