Arts
At Savannah Country Day, the Fine & Performing Arts program exposes students to visual art, general music, choral music, jazz band, theatre, drama, photography, orchestra, and technology-based visual arts. Much of the program is performance and studio–based, culminating in exhibits and performances by individual groups as well as performances and exhibits collaboratively produced by the whole department. Class instruction focuses on process, the enhancement of technical skills, communication, performance skills, art criticism, and aesthetic awareness with reference to historical and cultural perspectives. Instruction is augmented by supplementary reading, research, discussion, technology, and exposure to professional artists and performing groups.
Our talented Fine Arts instructors work to develop the student’s ability to access, interpret, and evaluate imagery, movement, and sound; develop visual/spatial/hearing intelligence; and to build a life-long appreciation and understanding of the arts. Both independent and ensemble work is encouraged to develop self-reliance and confidence and to offer opportunities for social interaction and ethical development. Opportunities exist for student growth through local, state, and national festivals; conferences; and competitions. Students are offered a variety of formal, expressive, and technical experiences with the arts in grades kindergarten through twelve, with traditional Fine Arts Nights serving as cumulative performance assessments.
Arts News
![Middle School Fine Arts Preview]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741020947/savcdsorg/mb36ryfplsetpxrg9edt/Screenshot2025-03-03at115540AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741020947/savcdsorg/mb36ryfplsetpxrg9edt/Screenshot2025-03-03at115540AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741020947/savcdsorg/mb36ryfplsetpxrg9edt/Screenshot2025-03-03at115540AM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741020947/savcdsorg/mb36ryfplsetpxrg9edt/Screenshot2025-03-03at115540AM.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741020947/savcdsorg/mb36ryfplsetpxrg9edt/Screenshot2025-03-03at115540AM.png","width":1218}])
Our 5th graders had a blast during the 6th Grade Fine Arts Preview, where they enjoyed a musical sneak peek of Band, Chorus, and Orchestra classes! The talented Middle School musicians put on an outstanding performance, showcasing the incredible opportunities available in these music electives. This exciting experience gave our soon-to-be 6th graders a chance to explore their options and get a firsthand look at what they'll be able to dive into next year.
![GMEA Region One Honor Jazz Band]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741029363/savcdsorg/dwowkejdj9i5j07vv05b/Screenshot2025-03-03at21552PM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741029363/savcdsorg/dwowkejdj9i5j07vv05b/Screenshot2025-03-03at21552PM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741029363/savcdsorg/dwowkejdj9i5j07vv05b/Screenshot2025-03-03at21552PM.png","width":562}])
Congratulations to our four Upper School Jazz Band members who were selected to be in the GMEA Region One Honor Jazz Band. Juniors Connor Umbel (bass), Jiayi Zheng (piano), Matilde Robbe (alto sax), and Sophomore Ander Renelt (trumpet) were selected to represent Country Day alongside 19 other participating schools. The guest director was Dr. David Carter, the Jazz Director at Coastal Carolina University. After only having two rehearsals, these studens did a fantastic job and it speaks to the high level of students selected. Congratulations again to Connor, Jiayi, Matilde, and Ander!
![Orchestra & Band GEMA Honors]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739887562/savcdsorg/gwym1zbh78kpplts6hwh/Screenshot2025-02-18at90339AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739887562/savcdsorg/gwym1zbh78kpplts6hwh/Screenshot2025-02-18at90339AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1739887562/savcdsorg/gwym1zbh78kpplts6hwh/Screenshot2025-02-18at90339AM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1739887562/savcdsorg/gwym1zbh78kpplts6hwh/Screenshot2025-02-18at90339AM.png","width":1036}])
Congratulations to three talented student musicians who recently earned prestigious recognitions at the state and district levels! Sam Bettag ’31 (bass) and Oskar Johnson-Liu ’28 (cello) successfully auditioned twice and were selected for the 2025 GMEA All-State Orchestra! They will showcase their talents at the Classic Center in Athens, GA, from February 27–March 1. In addition, Allison Chang ’31 (flute) earned a spot in the GMEA District 1 Honor Band, performing this past weekend in Statesboro. After a December audition, she placed among the top 12 middle school flute players in the district! Way to go, Hornets!
![2025 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738600944/savcdsorg/ourem7tpgd1awlczxbms/Scholasticphoto.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738600944/savcdsorg/ourem7tpgd1awlczxbms/Scholasticphoto.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738600944/savcdsorg/ourem7tpgd1awlczxbms/Scholasticphoto.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1738600944/savcdsorg/ourem7tpgd1awlczxbms/Scholasticphoto.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1738600944/savcdsorg/ourem7tpgd1awlczxbms/Scholasticphoto.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1738600944/savcdsorg/ourem7tpgd1awlczxbms/Scholasticphoto.png","width":2200}])
We proudly celebrate our student artists' achievements in the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! This prestigious competition honors creative excellence in grades 7-12, and eight of our students earned recognition across multiple categories. In Ceramics & Glass, Kate Barber received a Silver Key; Agnes Brown and Will Paderewski earned Honorable Mentions; Caroline Semones won a Gold Key; and Miles Carson received a Gold Key and two Honorable Mentions. In Photography, Wynn Dennard made SCDS history with a record-breaking 5 Silver Keys and 3 Gold Keys. In Drawing & Illustration, Nolan Watson earned an Honorable Mention, and Mary Margaret Carroll received a Silver Key.
Gold Key winners Miles Carson, Wynn Dennard, and Caroline Semones will advance to nationals, competing with top artists nationwide. Congratulations to all for their dedication and artistic excellence!
![3rd Annual Art's Alliance Applause]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738601798/savcdsorg/rdfjwzywn3dmzgzy3zvx/DSC09567.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738601798/savcdsorg/rdfjwzywn3dmzgzy3zvx/DSC09567.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738601798/savcdsorg/rdfjwzywn3dmzgzy3zvx/DSC09567.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1738601798/savcdsorg/rdfjwzywn3dmzgzy3zvx/DSC09567.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1738601798/savcdsorg/rdfjwzywn3dmzgzy3zvx/DSC09567.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1738601798/savcdsorg/rdfjwzywn3dmzgzy3zvx/DSC09567.jpg","width":2200}])
The Arts Alliance hosted the third annual Arts Alliance Applause for Lower School students as an opportunity for them to create a unique, student-driven piece. Over winter break, students explored their passions through art, design, sculpture, photography, and more. Their incredible projects were displayed in the library, followed by a reception to celebrate their work. The Arts Alliance has funded many school projects through the support of memberships and donations. They are hosting a fundraising party called Encore for spring teacher grants on April 3rd, 2025 – more information will be sent out soon!