White Pines Arts
At White Pines, the arts are an essential part of every student’s experience. From music and drama to visual arts, our programs spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Every 5th grader begins the year exploring band, orchestra, and choir—giving them the chance to discover what excites them most before choosing a path to continue. In 6th grade, students may keep developing their musical skills while also engaging in hands-on visual arts classes.
With a tradition of excellence and award-winning programs across Grand Haven Area Public Schools, our arts opportunities empower students to express themselves, collaborate with peers, and shine in new ways.
Music
Grade 5 Music Electives Form
The U.S. Department of Education includes music as a subject that college-bound middle school students should take. The arts contribute significantly to children's intellectual development.
All students at White Pines participate in band, orchestra, or choir throughout the year.
Fifth Grade
Choral instruction is provided by Maria Schoon giving students an opportunity to learn music through vocal performance. Luke Kirkopoulos provides instruction to woodwinds, brass, and percussionists. Melissa Meyers works with students in orchestra to further develop skills in violin, viola, cello, and string bass.
Sixth Grade
Orchestra students meet under the direction of Tatyana Walters. Parks Peyton provides instruction to vocalists in a choral performance setting. Brass, woodwinds, and percussionists meet under the direction of Luke Kirkopoulos for band.
Contact
Visual Arts
Visual art teaches a remarkable array of mental habits not emphasized elsewhere in school. It is a visual form of communication that connects us to one another and gives our lives a sense of creativity, significance and meaning. Art is the means by which all cultures record, express and interpret the world.
Art promotes self-awareness, self-expression and well-being. It allows students to use higher order thinking and develop problem solving skills. It also makes interdisciplinary connections between visual arts goals/objectives and those of other subject areas.
Fifth and sixth grades students participate in an art class with Katie Stout throughout the year at White Pines. The art room is located between the office and 500 wings of the school.
Grades are determined based upon the following product/performance standards:
- creates artwork that exhibits high quality craftsmanship and inventive problem solving
- follows objectives and guidelines established for each art assignment
- uses equipment and materials correctly and responsibly
- exhibits appropriate behavior for successful learning
"The artist must train not only his eye but also his soul." ~Wassily Kandinsky
