The ARTS
at Latin
"Painting, Drawing and Modeling – In this work that medium is chosen
which seems best adapted to the thought to be expressed. For instance,
if flowers or fruit are to be represented, color is generally used; if science
materials, pencil and charcoal are more appropriate; and if animals or early
tools and pottery, clay is most suitable. Music – Is used in connection with
the other work, the songs being related to the subjects studied, seasons of
the year, holidays, etc."
–1899-1900 Chicago Latin School Brochure
Much like physical education and athletics,
Mabel Slade Vickery and Robert Peck Bates
considered the arts an essential part of every
student's educational experience as they
formulated their program for Chicago Latin
School in the late 19th century. Visual arts
were taught from the beginning, and as early
as 1904, Latin students were participating in
school plays or joining the Glee Club. For the
most part, however, the arts were considered
extracurricular, the options were limited, and
the approach was traditional.
1960s-70s
This approach began to change in the
'60s, as the curriculum broadened and more
activities were offered at Latin School. When
Headmaster John MacDougall Graham
hired music teacher John Austin in 1964,
the school's music program consisted of
chorus, a seventh- and eighth-grade music
class, and the History of Western Music, a
year-long elective. According to Austin, there
was no arts graduation requirement. When
the school moved to the current
upper school building in 1969,
Austin created an eleventh-grade
elective that explored various
periods of music.
Under Headmaster Edwin
Van Gorder, music and art
were also incorporated into
the interdisciplinary European
Civilization course taught by
Austin, English teacher Richard
Dolezal and Humphrey Cordes,
a Latin teacher and expert in the
origins of the English language.
Latin added photography,
dance, chorus and instrumental
music electives in 1971, plus a
Early student art.
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L AT I N M AGAZINE
