ASP offers a variety of visual and performing arts classes scheduled within the school day, enjoying the same allocation of time as other subjects.
Students are able to pursue most arts courses to IB level guided by qualified, dedicated, specialist teachers. Clubs, ensembles, theater productions, and student-led activities are also available after school, as are private music lessons.
The performing arts curriculum and after-school activities offer a wide variety of chances to celebrate, challenge, encourage, value, appreciate, and affirm our student body. Throughout the year we have several theater performances and musicals for each Division. In both semesters we have band concerts, jazz band performances, and choir concerts. There is something for every performer at ASP!
We have many advanced musicians at ASP who we also support—we have long been a member of the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS), an organization dedicated to supporting excellence in music globally. Each year a number of festivals are organized, inviting selected students to join a choir or orchestra composed of accomplished musicians from schools around the world for a week of workshops and instruction from world-renowned musicians and conductors. We have hosted AMIS and had students travel around the world to participate in the organization.
Through various activities involving action and movements, dancing, rhythm and musical games, children are introduced to music as a fun, exciting form of art. They will learn the basic musical concepts of a steady beat, fast/slow, high/low, loud/soft, the Kodály approach to rhythm and the families and names of musical instruments. The students learn songs and nursery rhymes and learn to echo-back simple rhythm sequences and melodies in tune. Finally, the students even have a chance to be on stage and share their knowledge with their families and friends during some of our special school shows and performances!
Through a variety of activities involving singing, movement and instrumental play, students work to enhance music skills such as expression, rhythm, timbre, melody and form. Students have opportunities to play and sing in both solo and ensemble settings, and evaluate performances of both professional and student performers. Students attend three 40-minute general music classes per eight-day rotation, with two performances per grade level per year.
The arts are an elective in the Middle School. With a variety of courses on offer, each running for either a semester or a year, these classes occupy the same amount of time within the daily schedule as other academic subjects, acknowledging their relevance and importance to the personal and academic growth of the Middle School child.
This is an exciting choice for students who would like to learn to play a band instrument for the first time. Students are taught how to read music notation, how to play and look after their instrument, and how to make music within an ensemble across a range of styles. The program aims to prepare students for joining the Concert Band the following year. Instruments available include: flute, clarinet, saxophone (with clarinet), trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium (baritone), tuba, and percussion instruments.
This ensemble is a standard concert wind band for woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The musical repertoire covers a wide range of musical styles including classical, jazz, rock, soundtracks, and original compositions. Students learn instrumental technique, team work, and aural skills as well as basic music theory and related music history. This is a year-long course and concert performances take place at least twice a year. Members of the concert band will also be eligible to audition each year for the European Band Festival organized by the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS).
These are all-comers choirs for anyone who wishes to sing. No prior singing or music-reading skills necessary. There will be at least two performing opportunities in one semester, with some repertoire often being linked to studies in other subjects. Vox Populi members will learn to read music well, sing confidently as a soloist, conduct, improvise, understand the history and context of the songs sung, and present a project on a musical topic of their choice. Students taking this class will be eligible to audition for the AMIS International Middle School Honor Choirs.
This course offers students with widely varied musical backgrounds insight into musical creation through hands-on experience composing and arranging their own music using digital audio production techniques. The students will use Apple’s GarageBand program on the Computer Lab’s MIDI keyboard-equipped workstations to explore basic concepts of melody, harmony, and rhythm while composing in a wide variety of styles.
The arts are an elective in the Upper School. With a variety of courses, each running for either a semester or a year, these classes occupy the same amount of time within the daily schedule as other academic subjects, acknowledging their relevance and importance in a student’s academic and personal development. These arts courses also contribute to a student’s GPA. Our Upper School students do have graduation requirements to fulfill in terms of electives.
If you are an instrumental musician on woodwind, brass or percussion, then this class is for you! You should normally have 2 or more years of playing experience, including reading music comfortably. Piano players are welcome to join as percussionists, starting on mallets and timpani.
