The arts at Thayer are part of the daily fabric of our student’s lives. As is written in our mission statement, Thayer believes in a balanced education where arts, academics, and athletics serve in equal partnership to provide a wide and varied education for our students. Our plays and musicals rehearse at times that do not conflict with sports practice and are open to all students. Thayer art teachers, who are all working artists themselves, carry that philosophy into the studio and strive to give our students a broad appreciation of the arts. From grades six through twelve, students develop skills at their own pace, find opportunities for self-expression, and develop self-confidence.

First and foremost is a hands on experience; be it the creation of objects, participating in a stage production, or performing in an instrumental or vocal group. Process is more vital than product and a conscious decision has been made to de-emphasize the singular importance of completing a large body of work. Yet the tangible result of student’s efforts is essential, and balanced emphasis is placed on the finished product.

Beyond the tangible lies the underlying purpose and ultimate strength and legacy of a secondary art education within the prep school environment; to expose the students to inventive thinking and creative problem solving, to not be satisfied with the immediate answer to a question or the first solution to a puzzle, to extract simplicity in the face of complexity, and to broaden their vision and heighten their curiosity beyond the local, the comfortable, and the familiar. And for those students who look forward to careers in the arts, our art faculty is expert, and able to provide the necessary instruction to prepare them for that post high school competitive professional experience.

Did you know?

• Thayer art teachers are all working artists themselves
• There are 12 art faculty members
• 18 different art courses are offered, spanning the visual and performing arts
• The arts program is part of the daily curriculum.
• There are over two dozen art electives (including individual music lessons) that students can take during their free periods or after school
• Each year, more than 200 Upper School students enroll in a wide array of instrumental and vocal course offering.
• 90 percent of our students participate in the arts program
• There are:
  • 7 Instrumental groups - Instrumental ensemble and 6 jazz combos
  • 3 choirs
  • 3 stage productions in both the Middle and Upper Schools each year, including plays and musicals
  • Many instrumental and choir performances during the year
  • Middle School Instrumental Ensemble and Choir