This is a Prototype Web Site Archived for Historical Purposes Only
Demonstration Developed in 1995 by Tay Vaughan ('62) and Hilary Knight ('97)
Visit www.The GovernorsAcademy.org for the most current version

Welcome to Governor Dummer Academy
America's oldest independent boarding school.

One Elm Street
Byfield, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
508-465-1763 Voice
508-462-1278 Fax
Home: www.gda.org

Arts

Governor Dummer Academy has long maintained that a thorough exposure to the arts is an essential part of a secondary education. The Academy offers a rich and diverse selection of courses in the visual and performing arts, including both required and optional studies.

All freshmen take a basic survey course, Introduction to the Fine Arts, which exposes students to a different artistic discipline each quarter while stimulating their continued interest. An additional one semester arts course is required for graduation, although -- with the Academy's encouragement -- students often pursue further artistic interests on an extracurricular basis.

In the field of performing arts, students may select among courses including music history and theory, electronic music and improvisation, as well as voice and dance, all taught by conservatory-trained instructors. A two-semester independent study in the performing arts also is offered for students demonstrating special interest. Several times during each academic year, the Academy hosts performances by GDA student groups including "The Big Wind" and "The Slight Breeze" jazz bands, the Academy Chorus and the Academy Chamber Ensemble. The Music Guild, a student-organized group, produces several additional concerts annually on campus.

Courses offered in the visual arts include art history, studio art, ceramics and photography, in addition to a two-semester independent study. The Kaiser Visual Arts Center is the heart of visual arts activity at Governor Dummer, providing separate studios for each of the three major disciplines. The center is available throughout the week and weekend so that students may continue to explore their talents during off-hours.

The Carl Youngman Gallery, located in the Kaiser Visual Arts Center, presents several student and professional exhibits each year for the instruction and enjoyment of both the GDA community and the public.

Energetic and talented thespians find expression at Governor Dummer through three major theatrical productions each year. Fall and winter performances are directed by the faculty's Director of Drama, while the spring play traditionally is directed by a senior who has demonstrated interest, ability and commitment to dramatics. Recent and acclaimed GDA productions have ranged from works by Sophocles and Edward Albee to Cole Porter.

In recognition of the fact that dramatics provides important training in collaborative work -- for actors and technical crew alike -- participation in productions is offered as an alternative to athletics in the Governor Dummer Afternoon Activities Program.

GDA students also pursue their dramatic interests off-campus, through working with local professional groups including the various members of the Newburyport arts community. They may also attend professional performances in Boston on a regular basis.