The Webb School's Fine Arts program is quickly earning a reputation internationally and especially across the state of Tennessee and the South for offering diverse course offerings in a professional workshop atmosphere. Upper level students at Webb (grades 9-12) are required to complete one semester of Fine Arts per year, with three of these classes representing different art emphases. The Fine Arts faculty at Webb has practical and professional experience in their respective fields, providing students with an inside view of the arts as a working industry, as well as a pleasurable outlet for personal expression.

Being a Webb Player doesn't mean you have to perform on stage. Webb players range from actors to ushers to light technicians. There is a place in Webb's theatre community for everyone.

-Nicole Woodward '06

Theatre

With two full productions a year, rehearsals three to five days a week, classes in beginning and advanced levels of acting and theater, one-act productions, and trips to see plays in Nashville, the Drama Department is the perfect place to study theatre. Under the guidance of a director and technical director, students run every part of the major productions - from acting to costume design, to lighting. Plus, Webb's Theatre Department belongs to the International Thespian Society, the national honor society for students dedicated to theatre.

Ruth Cordell serves as Webb's Theatre Director. Ms. Cordell has been a performer on a professional level as choreographer, director, and actor for 35 years spanning community projects to noted professional companies and acclaimed fellows. She has used her connections with professional actors to recruit their involvement in Webb's Master Course programs. This series of programs is open to all students and allows them to gain invaluable, first-hand advice from professional actors.

Webb performers benefit from the opportunity to take Theatre I, Theatre II and Advanced Acting classes.

Music

Webb's choir and string ensemble perform both on and off campus throughout the year. Rehearsals take place at Webb's Lundin Fine Arts Center, which also includes a piano lab and rooms for individual practice. Courses in Classical Piano I and II, Music Appreciation, Guitar, Sound Engineering, Sound for Film, and Music Theory are offered.

Choir

Webb's choir is both an academic class and a performance group. Students learn to read and sing music from a variety of periods as they work to prepare and perform as a group. The Choir performs both on and off campus throughout the year with the December Service of Lessons and Carols and the Spring Concert serving as highlights.

Webb's choir is led by Mrs. Janet Linton who is also the Fine Arts Department Chair, Piano and Music Theory instructor. Mrs. Linton has taught at the university level. Additionally, as a performer specializing in contemporary music, she has played for Leonard Bernstein, Lukas Foss, Ned Rorem, Alice Parker, and Randall Thompson, among other composers.

String Ensemble

Webb's string ensemble is an excellent opportunity for new and experienced musicians. The string ensemble is both an academic class and a performance group. The string ensemble includes the violin, viola, cello, and bass. The Strings I class is the perfect opportunity for students to learn basic string techniques, music reading and musical terms through daily ensemble practice. Strings II class is for more experienced musicians, as music reading and performance skills are stressed in preparation for more advanced orchestras. Both the Strings I and Strings II ensembles perform concerts each school semester.

Webb's string ensemble is led by Susan Mullen. Ms. Mullen has extensive experience both as a performer and conductor. She performed with the Orquesta Divertimento in Costa Rica, the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, Fort Collins Symphony, Greeley Philharmonic, Wyoming Symphony, and University of the South Symphony. She has also conducted the Alabama All-State String Orquestra, the Williamson County String and Orechestra Bash, and helped pilot the after-school string program at the Bradley Arts Magnet School in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Ms. Mullen served 11 years as the Music Director and Conductor at the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra that she co-founded.

Guitar

Michael Cimino-Hurt is the Guitar instructor at Webb. A professional guitarist and vocalist, Mr. Hurt studied music and theatre in college, and performed with bands as a support musician. He also has recording studio and equipment design experience. He continues to compose and perform, while teaching guitar and performance technique.

Art

Aspiring artists get the training and recognition they need at Webb. Students can study pottery and visual arts such as drawing and painting. Student artwork is displayed throughout the year at the Lundin Fine Arts Center, and the annual Fine Arts Center. The annual Fine Arts Week, held each spring, also showcases student creations. There are three levels of art classes available for students, with Advance Art serving the needs of the most dedicated artist. This class is an individualized portfolio course where students may be guided through painting, printmaking, videography, and/or sculpture.

Webb's Art program includes instructors Mike Quinn and Sue Wood.

The recipient of the 2001 David Newton McQuiddy Award for excellence in teaching, Quinn's professional experience includes set and puppet design, as well as acting for public television - some may remember him as P.T. Pickens. He also operated his own clay studio, the Dinosaur Dirt Farm, until August 1999. At Webb, Quinn teaches Art I, Art II, Advanced Art, and Art Appreciation.

Sue Wood has taught at Webb since 1992. She teaches both pottery and sculpture to middle and upper school students. A practicing sculptor, Ms. Wood sells her work to galleries and private collections throughout the United States.