Davidson Academy offers many ways for a student to enrich their lives through participating in different forms of art. Our offerings are listed below.
Band
Davidson Academy Bands: Marching Band, Concert Band, 5/6 Grade Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band. Contact Elizabeth Evans at eevans@davidsonacademy.com or call the Band Department
at 860-5318
Chorale
Davidson Academy Choirs: Schola Cantorum (auditioned choir), Show Choir.
Contact Elizabeth Evans at eevans@davidsonacademy.com or call 860-5318.
Theatre/Drama THEATRE class - The focus of the class is on theatre history, theatre appreciation and basic beginning acting techniques. The class is also appropriate for students who may be more interested in learning about the technical side of theatre (sound effects, lighting design, costuming etc.).
We will go on at least two field trips a year and will have a guest artist come teach a workshop or speak to the group.
ADVANCED THEATRE class - (prerequisite Theatre 1 and 2) This is a proper acting class. We will work on monologue techniques, scene work involving two or more actors, improvisation, vocal warm-ups, etc. We will go on at least two field trips a year. We will have a guest artist come teach a workshop or speak to the group. We will often have open discussions over plays, musicals or even current or classic movies. We work toward recreating life on the stage.
Visual Arts Art I and II focuses on creating works of art by using various media, techniques, and technology. Students will study art from various time periods and cultures while developing their own artistic style. Our main goal is to help students develop an appreciation for the presence of art both within the classroom and in everyday experiences.
Graphic Design uses software like Adobe Photoshop and Google Sketchup to create homes and advertisements like the professionals.
Dance Mission Statement: Quality Dance Training with a Spiritual Approach
The Davidson Academy Dance Program is a unique opportunity for your child to learn dance in a Christian environment. We strive to offer your child the best instruction available in ballet, tap, and jazz. Excellence in technique is stressed. Performance opportunities are provided. Your child will have a strong background in dance training should a professional opportunity arise. For those students for whom dance is not a lifetime goal, the classes offer discipline, poise, grace, and a chance to use dance as a part of the child's spiritual growth. Davidson Academy Dance Company Website >>
Ballet, Tap, and Jazz Amanda Smith, Ballet Instructor
Mrs. Smith is from Clarksville, Tenn., where she was the director of her own school for 18 years. She began training with her mother then continued on to study classical ballet with Albertine Maxwell. Mrs. Smith had pedagogy studies years one through five of the Vaganova method of teaching ballet with John White, director of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet Society. Each spring her school presented a spring production which built and sustained a continuing education scholarship through the Speech, Communication, and Theatre Department at Austin Peay State University. In 1989 Mrs. Smith won the National Tap Dance Challenge award associated with the movie "Tap", starring Gregory Hines. For the past four years she has been a judge with the International Dance Challenge, a national competition organization. She has intensive teaching experience working with children of all ages. Mrs. Smith has two daughters, Alexandra and Morgan.
Spring 2011 Dance Recital
Piano and Voice Tralena Walker, Instructor
Tralena Walker is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a concentration in voice and minor in piano. Mrs. Walker teaches Suzuki piano method and classical voice method. She is a Speedway Records recording artist, recording two tracks “Thunder Road.” She has performed the National Anthem and songs from “Thunder Road” CD for national audiences on ABC TV, TBS cable network and others. Mrs. Walker has also appeared on TNN (The Nashville Network). Mrs. Walker has taught piano and voice at Davidson Academy since 2003.
