Fine and Performing Arts
Overview
The Fine Arts play an important role in the Farmingdale educational program. From Kindergarten through their high school years, students create original art work in a wide variety of media. Skill based instruction in contour drawing, value, light shading, color theory, perspective, two dimensional and three dimensional design is provided sequentially throughout the grades.
Farmingdale High school students have the opportunity to take advanced studies in the fine arts of drawing and painting, ceramics and sculpture, and fashion design, as well as technology based programs such as computer graphics/advertising design, media arts, film and video, digital art and illustration, and digital photography. Student art work is displayed at the All District Art show held in May at Howitt Middle School. In addition, Farmingdale’s students’ art work is frequently displayed and honored in many local, state and national exhibits.
The Performing Arts also play an important role in the Farmingdale educational program. From Kindergarten through their high school years, students learn to read, write, perform analyze and create music. The elementary classroom music program in Farmingdale serves as the foundation for teaching music literacy skills that prepare students to perform in a music ensemble program. Students in the Kindergarten and fifth grade receive general music once a week, while students in the first through fourth grades receive general music twice a week. The choral program begins in the third grade and the instrumental training begins in the fourth grade. Small group weekly instruction known as rotations, as well as ensemble rehearsals, are provided for all performing groups. Lastly, Farmingdale’s music program is represented in local, county, and state, music festivals each year and is represented by the amazing 315 student High School Marching Band that performs at the Newsday Marching Band Festival every year and Farmingdale home football games and playoff games at Hofstra University.