At Hillcrest we emphasize the fact that we are made in God’s image and since He is a creative God we have been made to be creative. We believe our artistic gifts have been given to us to be a blessing to others and as an avenue for personal expression and communication to the world around us.
Art is part of the curriculum from kindergarten to grade twelve. Every class comes to the art room for art. Kindergarten has art twice a month for thirty minutes each. Grades one to five have art each week for an hour. Grades six to eight have art for one quarter in the session and meet each day. In high school, art is recommended but not required. High schoolers may choose from the following options: Intro to Art (prerequisite to the other art classes), Painting, Drawing, Ceramics & Sculpture, Printmaking, and AP Art (full year).
At the end of each semester we have an art exhibition, one for K through 5th grade and a second one for middle and high school.
At the end of each session an art award goes to the best art student in grades 6, 7 and 8 and the graduating class.
Music
At Hillcrest, we believe that learning to sing, play instruments, and understand music is an important part of being a well rounded student. God placed music in his world and in our hearts, and he delights to hear his children use the gift of music to his glory.
Kindergarteners have music classes 1 day per week for 20 minutes at a time. They learn to sing, play simple rhythm instruments, and describe music in simple terms.
Elementary students have music classes 2 days per week for 30 minutes at a time. They learn to sing, play simple rhythm instruments, and read music notation. Third, Fourth, and Fifth graders also learn to play the recorder, a simple wind instrument.
Middle School students have general music classes in which they learn more extensive music theory and history. They also perform choral music and participate in band classes, in which they learn to play various wind or percussion instruments in a group.
High School students have the opportunity to join the high school band or the high school choir. High school students may also take the AP Music Theory class to further their understanding of music.
At the end of each semester, the elementary school gives a concert. The December concert is a Christmas musical. The high school also puts on semester concerts, highlighting the band and the choir. The middle school puts together one concert for every quarter, highlighting the various bands and choirs.
