The Arts Home / Academics / The Arts The Power of Art in Education At Heritage Oak, we love music and art! Studies show that an education in the arts helps children thrive academically. Our music and visual arts programs inspire creativity, foster self-expression, and build confidence. Each week, our students get to sing, play instruments, paint, and draw. These activities help refine their cognitive, motor, and social skills in a hands-on environment. Our students learn to think critically, problem-solve creatively, and express their unique perspectives. By engaging in the arts, our students cultivate an understanding of cultural history and traditions. They gain a deeper connection to the world around them. Music Kindergarten Music In kindergarten, we build upon what students have learned in preschool and Pre-K. Twice a week, they attend music class with expert teachers. They practice warming up their voices, learn about different musical instruments, and have fun with rhythms and melodies. They also start reading and writing simple music notes. They listen to songs from different times and places and learn about musicians. These activities help them to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Most of all, they learn to love music and performing! 1st–3rd Grade Violin Starting in 1st grade, all students learn to play the violin. They use age-appropriate, custom-sized violins that fit their hands, making it easier to play. Through hands-on lessons, they learn music theory and history while having fun. Playing the violin helps our students feel confident and express themselves. It also teaches them to think in new ways. They learn how to view the world in a different light through the exposure of diverse musical selections. We provide a safe forum for expression and discovery. 4th and 5th Grade Band and Orchestra In 4th grade, our students can choose between band or orchestra. Band students pick a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Orchestra students continue learning violin or start a new string instrument. They learn how to play their instruments, read music, and perform together. They take part in two concerts—the Holiday Show and the Spring Concert! In 5th grade, our students get even better at their instruments. They learn more advanced music theory concepts, and work together to sound amazing as a group. They perform in three concerts—the Holiday Show, Spring Concert, and a music competition! 6th–8th Grade Band and Orchestra (Elective) For our older students, band and orchestra become the top music groups in our school! These students work hard to play at a high level and take on leadership roles. They learn music history, theory, and how to perform as a group. They also play in three concerts—the Holiday Show, Spring Concert, and Music Finale, plus a music competition! Students use a practice tool called SmartMusic. This helps them improve their skills while home. They get instant feedback and teacher comments to guide their practice. SmartMusic also gives them scores, so they can see how well they are doing and improve even more. Visual Arts Kindergarten Kindergarten students learn how to hold a paintbrush properly. They use various tools including crayons, paint, clay, and collage materials. They use lines, shapes, and colors to make patterns, animals, faces, and other exciting works of art. 1st Grade Our 1st grade students draw and paint landscapes, still life, and portraits. They learn about primary colors and how to create secondary colors. They use watercolor, tempera paint, chalk pastels, ink, and clay. They study artists including Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso. 2nd Grade Our students in 2nd grade learn how to communicate emotion and ideas through art. They study balance and symmetry, identify patterns in nature and works of art, and differentiate the use of warm and cool colors to express feelings. Our students use watercolor, tempera paint, oil pastels, and clay to create their masterpieces. They also learn about master artist Gustav Klimt, contemporary artist and designer Laurel Burch, and marine life artist Robert Wyland. 3rd Grade Our 3rd grade students learn about space and create art showing foreground, middle ground, and background. They study the use of lines and how lines can create a feeling of rhythm and movement. Our students learn how to blend colors to create tints, shades, and the illusion of form. After viewing the works of Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, and Wayne Thiebauld, they create artwork using the artists’ style. 4th Grade In 4th grade, our students study the lives and works of Georgia O’Keeffe, Henri Matisse, Keith Haring, and Andy Warhol. They use complementary color pairs, positive and negative space, and shading techniques. After talking about human proportions, they make wire figures in action poses. They show movement through the use of diagonal and curving lines. 5th Grade In 5th grade, our students learn about optical illusions, perspective, and abstract art. Art projects include a one-point perspective cityscape or landscape, an abstract guitar collage, a cut paper self portrait, and a big cat painting. Our students use watercolor, tempera paint, oil pastels, chalk, clay, and paper mache. 6th Grade (Elective) Our 6th grade students use watercolor, pastels, paper mache, and clay. Art projects include Pop Art paintings, Origami, animal sculptures, and wire designs. They have the chance to enter various art contests and exhibit their art skills. 7th Grade (Elective) In 7th grade, our students use watercolor, pastels, tempera paint, aluminum paper, clay, and paper mache. Art projects include two-point perspective cityscape construction, still life collages, and mask making. They also have the chance to enter various art contests. 8th Grade (Elective) Our 8th grade students take a deep look into the elements and principles of art. The focus is on drawing, painting, and sculpture. They use paint, ink, clay, and plaster. Additional masterpieces created this year are pointillism designs, masks, and kaleidoscope designs. Our students also have the chance to enter various art contests.