The concert band meets on alternate days in the schedule, focusing mostly on practical playing to develop technique, aural skills, musicality and essential theory. Throughout each year we aim to play music from a wide variety of styles and periods, also encouraging a broader appreciation of musical cultures and history. We perform at 3 official school concerts, augmented by other performance opportunities including the ASP Jazz Band, US and MS musicals and auditioned music festivals run by The Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS). Private teachers are also available on voice and several instruments – just contact a music teacher for details. Playing an instrument in a musical ensemble should be an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding experience. Scientific studies have also proven the many additional benefits to cognitive development, problem solving, language acquisition, social skills and more. Come and join us in the US Concert Band to continue and expand your musical journey into the future.
There is a big difference between ‘I can’t sing’ and ‘I don’t sing’. For the majority, it’s the latter, but which do you feel applies to you? This is a class for everyone.
Singing together has been proven to be a source of mental, physical and social-emotional strength and well-being. Being a course promoting fun, a feeling of family, and fantastic performances, the benefits of this class have increased in significance as academic and societal pressures have increased. Join choir and sing - to (i) relieve daily stress, (ii) learn to use your own unique instrument and to become a more literate musician, (iii) be exposed to music beyond your own playlist and be amazed at how you learn to love it, (iv) gain confidence and skills in performance and personal presentation that may be transferred to other subject areas. This group is for all who simply want to sing and to learn more about music using the voice as your instrument. Enthusiasm is mandatory, experience is optional!
Choir is definitely a team effort and so participation in all school concerts (approximately three per year) is required. Students enrolled in choir are eligible to audition for the popular annual International Honor Choir Festival run by the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) and hosted by schools throughout Europe and the Middle East.
A subtitle for this introductory course might be “What Music Is and How to Make It”, as it combines an overview of the roots and development of American popular music – blues, folk, country, jazz, rock and rap – with hands-on experience creating and arranging music using digital audio production techniques. The ASP Media Lab’s MIDI keyboard-equipped Macintosh computers allow students with widely varied musical backgrounds to learn basic concepts of melody, harmony and rhythm while creating their own compositions. The students will also produce soundtracks for films made in ASP’s Digital Filmmaking classes. Please note that students are only allowed to take this Digital Music course once.
The ‘new’ 2-year IB Music course opens the doors to a wide range of musicians of all levels, offering exciting opportunities for students to explore, experiment with, create and perform a diverse range of musical styles. Starting from your own point of interest, this course caters for all students who have a genuine curiosity about music, whether self taught performers, singers and composers who wish to extend their musical knowledge and skill, or those who have learned an instrument or sung for years. As a researcher, creator and performer working within personal, local and global contexts, students will, over two years, create individual portfolios that demonstrate their musical growth through the exploration of a range of familiar and unfamiliar works. Students are encouraged to work with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) using software such as GarageBand, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live and notation software such as Sibelius, Musescore or Noteflight, as well as with acoustic instruments, including voice.
The course follows a similar path for both Standard and Higher Level students, but the HL student will also be required to complete a Contemporary Music Maker collaborative multimedia project in their second year.
Students who wish to enroll in this course must have an adequate level of musical literacy, reading standard notation for pitch, rhythm and chords - or at least a real desire to learn this and be willing to work over the summer. They should also have some proficiency on an instrument (note that the voice is an instrument) and wish to improve their skills in that area. Knowledge of DAW software is desirable but not essential. Interested students should see Mrs Love for more information.
The ‘new’ 2-year IB Music course opens the doors to a wide range of musicians of all levels, offering exciting opportunities for students to explore, experiment with, create and perform a diverse range of musical styles. Starting from your own point of interest, this course caters for all students who have a genuine curiosity about music, whether self taught performers, singers and composers who wish to extend their musical knowledge and skill, or those who have learned an instrument or sung for years. As a researcher, creator and performer working within personal, local and global contexts, students will, over two years, create individual portfolios that demonstrate their musical growth through the exploration of a range of familiar and unfamiliar works. Students are encouraged to work with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) using software such as GarageBand, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live and notation software such as Sibelius, Musescore or Noteflight, as well as with acoustic instruments, including voice.
