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Visual and Performing Arts

Through courses in the Visual and Performing Arts Department, Westminster students gain the formal tools necessary to interpret and communicate in nonverbal forms of language. The main emphasis of the program lies upon process; students develop good work habits and motivate themselves and their peers to create cohesive bodies of work. Developing visual and performing artists gain an understanding of past traditions and current methods. Encouraged co-curricular connections strengthen the act of making art.
 
The faculty in the Visual and Performing Arts Department are practicing artists, for whom teaching and the creative process are symbiotic. They believe that the arts experience for students should provide a multiyear perspective. Daily classes are enhanced by occasional trips to local area performances, galleries, and museums. In addition, professional artists come to campus and interact with students in workshops, lectures, and performances.

  • Jazz Ensemble

    This is an instrumental ensemble that explores Big Band and jazz literature. It is open to members of the Concert Band by audition, or by invitation of the director. Membership in the Concert Band is a requirement for participation in this ensemble. The group meets once per week during the performing arts block. One creative arts credit is granted to those enrolled who meet all performance commitments for two consecutive years.

  • Introduction to Studio Art

    Students enrolled in this introductory studio arts course learn fundamental skills based upon the elements of art and principles of design. This is a fun and engaging course designed for beginning students to learn the basics of drawing, painting, and sculpture. Students will explore using a wide variety of art materials in the studio, applying new techniques to exciting projects. Art history and cross-curricular material will be incorporated into studio work. Students will gain confidence in their rendering skills and their ability to be more effective visual thinkers and creative visual communicators.

  • Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture

    Students learn intermediate drawing, painting, and sculpture techniques in this course. The fall term is dedicated to the study of drawing and mark-making skills through working from direct observation and printmaking processes. The winter term is devoted to developing painting skills and styles. A variety of painting material will be used, from watercolor to water-based acrylics to study the landscape, still life, and portraiture. Students explore additive and subtractive sculpture during the spring term, utilizing found objects, recycled material, clay, and plaster of paris. Students engage in formal and informal critiques learning to use pertinent vocabulary and comprehension of the elements of strong compositions. Curatorial and editing skills will be gained through the process of assisting to mount work and hang pieces in on-campus exhibitions. Art history is incorporated into lessons as needed, and relevant trips off campus supplement the course.
     
    Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art

  • Advanced Studio Art

    This advanced course is designed for students who are considering taking AP Art and Design in the future, or who would like to evolve their studio skills to a more advanced level. Students are motivated to gain stronger rendering and paint application skills through the use of a variety of materials, including water-based oils and mediums. They keep a sketchbook to work through their ideas on a consistent basis. Students develop questions or concepts for the basis of a miniseries of artwork. Contemporary artists or art heroes from history become increasingly important during this course to assist students in the planning and development of their artwork. This course will help students develop the necessary skills for the AP Art and Design course or for the development of an art portfolio for the college application process. Students engage in formal and informal critiques and assist with curating and hanging exhibits on campus. Unique exhibition and field trip opportunities off campus exist for students enrolled in this course.
     
    Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art and or Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture

  • AP® 2D Art & Design

    The AP® 2D Art and Design course is an intensive studio-based experience combined with the creation of a comprehensive AP Portfolio. Equivalent to a college-level foundation course, this program challenges students to explore inquiry through the creation of two-dimensional works, including graphic design, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, illustration, painting, and printmaking. The work created will focus on the application of the principles of art and design. Students develop a portfolio that showcases their artistic journey, consisting of 15 digital images documenting their creative process and conceptual exploration. Additionally, they submit five high-quality images of selected works that best demonstrate their technical skill, synthesis of materials, and ideas. Throughout the course, students engage in observation, research, discussion, critical analysis, and reflection, connecting their practice to broader artistic and cultural contexts. Emphasizing sustained investigation, experimentation,  practice, and revision, this course encourages students to document their evolving artistic voice while refining written, technical, and conceptual skills. The AP® 2D Art and Design program nurtures innovative artists who contribute to visual culture through meaningful, thought-provoking art-making.
     
    Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art, Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture, Advanced Studio Art and permission of the department.

  • AP® 3-D Art and Design

    The AP® 3D Art and Design course offers an immersive, hands-on studio experience combined with the development of a comprehensive AP® Portfolio. Equivalent to a college-level foundation course, this program challenges students to explore inquiry through the creation of three-dimensional works, including architectural models, sculpture, jewelry, fabric art, claywork, assemblage, performance, and installation. The work created will focus on the application of the elements of three-dimensional art and design. Students develop a portfolio that showcases their artistic journey, consisting of 15 digital images documenting their creative process and conceptual exploration. Additionally, they submit five high-quality images of selected works that best demonstrate their technical skill, synthesis of materials, and ideas. Throughout the course, students engage in observation, research, discussion, critical analysis, and reflection, connecting their practice to broader artistic and cultural contexts. Emphasizing sustained investigation, experimentation,  practice, and revision, this course encourages students to document their evolving artistic voice while refining written, technical, and conceptual skills. The AP® 3D Art and Design program nurtures innovative artists who contribute to visual culture through meaningful, thought-provoking art-making.

    Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art, Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture, Advanced Studio Art and permission of the department.

  • AP® Drawing

    The AP® Drawing course is an intensive studio-based experience combined with the creation of a comprehensive AP Portfolio. Equivalent to a college-level foundation course, this program challenges students to explore inquiry through the creation of drawing (analog and digital), painting, printmaking, and mixed media work. The project work will focus on the application of drawing skills, including mark-making, line, surface, space, light and shade, and composition. Students develop a portfolio that showcases their artistic journey, consisting of 15 digital images documenting their creative process and conceptual exploration. Additionally, they submit five high-quality images of selected works that best demonstrate their technical skill, synthesis of materials, and ideas. Throughout the course, students engage in observation, research, discussion, critical analysis, and reflection, connecting their practice to broader artistic and cultural contexts. Emphasizing sustained investigation, experimentation,  practice, and revision, this course encourages students to document their evolving artistic voice while refining written, technical, and conceptual skills. The AP® Drawing program nurtures innovative artists who contribute to visual culture through meaningful, thought-provoking art-making.
     
    Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art, Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture, Advanced Studio Art and permission of the department.

  • Digital Art and Media

    This course explores the methods by which art can be created through digital means and how art intersects with media, marketing, and technology. This yearlong introductory course focuses on three central areas of digital art: graphic design, filmmaking, and audio production. Students will learn the fundamentals of Canva, the Adobe suite of applications, iMovie, and digital audio workstations (including Garageband and Logic). The course makes use of Westminster’s photography resources as well as the school’s brand-new podcasting and audio recording spaces.

  • Photography

    This course provides students with a variety of technical and creative photographic skills. A yearlong course, students take an in-depth look at many of the historical, technical, and aesthetic areas in both traditional and digital photography. Through hands-on assignments, demonstrations, projects and critiques, the students learn how to properly expose and edit their photos in the Adobe suite of applications. The assignments are structured with a view toward instilling a sense of design and craft with an appreciation of the decision-making process that leads to a well-composed and high-quality image. Students are issued, on loan, a digital SLR camera. There is a lab fee of $200 for this course. Note: Enrollment for this course is limited and placement preference is given to Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Form students.

  • Advanced Photography

    This course is offered to motivated students who wish to continue the study of photography. Students explore color and B&W film photography, advanced digital manipulation and strengthen their experience with studio portraiture and various lighting techniques. Students will contribute meaningfully to the creation of the Martlet, a literary and art magazine published each year. Students will execute an independent exploration of the photo essay, completing an original photo essay for exhibition. Students grow their portfolios, create a significant body of work, and write an artist mission statement. Independence and commitment to the development and execution of a personal body of work are essential.
    There is a lab fee of $275 for the year.
     
    Prerequisite: Photography and/or permission of the instructor.

  • AP® 2D Art & Design (Photography)

    This studio course is an introductory college-level two-dimensional design course concentrated in photography aimed at fulfilling the outlined requirements for the College Board Advanced Placement 2-D Art and Design Portfolio. Students create a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry through art and design, and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of the year. Students explore various traditional and digital methods in photography as they work toward the creation and growth of a comprehensive body of work which includes skillful syntheses of materials, processes, and ideas, and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision guided by questions. There is a lab fee of $275 for the yearlong course.
     
     
    Prerequisite: Photography and permission from the department

  • Architecture 1

    The Architecture 1 course introduces fundamental design concepts, current issues of influence, and value systems to elevate design and critical thinking skills. Students will explore basic principles of 2 and 3 dimensional compositions through a series of design exercises, discussions, and critiques; focusing on the intrinsic properties of materials applied in structural and conceptual expression. Students will be challenged to contend with actual dynamic forces, haptic and contextual dimensions on life-size physical and material structures on real-world sites. Emphasis is placed on design as a creative, conceptually driven, iterative process. Attention is given to theories of context, unity, order, proportion, shape, balance, form, and space as they apply to abstract composition and structural design. Expression of ideas and values present in physical form are explored through observation, analysis, transformation, and synthesis. Students develop and document projects using a variety of means, including model making, sketching, drawing, Autocad, Sketchup, RHINO, and/or other software, and photography. Project craft and execution are emphasized to minimize, and/or to resolve conflicting issues.

