At Resurrection Lutheran School, we believe that arts education is an integral part of developing the whole child. Our comprehensive arts programs in music, visual arts, and drama provide students from Cary, Apex, and surrounding communities with opportunities to explore their God-given creativity while developing skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
The Value of Arts Education in Christian Schools
Arts education plays a crucial role in a well-rounded Christian education. At Resurrection Lutheran School, we integrate arts instruction with academic excellence and spiritual formation to nurture students' creative gifts.
Nurturing God-Given Creativity
As Christians, we believe that creativity reflects God's nature as the ultimate Creator. Our arts programs help students:
- Recognize their creative abilities as gifts from God
- Develop and refine their artistic talents
- Express their faith through various art forms
- Appreciate beauty as an expression of God's character
- Use their creative gifts to serve others and glorify God
This biblical understanding of creativity gives purpose and meaning to arts education beyond mere self-expression or technical skill development.
Developing the Whole Child
Research consistently demonstrates that arts education contributes significantly to children's overall development:
- Cognitive development: Arts education enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning
- Social-emotional growth: Creating and performing art builds confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence
- Academic achievement: Studies show that students involved in arts education often perform better across all academic areas
- Character formation: Arts education develops perseverance, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving
At Resurrection Lutheran School, we value these developmental benefits while also nurturing students' spiritual growth through our arts programs.
Music Programs at Resurrection Lutheran School
Our music program provides students with opportunities to develop musical skills, appreciate diverse musical traditions, and use their musical gifts in worship and performance.
Elementary Music Education
All elementary students at Resurrection Lutheran School receive regular music instruction that includes:
- Foundational music theory and notation
- Vocal development and choral singing
- Rhythm training and movement
- Introduction to various musical instruments
- Music appreciation across different genres and cultures
- Performance opportunities throughout the school year
Our elementary music program follows a sequential curriculum that builds skills progressively from grade to grade, preparing students for more advanced musical study in middle school.
Middle School Music Options
Middle school students can choose from several music electives:
- Concert Band: Students develop instrumental skills while performing a variety of musical styles
- Chorus: Students refine vocal techniques and perform choral literature from different periods and traditions
- Music Technology: Students explore digital music creation, recording, and production
These programs provide opportunities for both beginner and experienced musicians to develop their skills further.
Worship and Performance Opportunities
Students participate in various musical performances throughout the year:
- Weekly chapel services
- Christmas programs
- Spring concerts
- Community events
- Special worship services
- Competitions and festivals
These experiences allow students to share their musical gifts while developing performance skills and confidence.
Visual Arts at Resurrection Lutheran School
Our visual arts program encourages students to observe, create, and reflect while developing technical skills across various media.
Elementary Art Education
Elementary students receive regular art instruction that includes:
- Drawing, painting, and sculpture techniques
- Color theory and design principles
- Art history and appreciation
- Exploration of diverse artistic traditions
- Integration of art with other subject areas
- Faith connections through artistic themes
Our art curriculum is designed to build skills sequentially while encouraging creative expression and problem-solving.
Middle School Art Electives
Middle school students can choose from visual arts electives that include:
- Mixed Media Studio: Students explore various art forms including drawing, painting, and three-dimensional design
- Digital Art: Students learn to create and manipulate digital images using industry-standard software
- Art History and Criticism: Students study major artistic movements and develop skills in analyzing and interpreting artwork
These courses allow students to deepen their artistic interests while refining their technical skills.
Art Exhibitions and Community Connections
Student artwork is celebrated and shared through:
- School-wide art exhibitions
- Community art shows
- Digital galleries on our website
- Artwork displayed throughout our campus
- Service-oriented art projects that benefit the community
These opportunities provide authentic audiences for student work while connecting our school to the broader Cary and Apex communities.
Drama and Theater Arts at Resurrection Lutheran School
Our drama program helps students develop performance skills, confidence, and teamwork while exploring storytelling from a Christian perspective.
Elementary Drama Integration
In elementary grades, drama is integrated into the curriculum through:
- Classroom role-playing activities
- Reader's theater
- Creative storytelling
- Character reenactments in history and Bible classes
- Grade-level performances and presentations
These experiences build confidence in public speaking and performance while enhancing understanding across the curriculum.