The course follows a similar path for both Standard and Higher Level students, but the HL student will also be required to complete a Contemporary Music Maker collaborative multimedia project in their second year.
Students who wish to enroll in this course must have an adequate level of musical literacy, reading standard notation for pitch, rhythm and chords - or at least a real desire to learn this and be willing to work over the summer. They should also have some proficiency on an instrument (note that the voice is an instrument) and wish to improve their skills in that area. Knowledge of DAW software is desirable but not essential. Interested students should see Mrs Love for more information.
The ‘new’ 2-year IB Music course opens the doors to a wide range of musicians of all levels, offering exciting opportunities for students to explore, experiment with, create and perform a diverse range of musical styles. Starting from your own point of interest, this course caters for all students who have a genuine curiosity about music, whether self taught performers, singers and composers who wish to extend their musical knowledge and skill, or those who have learned an instrument or sung for years. As a researcher, creator and performer working within personal, local and global contexts, students will, over two years, create individual portfolios that demonstrate their musical growth through the exploration of a range of familiar and unfamiliar works. Students are encouraged to work with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) using software such as GarageBand, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live and notation software such as Sibelius, Musescore or Noteflight, as well as with acoustic instruments, including voice.
The course follows a similar path for both Standard and Higher Level students, but the HL student will also be required to complete a Contemporary Music Maker collaborative multimedia project in their second year.
Students who wish to enroll in this course must have an adequate level of musical literacy, reading standard notation for pitch, rhythm and chords - or at least a real desire to learn this and be willing to work over the summer. They should also have some proficiency on an instrument (note that the voice is an instrument) and wish to improve their skills in that area. Knowledge of DAW software is desirable but not essential. Interested students should see Mrs Love for more information.
This is a course for those who have either never played, or have limited experience with the piano. Throughout a semester you’ll learn to read and understand piano music as well as a typical lead sheet with melody and chords. You’ll develop some solid piano technique, find out how to create and play chords as an accompaniment for contemporary songs, and play some well known piano standards from a variety of musical styles. This is not a course for those who already play the piano.
This course is for those who already have a degree of skill and independence in their piano playing. You will consolidate technical skills and improve musical literacy and musicianship for performing more challenging repertoire both chosen for you and of your own choice. Units on harmonic progressions and chord notation will lead to work on improvisation and interpreting a jazz piano score, as well as songwriting and composing for the piano. A solid level of reading in both treble and bass clefs is desirable. Enquiries to Mrs Love.
This course inspires students to explore the very nature of Theatre by ‘Making Theatre’ as well as by studying it. Theatre is essentially an art of communication, of telling a good story. Students will learn about the craft of acting, directing and dramaturgy. The course encourages students to gain a deeper understanding of their creative potential through performance experience. Students will also be introduced to a variety of contemporary as well as classical playwrights. No experience necessary.
The IB Diploma Program theatre course is dynamic, multifaceted and practical in nature. The course focuses on the reflective, expressive, and creative skills of its students. It promotes holistic learning and strongly emphasizes the value of individual creativity and the importance of ensemble work. It encourages the taking of risks, the building of confidence through play, enthusiasm and imagination.
Emphasis is placed on the discovery and exploration of the various interrelated disciplines of the theatre arts. The assessment components for this course are practical in nature and involve producing a Director’s Notebook (HL&SL), the Collaborative Performance (HL&SL) devising of an original performance , Research Presentation a presentation of applied research to performance (HL&SL), as well as at the a Solo performance(HL level ONLY) applying aspects of a specific theatre artist/theorist. All exam components are assessed at the end of the two-year course (April).
The IB Diploma Program theatre course is dynamic, multifaceted and practical in nature. The course focuses on the reflective, expressive, and creative skills of its students. It promotes holistic learning and strongly emphasizes the value of individual creativity and the importance of ensemble work. It encourages the taking of risks, the building of confidence through play, enthusiasm and imagination.