  • Architecture 2

    The Architecture 2 course focuses on problem solving through studio activity, related to architectural history, theory and criticism. The course includes conceptual thinking, design principles in a studio setting, amended by critiques, papers, sketches and seminars, and lectures.  Topics to be covered during the year will include abstract and objective analysis and synthesis as related to design thinking.  Various design factors, including site, environment, human presence and historic precedent will also be considered.  Design investigation at this level focuses on basic architectonic ideals and complex architectural spaces and enclosures.      

    Prerequisite: Architecture 1

  • Architecture 3

    Architecture 3 students enter the studio with a near mastery of graphic communication and a reasonable understanding of history and theory. Through various self-selected projects, these advanced students will cover theoretical topics such as tectonics, semiotics, phenomenalism, and the first principles of “things''. They will explore concepts such as being, knowing, substance, essence, cause, identity, time and space. It is a self-conscious take on that which affects architecture and architects—ideas that do not readily reveal themselves amidst the fast-paced environment of professional life. The study of architectural theory is a psychological undertaking. We require our minds to think in unusual and perhaps uncomfortable ways, knowing that this study will better inform our designs. While you may not be conscious of it, what you learn in this class will hover in the background or shadows of your design process, questioning and informing your aesthetic decisions.
     
    Prerequisite: Architecture 2

  • Introduction to Theater

    The purpose of this class is to increase understanding, appreciation, and analysis of theater and film as an event and art form. Students begin by exploring the basics of the stage and defining the space—devising theater is a major component. Students have the opportunity to express themselves from a self-reflective standpoint through journaling, playwriting, and through a series of theater games and improv. The class also experiences an interactive theater history, exploring the origins of theater up to dramas, comedies, and musicals of the 21st century. The course moves from the study of theater arts into the study of film where the students have an opportunity to adapt original and published short stories to film. They will also have the opportunity to create original films working within the realm of themes explored in the given texts. Through large and small group work and collaborative exchange in preparing a presentation, students will learn to communicate in a caring community of other learners.

  • Advanced Engineering and Design

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to explore all that engineering has to offer. Students will learn about and implement the engineering design process. Students will advance their problem-solving skills and will examine how engineers help shape and create our world. This course will be project-oriented and involve all stages of engineering from ideation, planning, and design to building, testing, and re-testing. In addition, the professional skills of communication and presentation will be explored. Students will use software technology such as 3-D modeling software, coding for robotics, and app design technology. This course is recommended for students who have a strong background in STEM courses and are interested in engineering.

    Prerequisites: Physics, Chemistry, Biology

  • Stagecraft

    (Not offered 2025-2026)
    Stagecraft and Arts Technology is an introductory course designed to cover broadly most aspects of technical theater, filmmaking, and digital media. Throughout the year, students will develop their abilities in the areas of woodworking and carpentry, painting, lighting and cinematography, film editing, audio engineering, and graphic design. The course will emphasize students' creative potential. Project-based learning, both individually and collaboratively, is an essential component of the course. Classes are held in Werner Centennial Center, giving students full access to the building's fully-equipped scene shop, stage space, and technical equipment and tools. Students will receive training in relevant technical softwares, including Garageband, iMovie, QLab, Vectorworks, and the Adobe Suite of design applications.

  • Music History and Theory

    Students in this class will focus on several areas: a complete survey of the history of classical and American Popular music as well as a basic understanding of musical notes, chords, scales and how to put them together to create music. The class will work to create an environment of artistic and enthusiastic class participation while learning about and listening to several hundred pieces of music. Who should take this course? Students who love to listen to music and want to understand what the art of music represents. Students who want to learn about different eras of music and how they were affected by society and culture. Students who want to realize how music helps us to understand the world, its people and ourselves. Students who want to understand how poetry, visual arts and music work together throughout history.
     
    This course is a prerequisite for the Advanced Placement Music Theory course.

  • AP® Music Theory

    This course is equivalent to a college-level music theory course and is designed for advanced music students who have an interest in expanding their knowledge of music and music theory. Much of the course is devoted to ear training, analysis, melodic and harmonic dictation, and sight singing. Students will learn how to write four-part harmony for choir and keyboard instruments. Students will also have an opportunity to explore their creativity by composing their own music using the knowledge they have gained in the first part of the year.
     
    Prerequisite: Introduction to Music Theory or permission of the department based on results of a placement test.

  • Advanced Songwriting

    This class will focus on advanced composition using techniques learned in that course. Topics covered will be song structure, melody writing, and lyric writing in different styles and genres. Students will also cover some of the elements of music production including digital audio workstations, mixing, editing and recording. One of the goals of the class will be to have the pieces performed in a community setting throughout the year.
     
