The Arts curriculum at GitaRam Academy is an interesting and diverse one. From the Inter- House competition to performing at competitions and festivals, boys in each of the arts can develop their talent and enjoyment of Art, Music and Drama. The school also offers students the chance to learn to dance at Inter –House level and with professionals in master-classes. With a specially produced termly calendar, a thriving photography club and a developing design and technology department, the arts are firmly rooted in the school’s intellectual and creative mind set and each year attract more boys to pursue their interest in these wonderfully diverse and soul enriching subject areas. After all, it will be the love and appreciation of these that they will take forward with them in the rest of their lives.
MUSIC
Apart from being in the academic curriculum, music is an integral part of the School’s profile of activities, and is showcased regularly through student concerts, inter and intramural competitions, cultural festivals at a national level, productions such as the Founder`s Day concert, and through social service. This dynamic programme is fuelled by the STA and SUPW, through which boys receive intensive training in developing performing skills and in appreciating and understanding concepts, genres and styles of music.
Masters and instructors teach vocal music and a variety of instruments – electronic keyboard, tabla, drums, guitar and flute. Both the great classical traditions – Hindustani and Western – are given special emphasis, but folk and popular music also feature prominently in the programme. Individual classes ensure that each student’s special talent, interest and level of commitment are addressed. Ensemble playing in the popular band, choir, percussion group and chamber music formats develop the valuable musical skill of co-ordination and rhythmic unity, as well as foster the equally valuable spirit of togetherness and sense of achievement in working as a team to make something of worth and meaning. Creativity, as much as technical skill, is developed and encouraged in the STA.
Recognising the power music has to reach out to and unite people from diverse sections of society, the SUPW programme aims at preparing students for performance at places where the School’s social service projects are located and at fund-raising concerts for charitable causes. In School, the Orchestra and Choir play a role at Assembly every morning in leading the community in a song of devotion. This also keeps the young musicians in training for bigger productions.
DANCE
Dance is an activity that is particularly popular, drawing participants from all forms. Preparation for the annual inter-house competition is a year-round activity, resulting in performances of a high caliber – innovative in choreography, costume design, and lighting, and a visual feast in terms of skill and grace of movement.
YOGA
Yoga is an ancient scientific discipline in India which is very useful for everyone in the modern world. Yoga is a compulsory subject in school.
Yoga as an STA has been popular among boys as well as staff members as it has tremendous use in life.
Yoga helps in a wholesome development of a person, which includes body, mind and soul. This develops soft skills in every individual and, most important of all, it is a way of life, which, if chosen, will definitely help in maintaining a healthy life.
CHESS
The purpose of games like chess is to open the mind and to enhance problem-solving and reasoning skills. Chess helps students to remain focused and to learn from past mistakes. It also trains them to work under pressure and take risks in order to get maximum output from their actions. Chess is offered to students from as an STA, and they are prepared for inter-house, as well as for inter-school, state, national champions. However, chess in school is not only played to compete in various tournaments. It is also an activity to unwind after a hectic day in the student’s respective houses. It helps them to forge positive social relationships, to be calm and patient and, most importantly, it teaches them the benefits of teamwork which are skills to be learned in today’s world.