Emphasis is placed on the discovery and exploration of the various interrelated disciplines of the theatre arts. The assessment components for this course are practical in nature and involve producing a Director’s Notebook (HL&SL), the Collaborative Performance (HL&SL) devising of an original performance , Research Presentation a presentation of applied research to performance (HL&SL), applying aspects of a specific theatre artist/theorist. All exam components are assessed at the end of the two-year course (April).
The IB Diploma Program theatre course is dynamic, multifaceted and practical in nature. The course focuses on the reflective, expressive, and creative skills of its students. It promotes holistic learning and strongly emphasizes the value of individual creativity and the importance of ensemble work. It encourages the taking of risks, the building of confidence through play, enthusiasm and imagination.
Emphasis is placed on the discovery and exploration of the various interrelated disciplines of the theatre arts. The assessment components for this course are practical in nature and involve producing a Director’s Notebook (HL&SL), the Collaborative Performance (HL&SL) devising of an original performance , Research Presentation a presentation of applied research to performance (HL&SL), as well as at the a Solo performance(HL level ONLY) applying aspects of a specific theatre artist/theorist. All exam components are assessed at the end of the two-year course (April).
Students in this course follow the structure of the second year of the IB program. A mixture of texts, theory and practical projects students are encouraged to define what theatre means to them and create performances that explore their vision.
The Visual Arts courses at ASP offer a diverse curriculum dedicated to expanding students’ critical and aesthetic horizons. Students may choose from a variety of media, with emphasis placed on individual growth and creative expression. Our students, of course, take advantage of being in Paris by visiting the Louvre, Giverny, Musee Rodin, and other excursions to experience the wonderful world of visual arts surround our school!
Throughout the year our Lower School students participate in a range of visual arts projects ranging from drawing self-portraits, studying ancient Greek or Egyptian art, painting, learning visual thinking strategies, and going on field trips in Paris. From an afternoon at the Louvre to a week in the Brittany region, ASP students have numerous opportunities to experience all that Paris and the surrounding regions have to offer. In the Lower School, our French and Art departments regularly join forces to provide engaging field trips focused on language-learning, history, and culture. Our students visit Giverny to see the atelier, gardens, and home of Claude Monet, a founder of the French Impressionist movement. Our young learners experienced the magic of Monet's work and explored the natural beauty that inspired his transformational paintings.
Drawing is the most foundational skill for any artist and is completely teachable. Throughout the semester, you will learn, practice and create artworks in varying traditional drawing media such as pencils, colored pencils, charcoal, chalk pastels, oil pastels, markers and pens. Drawing topics may include observational drawing, realism, portraiture, abstract designs, surrealism, imagination as well as student driven passion ideas. Color theory, composition, elements of art, principles of design, critique and portfolio building are fundamental to each artwork. This course is a suggested prerequisite for Advanced Studio Art.
Whether you love to paint, or are not quite sure, this hands-on course offers the opportunity to develop artistic and technical skills in painting with watercolor, tempera, and acrylics. Exploring Color Theory, Art History, and Art Elements and Principles of Design are also integral components of this class. It is the perfect opportunity for all students interested in painting, regardless of prior experience, to deepen their skill-set, develop a personal style and gain a greater understanding of this timeless medium. This course is a suggested prerequisite for Adv. Studio Art.
Mixed Media is an innovative studio art course designed specifically for students who want to experiment and explore a large variety of materials and techniques. We will gain inspiration from contemporary artists and imaginative art prompts. Each project will be created using a mixture of two or more art materials including watercolors, acrylic paints, collage, colored pencils, markers, pastels, printmaking and embroidery. Some pieces may even incorporate 3D materials and techniques such as modeling paste, paper mache, plaster, wire, thread or weaving. This course is a suggested prerequisite for Advanced Studio Art.