    Prerequisite: Advanced Placement Music Theory

  • Concert Band

    This instrumental ensemble is dedicated to exploring high-quality traditional and contemporary concert band/wind ensemble literature. Open to all interested students, it meets two times per week during the performing arts block. One creative arts credit is granted to those enrolled who meet all performance commitments for two consecutive years.

  • String Ensemble

    The String Ensemble is open to all intermediate and advanced bass, cello, viola, and violin players. This group studies the traditional classical chamber music repertoire, as well as more contemporary transcriptions. It meets once a week during the performing arts block.

  • Dance Ensemble

    The Westminster Dancers perform each trimester in a fully produced concert on the beautiful Werner Centennial Theater Booker T. Bradshaw stage. Dance at Westminster is a studio-based course tailored to all levels of dance experience in a supportive and inclusive environment. The course curriculum includes a focus on modern dance and ballet techniques as well as rehearsals of original choreography in preparation for each concert. Encouraged and supported by the Director of Dance, many students also take the opportunity to choreograph for the winter or spring concerts for extra credit. A willingness and motivation to learn and perform choreography by faculty and students are the only prerequisites for taking this dance course that meets block 6 during the academic day and fulfills the one credit arts requirement.

  • Chorale

    The Westminster Chorale functions as an uplifting choral experience for any student who enjoys singing. Unlike Chamber Choir, the only prerequisite for joining the group is a love of music and a desire to learn a variety of repertoire. Basic vocal skills are taught such as breathing, diction, and phrasing. Chorale meets twice a week and takes part in an average of four concerts per academic year. Students who sing in Chorale for two years fulfill their Westminster arts requirement.

  • Chamber Choir

    This group is limited to a maximum of 24 singers who must audition with the director. Membership in Chorale is a requirement for participation in this ensemble. Chamber Choir focuses on the performance of a challenging repertoire, both accompanied and a cappella, from 16th-century madrigals to close harmony pop arrangements. In addition to major school concerts, performances include trustee and alumni functions, chapel services, and off-campus musical events.

  • Private Lessons

    Students may choose to take private lessons for voice, instrument, and dance. Lessons meet once per week during a free period. Lesson fees are in addition to tuition, and lessons are not for credit. Students can study any voice part or instrument, including string instruments, keyboard instruments, brass, and woodwinds. Students can study any type of dance style including ballet, pointe work, variation, composition, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and tap. Students who are interested in taking private music lessons should contact the director of music. Students who are interested in taking private dance lessons should contact the director of dance.

Faculty

  • Photo of Kerry Anne Kendall
    Kerry Anne Kendall
    Head of Visual and Performing Arts Department, Director of Art Galleries, Annual Gund Event Coordinator
    (860) 408-3765
    University of New Mexico - B.A.F.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Daniel Aber
    Daniel Aber
    String Ensemble Director
    (860) 408-3728
    Computer Science
    Swayze Award 1992
    Cornell University - B.A.
    Wesleyan University - M.A.L.S.
    Bio
  • Photo of David Chrzanowski
    David Chrzanowski
    Director of Music, Chapel Organist
    (860) 408-3094
    Soccer
    O'Brien Award 2019
    Bucknell University - B.Mus.
    Yale University School of Music - M.Mus.
    Bio
  • Photo of Bella Deluca
    Bella Deluca
    Visual Arts
    (860) 408-3765
    University of Hartford - B.F.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Thomas Johnston
    Thomas Johnston
    Concert Band and Jazz Band Director
    University of Hartford - B.M.
    Central Connecticut State University - M.M.
    University of Hartford - M.Ed.
    Bio
  • Photo of Andrew Marco
    Andrew Marco
    Technical Director of Werner Centennial Center
    (860) 408-3904
    Connecticut College - B.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Meghan Marco
    Meghan Marco
    Dance Instructor
  • Photo of A-men Rasheed
    A-men Rasheed
    Dean of Residential Life, Director of Theater & Dramat Productions
    (860) 408-3097
    Swayze Award 2014
    O'Brien Award 2018
    Central Connecticut State University - B.F.A.
    New York University - M.F.A.
    City College of New York - M.S.Ed.
    Bio
  • Photo of Rachel Russell
    Rachel Russell
    Director of Dance
    (860) 408-3072
    Photography
    Dance
    The Hartt School, The University of Hartford - B.F.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Theodore Sawruk
    Theodore Sawruk
    Architecture
    Architectural Association School of Architecture - Graduate Degree
    Carnegie-Mellon University - B.Arch
  • Photo of Rebeccah Tuscano-Moss
    Rebeccah Tuscano-Moss
    Architecture
    (860) 408-3766
    Community Service
    University of Arkansas - B.Arch.
    Bio

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Simsbury, Connecticut 06070

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In keeping with our support for a diverse community, Westminster abides by all applicable federal and state laws and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national and ethnic origin, ancestry and/or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Westminster admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. 
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