Arts

Involvement in the arts is a hallmark of an MKA education.  Starting in Pre-K, students attend weekly dance, music and art classes, and also spend time preparing for class plays, seasonal concerts and exhibitions.

At the Middle School, the arts program continues to encourage self-expression, self-discipline and creative risk-taking. Quarterly courses in art, music, dance and drama continue through the seventh grade, and students combine all of their related skills to stage major theatrical productions, be it the sixth grade musical, the seventh grade Shakespeare play, or the eighth grade original drama, that are highlights of the Middle School experience. Eighth grade students have the opportunity to select quarterly arts electives, including offerings that incorporate technology, such as Arts and Technology and Graphic Design. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in the choral, band or strings program as well.

Upper School students must have a minimum of nine fine and performing arts credits to graduate, and are encouraged to  explore disciplines in the arts that may be outside their previous experience.  Offerings include fine art, sculpture, traditional and digital photography courses, Band, Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Chorale and Mastersingers as well as theatre, dance and film and communication courses, which often combine study of design and performance. Students may also choose to participate on stage or in the production of one of the major Upper School performances-a fall play, a winter musical and a spring play or movie.  MKA's spring movie productions have consistently received accolades and professional industry awards, such as Telly and Communicator Awards of Excellence.

FACILITIES

The Peter R. Greer Arts Wing at MKA's Upper School Campus was officially opened in April 2006. This $3 million facility houses a sculpture studio, painting studio, band room, rehearsal rooms and traditional and digital photography labs which provide dedicated space for MKA's burgeoning arts program. In addition, the Weiss Gallery, adjacent to the studios, provides a gallery space for both local artists and student exhibits. The Upper School campus also houses the recently renovated 550 seat Weiss Auditorium, the black box Deetjen Theatre, a dance studio and a chorale room.
At the Middle School, arts facilities include a 500 seat auditorium, two art rooms and two music rooms, while the Primary School enjoys a large dance studio, music room and art studio, as well as a stage in the gymnasium.