Dear Beaches Campus Community,

As we begin a new school year, I’m excited to share several arts opportunities available at the Beaches Campus. Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s arts education.

Dance Opportunities

We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Lexie Bristol as our dedicated dance and movement instructor. She will continue the Performance Dance Ensemble for students in grades 3–5. In partnership with Athletics, Mondays have been reserved for dance, with no league practices or competitions scheduled that day (except boys JV sports and occasional playoff exceptions). Students may participate either or both semesters with separate registrations for Fall and Spring through the After School Activities (ASA) registration periods. (Students will register in Trimester 1 for August – December, and in Trimester 2 for January-May). Each semester includes unique choreography, costumes, and performance opportunities on and off campus.

Ms. Bristol will also continue a K–2 Dance Class on Tuesdays. This class follows the regular ASA schedule and registration process.

PreK Dance will begin in Trimester 2 and is a great way to build foundational skills for our youngest movers.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts after-school activities will also be offered to complement our strong visual arts curriculum.

Music Lessons

Violin Group Lessons: We are excited to welcome back Ms. Corina Weinmair (her new married name) to lead violin instruction for students in grades 2–5. This Wednesday morning group lesson (7:20 a.m.) is open to both new and returning violin students. While the total $675 tuition is split into three parts and paid during each trimester registration ($225), enrollment requires a yearlong commitment since students reserve a full-year spot and no additional students will be added after August. Ms. Weinmair will help families determine the correct violin size and recommend rental or purchase options. A parent orientation will be held on August 26 at 8:00 a.m. in the Music Room.

Piano lessons will continue, with registration during the ASA sign-up periods.

Transition Time Special Ensembles

Working with administration and classroom teachers, we are able to offer two ensembles during end of day transition time (2:45–3:30 p.m.). This allows students to participate in the ensembles without having to choose between arts and sports or other activities. Patrol responsibilities will be accommodated for participating students. Once rehearsals conclude at 3:30 p.m., students may participate in after-school activities. Students without another activity are ready for pickup outside McCormick Hall at 3:30 p.m.

• Drama Ensemble (Grades 3–5): Sign ups will happen outside of ASA registration. Drama registration links will be sent by drama teacher Ms. Donald after school begins. Drama is also offered in Fall and Spring semesters, with registration opening in August and January. Rehearsals meet Mondays, 2:45–3:30 p.m.

• Choral Ensemble (Grades 3–5): Sign ups will happen outside of ASA registration. Chorus registration links will be sent by music teacher Ms. Hartley after school begins. Chorus is offered in Fall and Spring semesters, with registration opening in August and January. Each semester includes two to three performances at school and in the community. Rehearsals meet Wednesdays, 2:45–3:30 p.m.

In addition to these extracurricular opportunities, we remain committed to providing exceptional arts instruction for every student. Over the past year, we have continued refining our approach to age-appropriate arts experiences, grade-level performances, and extracurricular opportunities. Through visual art, dance, music, and theatre, we are grateful for the opportunity to help every child discover, develop, and celebrate their creativity.

Here’s to a wonderful and creative school year!

Katie Black-Bowling
Director of Fine Arts