Our Approach to Performing and Visual Arts

Instrumental Music

Junior School

In the world of instrumental music, where every note becomes a brushstroke painting vibrant melodies and rhythmic adventures for young hearts and curious minds. Simple yet engaging musical activities aim to cultivate a sense of auditory appreciation, laying the groundwork for future musical exploration. Students explore a variety of instruments including violin, flute (bansuri), sitar, tabla, and more, under the guidance of experienced instructors. Through joyous musical experiences, our primary children develop a connection with the language of music.

Middle school

Once immersed in a diverse array of musical subjects during junior school, students transition to middle school with the exciting opportunity to select an instrument of their passion and provide accompaniment for the vocalists. The lessons encompass a spectrum of enriching experiences, from cultivating foundational techniques and music literacy to refining listening acumen and nurturing aesthetic appreciation. Delving into the historical and cultural significance of each instrument family adds depth to their musical exploration. They learn to read western instrumental sheet music, deciphering musical notation, and mastering foundational techniques. The magnificent MSFE (Middle School Form Evening) presents a majestic orchestra, featuring a wide array of instruments, captivating the audience and leaving them in awe.

Senior school

In the senior school’s instrumental music program, students embark on a sonic adventure through diverse musical realms, embracing instruments like flute (bansuri), violin, sitar, electronic keyboard, guitar, tabla, harmonium, dholak, piano, drums, and percussion. They explore a wide range of genres, from Hindustani classical to jazz, forming bands to perform original compositions or inventive covers. Their mesmerising performances at assemblies, and festivals such as Jashn, with the grand school orchestra, featuring over 60 talented musicians, leave audiences spellbound.

Vocal Music

Primary and Junior school

Music takes centre stage as our budding singers delve into the magic of melody and rhythm. Our comprehensive music education programme introduces students to various musical genres, instruments, and vocal expressions, fostering a deep appreciation for the diverse musical heritage of India, as well as western music.

Middle School

Middle school music curriculum fosters a well-rounded musical experience, encompassing essential elements like active listening, music appreciation, and music theory. Students explore a variety of musical styles, broadening their horizons and appreciation for music as an art form as they collaborate on composing music, fostering creativity and teamwork.

Students receive engaging vocal lessons, exploring techniques like modulation, improving voice projection, learning to use the voice to its full potential in both Hindustani and western styles. Over the course of the year, students accumulate valuable performance exposure through a variety of events such as school assemblies, festivals, and the eagerly awaited Middle School Form Evening, where a magnificent group of about 100 students display their musical prowess.

Senior School

The curriculum in senior school is tailored to match the interests and motivations of learners, providing them with opportunities to delve deeper into vocal techniques and refine their skills. This includes honing flexibility in vocal range, mastering voice control, and advancing compositional skills. Students enhance their abilities through both individualised instruction and collaborative sessions spanning diverse musical genres, ranging from Hindustani classical to western pop and jazz. An important feature is the chance to create or become part of bands, allowing students to exercise their creative autonomy by crafting original compositions or adapting existing songs. For enthusiastic students, Hindustani vocal music is offered as a subject option for grades 9 and 10, allowing them to delve deeper into this rich musical tradition.

Dance

Dance at SBS is not just about mastering steps; it’s about embodying stories and emotions through graceful and dynamic movements.

Primary and Junior school

Music and movement take a centre stage in primary school as our young learners express themselves through the delightful fusion of rhythmic motion and melodic tunes. This holistic approach encourages physical coordination, rhythm perception, and a joyful connection between music and movement, creating a dynamic and immersive learning experience.
In junior school, dance becomes a celebration of movement and expression. From classical dance forms to contemporary styles, our students are immersed in the joy of movement, exploring the beauty of Indian dance traditions and beyond.

Middle school

In middle school, students groove into the rhythm of choice by picking dance as an elective. From mastering basic steps to exploring various styles like Indian classical, folk, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary, they embark on a journey of self-expression. Through fun exercises and improvisational activities, they fine-tune their bodies, honing strength, flexibility, and creativity to the beat of the music. Collaboration is key as they work on interdisciplinary projects, weaving together short movement sequences exploring various choreographic tools. They dive deep into the world of imagination to create captivating performances that steal the spotlight at school assemblies and events.

