Arts

Visual Arts

Like all areas of the Trinity curriculum and culture, Lower School visual arts instruction is guided by a classical approach to learning and rooted in the pedagogical principles of Charlotte Mason. Teaching in the visual srts is Christ-centered, rich, unhurried, and safe.

Our goal is to spur students on to wonder and to admire truth, beauty, and goodness through artmaking, investigation, self-expression, and collaboration. All of these creative opportunities are designed to help students see, imagine, and grasp “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:18-19).

In Lower School visual arts, students are exposed to the elements of art (color, line, shape, form, texture, value, space) and a wide range of artistic techniques and media.

As students explore art through interdisciplinary topics, they discover how art flows across content areas and how diverse cultures share artistic joys and traditions.

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In art class, students practice the following eight Studio Habits of Mind to get into the routine of thinking, creating, and seeing themselves as artists (from Studio Thinking 2: The Real Benefits of Visual Art Education, by Lois Hetland, Ellen Winner, Shirley Veenema, and Kimberly Sheridan [2013]):

• Develop Craft 
• Engage & Persist 
• Envision
• Express
• Observe 
• Reflect 
• Stretch & Explore
• Understand the World through Art 

Music

The Lower School music curriculum at Trinity aims to foster a profound love for music among students by immersing them in the exploration and performance of works from a diverse array of genres, cultures, and historical periods. Engaging actively in singing, playing, movement, and musical history, Lower School students develop the skills needed to navigate challenging, meaningful and culturally diverse musical experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

This immersive journey of performing, creating, and responding to music equips Lower School students with essential skills like attentive listening, critical questioning, collaboration, and digging deep. Such skills allow them to engage with challenging, meaningful, and diverse musical opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. 

Rooted in Trinity’s Christian and classical mission, the musical repertoire maintains a foundational connection to these principles while embracing a broad spectrum of genres, time periods, and cultures. A united pursuit of excellence in musical endeavors mirrors God’s truth, goodness, and beauty and prepares students to use their gifts beyond Trinity in the service of others and for the glory of God.

After-School Music Opportunities

Trinity Children’s Chorus

Trinity Children’s Chorus is made up of young people eager to try out their voices in ensemble with others who share their enthusiasm for tackling more challenging, fun music! Good posture, breathing, diction, blend, and more help children discover and improve their vocal capabilities. Students often sing in other languages, such as Latin, Hebrew, or Russian, to explore God’s world around us through music. The Chorus performs at least three times per school year, including at Trinity’s annual Lessons and Carols service and in the Grandparents Day program.

Band and Strings

For students who are interested in extending their musical exploration and learning, Trinity offers after-school music programs where they can learn to play a new instrument or grow in their instrumental skills.  

Band students learn to play brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. They explore the fundamentals of instrumental technique and ensemble playing through band method books and level-appropriate performance material. They receive new concert pieces each semester, and have a fun experience while pursuing excellence together.

The Lower School String Ensemble is open to students in grades 1–6. New and experienced string players work together to grow their skills and perfect their technique through a variety of fun pieces throughout the year.