Middle School Drama
Middle school students can participate in our drama program through:
- Drama elective courses: Students learn acting techniques, stagecraft, and theater production
- School plays and musicals: Students perform in full-scale productions open to the school community
- Speech and debate opportunities: Students develop public speaking and argumentation skills
Our drama program emphasizes collaboration, creative problem-solving, and excellence in performance.
Productions and Performances
Throughout the year, students have opportunities to participate in:
- Fall drama production
- Spring musical
- Chapel dramas
- Class presentations
- Community performances
These productions allow students to develop their theatrical talents while sharing meaningful stories with our school community.
How Arts Education at RLS Differs from Other Schools
Our approach to arts education stands out from other schools in several key ways:
Faith Integration
Unlike public school arts programs, we integrate faith throughout our arts curriculum by:
- Exploring the biblical foundations of creativity and beauty
- Selecting content that aligns with our Christian values
- Discussing how artistic choices can reflect or contradict Christian principles
- Creating opportunities for students to use their artistic gifts in worship and service
This integration helps students understand their creative abilities in the context of their faith journey.
Balanced Approach
We believe in a balanced approach to arts education that includes:
- Skill development: Students learn the technical foundations of various art forms
- Creative expression: Students are encouraged to develop their unique artistic voice
- Critical thinking: Students learn to analyze and interpret art from various perspectives
- Cultural understanding: Students explore diverse artistic traditions from around the world
This balanced approach prepares students to engage thoughtfully with the arts throughout their lives.
Supportive Community
Our arts programs benefit from:
- Dedicated, specialized arts faculty who are practicing artists and committed Christians
- Supportive parents who value arts education
- Partnerships with local arts organizations in Cary and Apex
- A school culture that celebrates creativity alongside academic achievement
This supportive community creates an environment where students feel empowered to take creative risks and develop their artistic abilities.
Arts Facilities and Resources
Resurrection Lutheran School provides excellent facilities and resources for arts education:
Music Facilities
- Dedicated music classroom with quality instruments
- Piano lab for group keyboard instruction
- Sound equipment for performances
- Digital music technology resources
- Extensive music library
Visual Arts Facilities
- Fully equipped art studio with appropriate materials for various media
- Digital art lab with computers and design software
- Display areas throughout the school
- Art history resources and visual references
Drama Facilities
- Flexible performance space
- Lighting and sound equipment
- Costume and prop storage
- Set construction capabilities
These facilities provide the tools and spaces necessary for quality arts instruction and student performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need prior arts experience to participate in your programs?
No prior experience is necessary. Our programs are designed to accommodate students at all skill levels, from beginners to those with advanced abilities. Our teachers differentiate instruction to meet students where they are and help them progress.
How often do students have arts classes?
Elementary students have weekly specialized instruction in music and visual art. Middle school students choose from various arts electives that meet multiple times per week. Additionally, arts integration occurs across the curriculum, providing students with regular creative experiences.
Are there additional costs associated with arts programs?
Most arts instruction is included in regular tuition. There may be nominal fees for some materials or activities, such as instrument rentals for band students or costume fees for major productions. We strive to keep these costs minimal and offer assistance when needed.
Can students participate in multiple arts programs?
Yes! We encourage students to explore various creative outlets. Middle school students can take multiple arts electives if their schedule permits, and all students can participate in extracurricular arts opportunities regardless of their elective choices.
How do you balance arts education with academic rigor?
We believe that arts education enhances academic achievement rather than competing with it. Our integrated approach helps students make connections across disciplines, and our scheduling ensures that students receive both quality arts instruction and rigorous academics.
Schedule a Tour to Learn More
We invite families from Cary, Apex, and surrounding communities to experience our arts programs firsthand. Schedule a tour to:
- Visit our arts facilities
- Meet our dedicated arts faculty
- Learn more about our curriculum and performance opportunities
- Discuss how your child's specific interests and talents can be nurtured at Resurrection Lutheran School
Contact us today to schedule your tour or learn more about our programs. We look forward to showing you how our arts programs contribute to our mission of providing an excellent, Christ-centered education.
For more information about affording a quality Christian education with strong arts programs, please visit our Affording Resurrection page.
