The Arts
Objective: Our Arts Department is dedicated to fostering a culture of creativity, self-expression, and artistic appreciation that resonates with our core values of academic excellence, integrity, Armenian heritage, and innovation. Through a comprehensive curriculum that spans visual and performing arts, we aim to develop students' artistic skills across a wide array of media and genres. Our goal is to cultivate individuality and self-esteem in our students, providing a solid foundation for a lifelong engagement with and enjoyment of the arts, while integrating Armenian and English languages and cultural elements.
Progression of Curriculum: From Transitional Kindergarten through sixth grade, every student partakes in weekly classes dedicated to art, music, and dance, with these subjects becoming electives in junior high. This progression is designed to evolve with the students' growing capabilities, starting with foundational skills in a variety of artistic expressions and basic music theory. As students advance, the curriculum delves into more complex artistic styles and theoretical knowledge, culminating in projects that challenge their skills. This progression adheres closely to the California State Standards for Visual Arts, that enhances our core academic curriculum and supports academic excellence by activating different parts of the brain, contributing to the development of well-rounded students.
Showcasing Talent and Achievement: Our commitment lies in offering numerous opportunities for students to display their artistic talents. Through both our curriculum and extracurricular activities, students enjoy the platform to perform and earn the appreciation of audiences, ranging from in-class presentations to cultural days and community events. Our students also engage in art competitions like the “I Love My Neighborhood” Art Competition and the Los Angeles County Public Library Annual Bookmark Contest, achieving impressive accolades and bringing honor to Chamlian. These competitions, along with various performance opportunities, are fundamental to our educational philosophy, highlighting the essential role of the arts in fostering personal growth and community engagement. Through these experiences, students not only showcase their creativity but also develop a deep sense of pride and a lasting appreciation for the arts.
Art: In Visual Arts, students encounter a wide array of media and techniques, delving into Armenian and international art styles. Through projects fostering collaborative skills and an in-depth study of art history, we link artistic development with English and Armenian culture, fostering global art appreciation alongside our heritage. A standout feature of our program is the student mural project through many grade levels. This tradition not only beautifies our school but also gives students an opportunity to leave their personal imprint on our campus. The creation of these murals fosters a sense of ownership and belonging among students, reinforcing the idea that Chamlian is not just a place of learning but their second home. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to creating an immersive educational experience that values student contributions and celebrates their unique creative talents.
Dance: The dance curriculum is an integral part of our music department, inviting students to explore the harmony of movement and music. Students learn dances from Armenian traditions and other cultures, enhancing their physical coordination, rhythm, and expressive capabilities. This component of our program not only complements the musical education of our students but also contributes significantly to their comprehensive artistic development, echoing our commitment to cultural diversity and personal expression.
Theater: Our theater program, divided into Armenian and English performances, offers abundant opportunities for self-expression, narrative exploration, and the development of teamwork and communication skills. Each branch stages complete performances in its respective language, allowing students to dive deep into the nuances of character, story, and cultural context, thereby fostering a sense of confidence and creative innovation.
Music: Chamlian's music education spans singing, theory, and the study of various musical genres and instruments. Early education includes singing in both Armenian and American, transitioning into more complex vocal and theoretical work in higher grades. Exposure to renowned composers and their works, along with visits from guest musicians, enriches the curriculum, highlighting performance as a key component. This aspect of our program underscores the importance of artistic performance, allowing students to showcase their musical talents and reinforcing the values of academic excellence and cultural pride.
At the core of Chamlian’s Arts Department lies a steadfast belief in the transformative power of arts education. By offering a rich and diverse curriculum that integrates art, music, theater, and dance, we aim to nurture well-rounded, confident, and creatively inclined individuals. Through this immersive arts education, we not only enhance our students’ skills but also foster a deep respect for cultural diversity and personal expression, preparing them to excel both within and beyond the classroom.