"How does one measure the affect of a whole gym filled with teachers, parents, administrators, and students on their feet singing and dancing to a student led and created version of Bob Marley's Get Up, Stand Up? One can't. But that is the beauty and power of arts integrated education." Nadine Zelle, Music Teacher, about the 7th grade class Free Speech project As part of Waters' Fine Arts Program, the Visual Arts, Music and Drama programs at Waters are used as a model for other schools in Chicago. All are integrated with subject matter to provide a stimulating and holistic approach to learning. Visual Art All visual art classes are taught in a 1/2 class studio-based format. This particular curriculum is rooted in the homeroom curriculum and aims to teach cultural studies and social activism through real-world experience and project-based activities. Music Waters has an extracurricular choir with over 60 students. The group performs at local community events and participates in Chicago's city-wide choral competition. Throughout the year, kids participate in a range of music activities from learning the basics of music, to songwriting and guitar instruction. Drama The Waters drama teacher works with all students, K-8, to develop their self-confidence and selfexpression skills and to encourage creative forms of expression at all ages. Projects range from Kindergarten music and movement classes to skits and full-scale plays for the older students.