The Arts

Early Childhood and Lower Elementary students can begin to practice the dramatic arts in our after school drama classes. Students in 3rd through 5th grade have the opportunity to participate in our after school musical theater production, directed by experienced performing arts specialists. Recent productions include adaptations of Matilda, The Sound of Music, and The Wizard of Oz. 

Once in Middle School, students may choose to take a Theater class (or Orchestra or Band) within the school day. Students in 7th through 12th grade may also join the after school musical, a major Broadway-style production. Recent productions include adaptations of The Little Mermaid, Grease, and A Million Dreams.

For MS and HS students who want to gain experience in the technical side of theater, we offer an elective where students support theater productions through backstage craft, design, and production management.

ASB is a member of the International Schools Theater Association (ISTA), giving students the opportunity to participate in national and international theater festivals. In addition, ASB organizes and hosts the annual Playmakers Theater Festival, involving international schools in the Barcelona area.

Students follow a general music curriculum in PK3 through grade 3, focusing on voice, recorder, ukulele, and percussion. In grades 4 and 5, all students learn to play a wind or strings instrument in Band or Orchestra classes. Students may continue with in-school Band or Orchestra in the Middle and High School, or opt for the Theater class. Experienced musicians may continue their musical studies in the IB Music class. 

After school, ASB offers a wide range of Music activities: MS MAIS Choir, Rock Band, Big Band, Drumming, as well as private instrument lessons (these can be taken during the school day as well.)

In all cases, we emphasize giving the students multiple opportunities throughout the year to perform for an audience of their peers and families.

Since 2019, ASB has been a proud member of the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS), an organization dedicated to supporting music programs in international schools. Every year, a number of ASB students are selected to join a choir, band or orchestra comprised of high level musicians from schools around the world to perform in AMIS festivals held in Europe. In 2023, ASB hosted the AMIS European Middle School Orchestra.

Visual arts provide a well-rounded and holistic approach to learning, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. 

Students from PK3 to grade 8 have curriculum art classes, practicing different techniques in painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, ceramics, and more. Students in grades 9 through 12 may take art as an elective, or as part of the IB curriculum. Specialist art teachers help students make connections with history and social events and emphasize the artistic process. Students are encouraged to embrace their imagination, showcase their creativity, and demonstrate their communication and original thinking skills through artistic endeavors. 

After school, ASB offers art classes for students from Kindergarten through grade 8.