The Department of Fine and Applied Arts provides students with access to a wide range of expressive mediums and processes. Parker Academy recognizes that the arts offer students unique opportunities to practice and cultivate distinct ways of thinking, communicating, reasoning, investigating and knowing. Students are in small classes. This allows us to give them choices and bring their own ideas into making art. At the same time, learning the fundamentals of art is built into their work. This gives them a solid foundation in the essential studio practices.
Students apply understanding of design and aesthetics to making functional objects for everyday use as well as paintings, prints and sculpture. Fine and applied art students have access to and instruction in drawing and painting, printmaking, ceramics, book arts, welding, woodworking and other media. Though process is considered an important piece of the arts experience, students complete a range of projects which have included: ceramic tiles, found object sculptures, self-portraits, hand-built boats and portfolios for art college admissions.
- Advanced Studio Art Seminar
- AP Studio Art
- Art Explorations
- Basic Timber Framing
- Building Trades and Light Construction
- College Portfolio Preparation
- Foundations of 2 & 3 Dimensions Art
- Foundations of Studio Art
- Studio Art and Ideas
- Woodworking I & II
Parker Academy's Connection
Parker Academy has a connection to Plymouth State University as it serves as
meeting place for a graduate course offered every spring called "Making Connections: Visual Arts in the Classroom".
The course is offered through the graduate school of the Integrated Arts Department and taught by Deborah Mahar.
"Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without." - Confucius
Parker Academy's commitment to student development encompasses all aspects of the individual. Curriculum goes beyond academics,
with a focus on music and the arts. The Music Program is an integral part of Parker's commitment to a complete expansion of each
student as a whole. Our recently expanded program includes private instruction, group instruction, a performing ensemble, as well
as a Music Appreciation and History.
Private instruction is open to any student who expresses an interest in music. Here, students receive one-on-one instruction daily or once a week. The student and instructor set short- and long-term goals for the student and work over the course year to meet and exceed all goals. Some topics included are chord structure, rhythmic development, theory, proper technique, song structure, vocal performance, dynamics, finger picking, improvisation, and soloing.
Group instruction, while more informal, gives students a chance to interact musically. Students have the opportunity to work on guitar, drums, piano, bass, singing or any instrument they wish to bring to the class.
The Ensemble is geared toward the musically advanced. Each year, the Ensemble selects a group of songs to learn and perform at
school functions throughout the year. They also have the opportunity to record a demo in one of New England's best recording studios
(Dizzyland Recording Studio, Rochester, NH). The Ensemble also writes and performs original songs created by the students themselves.
Music Appreciation and History is available for students who have an interest in music, but not necessarily playing or performing. In this format, the class covers the history of modern music, influential artists, major musical events, instrument development and ground-breaking albums as well as covering all genres of music.
The music room at Parker includes a 5-piece drum set, guitar amplifiers, a bass amplifier, piano and a new state-of-the-art sound system.
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