Hebron Academy

To be truly well educated, one must not only appreciate the arts, but have rich opportunities to actively participate in creative work. The arts bring subjects to life, turning abstractions into actual expression. Learning through the arts often results in greater academic achievement and higher test scores. The arts faculty bring a high level of experience to the classroom, and throughout the year visiting artists and musicians come to campus, exposing students to a wide range of creativity and talent.

In addition to Middle School and Upper School curricular offerings, Hebron offers abundant opportunities in the arts.

Visual Arts

The Hebron art gallery on the lower floor of Hupper Library offers regular exhibitions of work by students, faculty, alumni, or visiting artists. Each school year begins with an exhibit of faculty work, which may include photography, painting, and/or sculpture, in addition to other media. Student paintings, sculpture, pottery, and other artwork are displayed three times per year as part of course requirements. At year-end, an exhibit features work by all Hebron students.

Performing Arts

Performances on Hebron's stage integrate life, literacy, learning, and community, and celebrate the strong character development that is a hallmark of Hebron's educational experience. Young actors and actresses learn public speaking skills they will draw on throughout their lives, explore different roles and personalities, and often find within themselves something that can only be discovered through a dramatic performance. Students working backstage develop knowledge of construction, design, and artistic techniques, or learn stage management and production skills.

Student dramatic performances are one of the highlights of the year, both in the Middle and Upper Schools. Three out of four Hebron students have played a role in at least one Hebron production. The all-school musical takes place near the end of winter term, and is supported by faculty directors, student and professional musicians, and a group of committed Upper School thespians. Recent shows, which have boasted casts of over fifty students, include Working, Grease, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Wiz. Middle Schoolers take the stage in March. In the spring, during the Arts Festival, Upper School students cast, direct, and produce one-act plays.

Music

Hebron students and faculty share their musical talents throughout the school year. Chorus, Orchestra, and Jazz band perform each term. Musicians and vocalists participate in the annual Vespers, or Festival of Lights, gathering in December. The Hebeegeebees, Hebron's a cappella group are a campus favorite. The rock band performs in the Bowl during the Arts Festival.

Twice per year, the Boston-based Tancr�de Trio visits campus as part of the Cohen Chamber Concert Series. The Trio, which has performed around the world, including St. Petersburg, Moscow, Brussels, Paris and New York City, performs works from the likes of Dvorak, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert. The concert series is sponsored by Hebron alumnus Saul B. Cohen '51 and his wife Naomi, who are committed to education and the arts.

For information on area artists and cultural events visit Western Maine Cultural Alliance.