Music and Performance Teacher
Chesapeake Academy seeks a Music and Performance Instructor for the 2024-25 school year. This is a full-time position (although part-time would be considered) with teaching responsibilities PreK-8th grade. Please contact Catherine Emery (clemery@chesapeakeacademy.org) (804-438-5575) to inquire, submit an application, or for more information.
The integration of music and dance enrich the academic program and further develop the whole child. Each year, students participate in a variety of planned performances that require them to practice with consistency to perfect their classroom learning. Multi-age groupings support increased peer interaction and broader vocal participation, strengthening the community spirit. Larger school events invite members from the broader community, giving students an opportunity to showcase their growth. Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day, the Holiday Program, and ARTStravaganza are all anticipated events that build purposeful learning and enthusiasm for the arts. Schools from around the area are also invited to view the Performing Arts and Lecture Series (PALS) performances on campus alongside the School’s student population. Fine and performing art events are communicated to families through the School newsletter (Head’s Up), the School website, and newspaper press releases.
Fine arts learning is also given equal importance in the School’s curriculum. Kindergarten through eighth grade students have weekly art classes that meet for forty-five minutes. Topics include art history through the study of famous artists and studio art where instruction is provided in drawing, painting, and sculpture. Students work in a variety of media, learning elements of composition and design. The art program reflects and supports the annual character theme. Art instruction is also offered as an Activity Period elective for students in grades three through eight. The spring ARTStravaganza event includes an art show judged by local artists and features an art piece from every student in the School. The show is held on campus and includes a grand opening reception hosted by the fifth graders.
As audience members, students have many chances to appreciate dramatic performances by professional artists. Through the PALS program, Chesapeake Academy students enjoy visits from the Virginia Rep, the Richmond Ballet, and Aura CuriAtlas. In addition, students travel to local theaters and performance venues to participate in productions that extend and enrich curriculum goals. Most recently, seventh and eighth-grade foreign language learners traveled to Richmond to see the Latin Ballet, thus supporting the school’s ongoing tagline of “Small School, Huge Classroom.”
Grading in Art, Music, and Performance classes reflects participation, attitude, engagement, and skills development. Student performances and art displays are an element of this grading rubric.