Arts

The visual and performing arts are an important focus at the Khabele School. Unlike many schools that require one or two years of study in the arts for high school graduation, we believe that practice in these creative forms is imperative for development.  In our high school we require four years of study in the arts and provide options for advancement in many creative genres.

Visual Arts

Students who learn to express themselves through art tend to be more confident, happy and focused academically.  Current research supports the concept that analytical education is alone not sufficient to prepare young people for an ever changing world. According to  the Washington Post, “In our competitive and evolving economy, being logical and analytical is no longer enough. Left brain is out. Right-brain noodling, the kind of processing that is intuitive and creative and synthetic, will soon rule the day.”  Khabele offers classes in studio art (from beginning painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking to AP Studio Art), film-making, media arts, journalism, and digital and darkroom photography.

Take a look at what our Photography program is up to on Tumblr.

Music

Music is an integral part of the Khabele School curriculum.  Over half of our students are currently taking coursework in vocals, jazz, world music, or theory.  Music is one of the most integrative arts courses as it crosses paths with history, culture, math, art, and philosophy.  The Khabele School music program covers almost every instrument and offers courses from beginning music to AP Music Theory. Our music program regularly advances to the TAPPS State Competition and continues to impress judges and audiences all over Austin and the state of Texas.

Learn more about the music program on our Music Blog.

Theatre

Engaging in a theatre arts program teaches leadership, self-confidence, team work, and creativity.  Khabele offers two drama classes and an after school theatre troupe that produces one to two plays per year.  Students learn techniques in acting, stage design, production, music and lighting, and costuming.

Dance

Dance melds the world of exercise and fitness and creativity and the arts.  Khabele offers a basics modern dance class during the school day and an after school performance ensemble for advanced dancers.  The whole program showcases its work at two annual dance concerts in which students perform group pieces and individual choreography.  Students also regularly attend local professional performances and write reviews and reflective papers on their experiences.