Senior School

In senior school, dance classes elevate the artistry introduced in middle school, offering specialised technique sessions in diverse styles. Students delve deeper into choreography, mastering complex compositional tools. Rigorous training readies them for diverse performances, from grand dance productions to special assemblies. Collaboration thrives as students explore every facet of stagecraft, from conceptualising ideas to managing sound, props, and costumes, ensuring every performance dazzles with creativity and precision.

Theatre

The school captivates students through theatre, offering vibrant avenues for exploration, expression, and skill honing, nurturing boundless creativity, unwavering confidence, and fostering a profound sense of unity throughout the student body.

Primary and Junior school

Drama unfolds as a captivating adventure for our first graders, where our budding actors step into the world of make-believe. Through imaginative play and storytelling, children explore the realms of emotions, creativity, and communication. Drama becomes a platform for self-discovery and building confidence, setting the stage for expressive and confident individuals.

Middle School

In middle school, drama class is a vital space for student growth and exploration. It nurtures holistic development through dynamic platforms, encouraging creativity, communication skills, and theatrical exploration. Students learn various techniques like improvisation, script analysis, and stagecraft, fostering critical thinking and self-expression. They actively engage in tasks such as set design and backstage work, supporting MSFE plays and school assemblies.

Senior School

In senior school, theatre courses offer introductory as well as advanced modules. Students explore emotions, creativity, and communication, enhancing confidence and self-awareness. They delve into advanced acting exercises like Stanislavski’s theory and Chekhov’s “outer to inner concept,” alongside innovative drama devices. Participation in nukkad natak (street play) develops acting abilities and life skills such as teamwork and resilience. The annual festival, celebrates diversity through performances, setting goals, and refining skills. This level of training empowers students to take leadership roles in theatre activities.

Art & Design

Art connects us to ourselves and the world around us. Our visual art & design programme is not just about learning skills; it’s about sowing the seeds of curiosity, discovering self-expression, and learning about the world around us.

Primary and Junior School

In primary wing, our young artists immerse themselves hands-on in a world of colours, shapes, and textures. Engaging in hands-on activities such as art, pottery, and craft they not only develop fine motor skills but embark on a delightful journey of exploration and self-expression.

In junior school the focus is on fostering children’s expression and creativity with an emphasis on the process rather than just the finished product. Enhancing visual, spatial, and tactile awareness, a joyful exploration of mediums and techniques fosters manipulative skills, self-esteem, and confidence.

Middle School

In middle school students choose between art & design and pottery as elective subjects aligning with their evolving interests. In art & design students gain a foundation of design fundamentals through creative projects that build skills, encourage expression, and engage with artists and artworks of other times and places.

Senior School

Senior school is an in-depth plunge into drawing and painting with room to explore other media. CBSE and IGCSE + IB tracks build skills, engaging with ideas and art history, and generate a body of creative work that prepares students for college and a creative career, or simply a lifelong love for the arts.

Pottery

Pottery connects us to ourselves, the earth we walk on, and our history. Our pottery programme began with the intention of providing students with therapeutic breaks from other classes, and continues as an important tactile and meditational experience, in addition to a means of creative self-expression and a connection to an ancient art form.

Junior School

For our youngest children in the pre-school programme, the focus is on the joy of sensory and tactile experiences, developing fine-motor and gross-motor skills while delighting in the wonderment of shaping clay.

In junior school children learn fundamental hand-building techniques to create 2D and 3D clay artworks. Beyond fostering creativity and refining fine motor skills, these lessons instill patience and problem-solving skills.

Middle School

In middle school, students choose between art & design and pottery according to their evolving interests. In pottery, each consecutive year of middle school focuses on mastering a different hand-building technique: coiling, pinching, and slab-rolling. Learning is based on projects inspired by artists ranging from SH Raza to Picasso.

Senior School

In senior school students learn wheel work, and design and create products using their hand-building skills gained in middle school, along with learning other advanced techniques like sgrafitto, mono-printing, mishima and glazing.

Pottery is available to students as a co-curricular activity till 10^th grade, and as a medium of choice for IB classes.