Sculpture is a dynamic, hands-on introduction to 3D art and design. You will explore and learn various sculpture techniques through a variety of materials and creative prompts, all focusing on the elements of art (line, shape, color, value, texture, form, space) and the principles of design (rhythm, balance, unity, contrast, emphasis, pattern, movement). Through problem-solving art projects, you will practice creativity, experimentation, perseverance, confidence and innovation. Materials vary each semester and may include paper, cardboard, plaster, clay, wire, found objects, collage or a mixture of many. Sculpture themes also vary and may include abstract, figurative, faces, architecture, contemporary or passion explorations. Color theory, composition, photographing 3D artwork, portfolio building and critique will be woven throughout the artistic process.
Ceramics is an exciting introduction to creating art from clay. You will explore and learn clay hand-building techniques such as pinch pots, slabs and coils in order to create both functional and imaginative artworks. Furthermore, in order to finalize each piece, various surface decoration and glazing techniques will be taught and practiced. Through unique ceramic projects, you will apply creativity, problem solving, resilience and innovation, all important skills applicable to your life beyond school.
This course is designed for 10th grade students as preparation for IB Visual Arts, or 11th and 12th grade students who want to continue their artmaking beyond a specialized semester class. Students will explore and create imaginative, interesting and evocative artwork through a wide array of materials, techniques and design opportunities all focused around the elements of art, principles of design, color theory and composition. Materials vary and include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and mixed media. Themes vary and are open to independence and creative interpretations. In a dynamic studio atmosphere, you will develop artworks of various sizes, study art history, discover contemporary artists and practice technical skills all while building confidence, perseverance, creative thinking and problem solving abilities.
This is the first course in the two-year IB Diploma Program in Visual Arts. During this year, students begin developing a portfolio of artwork, exploring a wide range of art forms and techniques. They are introduced to the examined assessments: the Art-Making Inquiry Portfolio, the SL Connection Study, the HL Artist Project, and the Exhibition. Students start documenting their artistic journey using both digital formats and traditional sketchbooks, and learn to research and formally analyze artwork. As part of the preparation for the final exhibition of 5 thematic artworks, students curate a mock exhibition, including exhibition texts and a curatorial rationale. This course requires students to be highly motivated, independent, and committed to both the art-making and substantial written components of the program. By the end of the first year, students decide whether to pursue the Standard Level or Higher Level track. Prerequisite: Advanced Studio Art or at least two Studio Art electives, with teacher approval.
The rigorous second year of the IB Visual Arts DP demands dedication and engagement in both art-making and analytical writing. The 3 examined components are: Comparative Study: This is a critical and analytical presentation that compares three selected artworks of the student’s choice. Research and writing for this component began in Year 1, with students refining their work in Year 2. Students create artwork inspired by their Comparative Study, deepening their understanding of the connections between analysis and practice. Process Portfolio: This digital presentation documents the student’s two-year journey. It visually and textually captures their exploration of techniques, skill development, artist research, idea development, and reflections on their artistic practice. Exhibition: Students curate an exhibition showcasing thematic artworks created over the two years of the course. The exhibition, held in early spring, includes a selection of finished works, exhibition texts, and a curatorial rationale.
The rigorous second year of the IB Visual Arts DP demands dedication and engagement in both art-making and analytical writing. The 3 examined components are: Comparative Study: This is a critical and analytical presentation that compares three selected artworks of the student’s choice. Research and writing for this component began in Year 1, with students refining their work in Year 2. Students create artwork inspired by their Comparative Study, deepening their understanding of the connections between analysis and practice. Process Portfolio: This digital presentation documents the student’s two-year journey. It visually and textually captures their exploration of techniques, skill development, artist research, idea development, and reflections on their artistic practice. Exhibition: Students curate an exhibition showcasing thematic artworks created over the two years of the course. The exhibition, held in early spring, includes a selection of finished works, exhibition texts, and a curatorial rationale.
