Diving into Artistic Diversity: Wealth of Art Education at Bronx Science
Bronx High School of Science Embraces Arts Education
The Bronx High School of Science has expanded its curriculum to include a diverse array of high-quality arts courses and programs, reflecting a commitment to holistic education that values both scientific and artistic excellence.
Among the offerings are visual arts, studio art, painting, photography, computer graphics, digital music lab, drama, AP 2D Art and Design, and AP Music Theory. The school also boasts multiple performing ensembles, providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents and personalities.
One such student is Vanessa Mines '26, who has developed her artistic skills, particularly in visual arts, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mines, who is currently enrolled in a Studio in Painting class at the school, expresses herself through various works of art. She has even shifted from traditional art to digital art as her main medium.
Mines is not alone in her artistic pursuits. Katherine Chan '26 and Rebekah Chen '26 are members of Lunar, a performance group that showcases the talents of students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Despite experiencing stage fright, Chan and Chen do not let it hinder their performances.
Sofia Fernandez '26 is a performer in both S!NG and Choreo, two extracurricular activities that foster a rich performance culture at the school. Abigail Lee '26, a member of Concert Band, is dedicated to a four-year commitment and values her experiences in the group, particularly her first Winter Concert, as it was fulfilling and helped her overcome stage nerves.
Being a mentor in Concert Band has helped Lee discover her strengths and weaknesses and develop skills in graphic and creative design. Playing an instrument is a form of expression that requires interpretation, according to Lee.
Mr. Bing Qiu, Assistant Principal of World Languages, Music, and Art, believes arts integration is crucial in the school's environment. He emphasizes that creative expression is fundamental to students' social-emotional development and overall wellbeing at Bronx Science.
Arts education complements STEM learning by developing different ways of thinking and problem-solving. For instance, the school offers a graphic novel English class that blends visual art and literature, encouraging creative expression within a rigorous academic environment.
In conclusion, the Bronx High School of Science integrates arts through extensive curricular offerings and cross-disciplinary approaches, recognizing that artistic creativity requires originality and thoughtful effort similar to scientific achievements. This integration expands the definition of student success beyond academics alone, fostering motivation, time management skills, and personal growth while promoting inclusivity and diversity.
- The expanded curriculum at Bronx High School of Science spotlights various forms of artistic expression, including visual arts, drama, digital music lab, and computer graphics.
- Opinion: Integrating arts education into the curriculum at Bronx Science has proven effective in fostering holistic development and personal growth among students.
- Being a member of Lunar, an arts performance group, Katherine Chan '26 and Rebekah Chen '26 have showcased their talents in entertainment, despite dealing with stage fright.
- In addition to visual arts, Vanessa Mines '26 has delved into digital art as her main medium, reflecting the diverse forms of photography featured at the school.
- The school's emphasis on arts education extends beyond curricular offerings, as Sofia Fernandez '26 engages in extracurricular activities like S!NG and Choreo, which contribute to the school's rich performance culture.
- Apart from fostering creativity, arts education also provides educational benefits, as demonstrated by Abigail Lee '26's development of graphic and creative design skills through playing an instrument and her involvement in Concert Band.
