"Creativity is a personal characteristic that typifies so much of the Runnels School family. Difficult to measure, but clearly evident when you see it, creativity manifests itself around every corner at Runnels – certainly in the art rooms and the music rooms, and on stage, but also in the classrooms and labs, and even on the athletic fields and courts. May our goal continue to be the nurturing of the creative element of teacher and student."
-Dr. Kelly Runnels, Founding Headmaster
Performing Arts at Runnels
Plays are regular happenings throughout the year, a natural part of the Creative Dramatics classes in the Runnels School curriculum. All students in grades 1-3 participate in drama, and students in grades 4-12 may elect to participate. The Runnels Theater is noted for its great diversity - producing musicals, mysteries, westerns, and comedies, based on literature from Mother Goose to Shakespeare. Parents will be invited to these productions, and we hope you will make every effort to attend when your child is involved. All members of the Runnels community are welcome to attend these events, to enjoy the performances and to encourage and support our young actors and actresses. These performances are important to the students, and are always a delight to see.
Visual Arts at Runnels
Art has been an integral part of the fiber of Runnels School since its beginning in l965. The work of our young artists finds its way into the world outside the classroom in many ways. Student work is exhibited in the elementary library and in other art venues throughout our community. The art year concludes with a major art exhibit. It is traditionally held in our school gym, and features the work of students in preschool through high school. At this show, students are allowed to cast ballots for the "Popular Choice" Awards, and the three principals will select the "Principal's Choice" Awards (which are on exhibit year-round in the principals’ offices and illustrate to visitors the important role played by the arts in the life of Runnels School.) A group of professional artists selects pieces called "Judges' Choices" from grades 7-12. These works of art are framed and placed in the foyer of our Theater for Performing Arts, where they will hang until new pieces are selected the following Spring.
Instrumental and Vocal Music Concerts
Band and Orchestra, and Harp concerts, featuring students in the band, string orchestra, and harp classes at all levels, are performed near the end of each semester. Our orchestra, band, and harp students traditionally win numerous music performance awards in regional competition during the year. Elementary, Jr. and Sr. High chorus students traditionally perform several times during the year in different choral groups. Their shows feature a variety of music within concert themes. These performances are always delightful! All members of the Runnels community are welcome to attend these concerts to enjoy the music and to encourage and support our young musicians.