This introductory photography course merges the art and science of photography, guiding students to develop both their creative voice and technical skills. Students will gain a strong understanding of essential camera functions, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and enhance their photos using editing software, such as Photoshop and Lightroom. Through hands-on projects and collaborative critiques, students will delve into the history of photography and draw inspiration from the work of influential photographers in a wide variety of genres. Whether using a digital SLR camera or a smartphone, this course empowers students to create visually compelling images.
We are proud to have one of the leading IB film programs for international schools around the globe. Alongside our program, Paris is full of iconic film locations, and we ensure that our students gain access to many great professionals and experiences in the world of film production. We even have our very own annual film competition, Clash of the Titans, created by our IB Film teacher, Mr. Pessoa. The competition is geared toward IB film students from around the world, and takes place on the ASP campus, with student film crews spread out and planning an incredible film in less than 48-hours. Students and advisors look forward to the random allocation of their genre, actors, and any special props, before being turned loose to film on location in iconic Parisian streets. Students from ASP, Geneva, Beijing, Shanghai, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Adelaide, Dallas, Buenos Aires, and Doha have all been hosted on our campus for this epic event!
Visual narratives surround us with films, television programs, commercials and YouTube having an ever-increasing presence in students’ lives. Digital Filmmaking provides students opportunities to better understand, as well as to create, digital videos. Students learn the technical aspects of digital production, including digital cinematography, non-linear editing, lighting, and computer-based special effects.
Equally important is the art of storytelling. Students work to create original, well-structured stories with compelling characters and conflicts. Besides that, students will have contact with films from different countries and cultures, learning about film history and early techniques. This course satisfies the performing arts graduation requirement.
Same as the semester-long course, but we will dive deeper into the production aspects of the filmmaking process. The pace is faster than the semester course. There is no prerequisite for this course, but some previous knowledge about filmmaking is helpful so it's ideal for students who already took a digital filmmaking semester course and want to follow with more knowledge in the art of filmmaking. This course satisfies the performing arts graduation requirement.
IB Film, year one of this two-year program, challenges students to fully explore Film as Art by studying great films, creating documentary scripts and producing short films. This three-pronged approach creates opportunities to thoroughly investigate Film as Art while preparing students for the IB Film assessments, submitted in Year 2. Students will follow the IB curriculum, but the course is not limited only to those seeking the IB Diploma. The course is open to all students who seek an in-depth understanding of the power of film to inspire, to inform, and to entertain.
Year 1 of the program looks critically at a variety of film genres, develops cinematography and editing skills, and introduces script writing as art. It is advisable but not required to have some film experience before taking this course.
IB Film is the second-year component of the two-year IB Film curriculum, where students complete the four elements of the IB Film - a film with a project report, a video essay, a film portfolio and a structured film analysis. Throughout the year students will view and discuss select films, work on production exercises and script writing assignments.
Students will spend the first semester creating their IB film, a seven-minute (HL) production. During this process they will specialize and focus on one production role. They will also research and begin writing their documentary script for submission.
During the second semester students will finalize all of the pieces of the IB Film Portfolio, including the analysis component of the course, a 10 minute comparative study project, and a textual analysis of a scene from one of the pre-defined films assigned by IBO
IB Film is the second-year component of the two-year IB Film curriculum, where students complete the four elements of the IB Film - a film with a project report, a video essay, a film portfolio and a structured film analysis. Throughout the year students will view and discuss select films, work on production exercises and script writing assignments.
Students will spend the first semester creating their IB film, a seven-minute (HL) production. During this process they will specialize and focus on one production role. They will also research and begin writing their documentary script for submission.
During the second semester students will finalize all of the pieces of the IB Film Portfolio, including the analysis component of the course, a 10 minute comparative study project, and a textual analysis of a scene from one of the pre-defined films assigned by IBO
We have made a significant investment in the arts through the construction of a new, modern building and the skilled maintenance of our 350-seat theater, the Performing Arts Center (PAC). Situated at the heart of ASP’s newly-developed campus, the Arts Link facility includes:
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