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The Creative Center

Visual and Performing Arts

The arts are an essential part of who we are at Pinewood. Our founder, Gwen Riches, began Pinewood as an after-school arts program, believing that creative expression enhances every aspect of learning. Today, her philosophy continues to shine across all our campuses. From kindergarten through 12th grade, students engage in musical performance, participate in theatrical productions, and develop their skills in visual arts. These experiences empower our students to express themselves clearly and confidently, preparing them not just for college, but for life.

The growth I’ve seen in my son through the plays is amazing, Seeing him on stage feeling proud and confident is wonderful.

Leena Faerber
Pinewood Parent

Join Us for the Show!

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October 24-26 at 7:00 pm 🔎 15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.

2024-25 Pinewood Performing Arts Season

Exciting Performances Ahead!

Get ready for an unforgettable season of shows at Upper Campus, performed by our junior high and high school students. Don’t miss out!

K-6 Performing Arts

The Arts at Pinewood

Every student from kindergarten through 6th grade participates in a class play each year. Some students naturally love the spotlight, while others who may be unsure become more confident and even discover a new interest in performing arts. Whether they are already passionate about the stage or have never been on stage before, everyone benefits. Students grow as individuals and bond as classmates through these shared experiences. Attending their child's class play is also a highlight for Pinewood parents, making it a cherished tradition in the school community.

  • Every K-6 student takes the stage each year in a class play, building confidence and communication skills.
  • Students in K-6 can showcase their vocal talents by joining our student choir.
  • Students in grades 3-6 have the opportunity to enhance their musical abilities by joining the Middle Campus band.

Junior High & High School Performing Arts

The Arts at Pinewood

Junior High (7-8) — In 7th grade, students present a variety show, taking on more complex roles and responsibility than in K-6. 8th graders can choose to participate in a class musical as an elective. These experiences help students grow in confidence, teamwork, and collaboration, fostering a sense of community as they transition into junior high. In this supportive space, they start discovering their interests, laying the foundation for future growth.

High School (9-12) — High school students can further immerse themselves in the performing arts through courses like drama, musical theater, and technical theater. For those passionate about singing, groups like our award-winning a cappella team, Take Note, offer a chance to shine. These opportunities help students refine their skills both on stage and behind the scenes, building confidence, collaboration, and leadership qualities that prepare them to contribute and lead, now and in the future.

  • Upper Campus arts students have the opportunity to travel annually, where they can perform and immerse themselves in unique artistic experiences at exciting destinations.
  • Upper Campus students broaden their artistic horizons by participating in competitions and festivals, contributing to the art world as a dynamic and creative group.
  • Our vocal performers also have the chance to collaborate and record music together. Be sure to check out our award-winning a cappella group, Take Note, and their recent recordings on Spotify.

K-6 Visual Arts

The Arts at Pinewood

Grades K-2 — Students in kindergarten have art class every day, and 1st and 2nd graders have art three times per week, allowing them to engage with visual arts consistently. This daily practice helps our students develop foundational skills in various mediums such as painting, drawing, and sculpting, fostering creativity and fine motor skills.

Grades 3-6 — As students progress to grades 3-6, visual arts become part of the rotating enrichment class curriculum. This structure allows them to build upon their foundational skills while exploring more advanced techniques and concepts in a structured environment.

Junior High & High School Visual Art and Design

The Arts at Pinewood

Students in grades 7-12 begin with foundational required courses that cover essential skills in visual arts. As they advance, they have the option to take electives in specialized areas such as design, photography, and studio art. These electives provide opportunities for students to delve deeper into their artistic interests and develop a personal style, preparing them for college-level work in the arts if they choose to pursue it.

Pinewood School's creative arts program played a pivotal role in shaping my creative journey. Having attended Pinewood for K-12, I was fortunate to experience an education that emphasized the development of well-rounded students. 

The opportunity to explore a wide range of courses and extracurriculars, particularly the graphic design elective in my senior year, was a game-changer. This ultimately inspired me to change my college major to Communication Design, altering the course of my college experience and career aspirations entirely. 

From working as a graphic designer in advertising and marketing to my current role as a product designer at a large corporation, I am grateful for the exposure to the creative arts at Pinewood. The small class sizes, unique electives, and the encouragement to pursue new skills are aspects of Pinewood that I directly attribute to my ability to flex and pivot in the ever-evolving creative world.

Haley Longbottom
Class of 2013

Annual Class Plays

Every K-7 student takes the stage in an annual performing arts production, building confidence, communication skills, and lasting memories—for both students and parents!

Art Every Day

K-2 students enjoy daily art classes, with opportunities expanding through high school, allowing them to explore and refine their talents throughout their entire Pinewood experience.

Guided by Artists

Our arts programs are led by teachers who are artists themselves, bringing their passion and expertise in both performing and visual arts into the classroom and inspiring our students every day.

Listen to Take Note, Pinewood's award-winning high school a cappella group!

In our small-school environment, teachers truly see each student as a unique individual with their own talents and interests. It's not uncommon for a Pinewood teacher to notice a student humming a tune and encourage them to audition for a singing group or musical. This kind of personal attention often leads to students discovering new passions and opportunities they might not have explored otherwise.