Albert College prides itself on having an extensive co-curricular program comprising theatre, visual art, instrumental music and vocal music. A wide variety of activities are offered - wind ensemble, choir, dance, and watercolour - to name a few.
Many students enter Albert College with no artistic history or ambition. By the time they graduate, students, much to the delight of their parents, discover that they have talents that they did not know they had and develop a love for the arts. Students at Albert are exposed to a number of different arts media in art classes and during Arts Period. From reading music and singing solo to acting in the school play, students learn a great deal about themselves through the arts. Students gain self-confidence and strive for excellence in the arts and other co-curricular programs.
Albert College hosts many arts events and performances every year to showcase and celebrate our students’ many artistic talents. From Autumn Arts to the drama production, arts exhibit and Christmas Carol Service, these arts events showcase the extensive arts program that exists at Albert. Many of these events have been a part of Albert College for generations. In fact, it is likely that the Christmas Carol Service has been celebrated every year since the school was founded in 1857. Those of you who have joined us for one of our arts events recognize that our faculty and students dedicate much time, passion and effort to the arts. Their talents shine in our performances!
Each arts program also offers unique experiences to students who prove to be especially skilled. For example, students involved in Albert's music program have the opportunity to audition for CISMF (Canadian Independent School Music Festival). Those chosen will perform in Toronto with top music students from across Canada. Albert College Drama students are able to perform at an event known as ISDF (Independent Schools' Drama Festival). At this venue students have the opportunity to take plays from a variety of genres to a hosting school and participate in professional workshops. They also receive an adjudication of their production. The Visual Arts program at Albert offers students the opportunity to display their art at several local art exhibits and festivals. Gallery trips to Toronto and Montréal also provide students an opportunity to experience works from around the world.
The Arts Period Program
Albert College offers a unique Arts Period Program to all of its students. Three times a week all students are involved in artistic classes as part of our co-curricular program. We believe that arts are essential to the development of well-rounded students and the design of this program encompasses the entire school body.
During the Arts Period all of our performing groups rehearse. These include the Senior Choir, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, String ensemble, and the cast for the current dramatic production. There are also courses offered in visual arts, dance, and chess. Many other courses are offered as student interest and teaching strengths develop. Students in Grades 7 through 9 must perform in a musical ensemble to satisfy the requirements of their music courses, and students in Grade 10 and above can choose from all activities.