<p>Hello- my daughter is a junior this year in high school and we are beginning our college search. She does very well academically and has strengths in math, science and visual and performing arts. She would like to apply to schools with both a strong academic reputation and great visual/performing arts programs. We know Dartmouth has an excellent academic program- what about its arts programs?</p>
<p>Studio Art is a major at Dartmouth, and my artists friends are all very happy with it. Dartmouth is also constructing a new visual arts center, so that the department can move out of the basement of the performing arts center. The performing arts are stronger as extracurriculars… there are a lot of opportunities in student dance groups, acapella groups, the glee club, the gospel choir, all of which have the chance to use the great performing facilities in the Hopkins Center. In terms of music it is possible to major in music, and there are also groups like the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra, the Jazz ensemble, and the World Percussion Ensemble. There are termly theatre productions or musicals, as well as smaller events, like 24 hour play writing and performing festivals and a group that performs plays in unconventional space–frats, outside, the library, that sort of thing.</p>
<p>I would say especially if she is interested in double majoring or minoring in studio art, Dartmouth would be a great choice. If she is more interested in majoring in dance or theatre, Dartmouth doesn’t necessarily have those opportunities (you can minor in them though), but if she is more interested in them extracurricuarily, there are a lot of opportunities to both participate in and watch the arts. I’d google hopkins center Dartmouth to get an idea for the sort of performing arts groups and events that go on.</p>
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<p>I usually hate made-up words, but that one is excellent haha.</p>
<p>If looking at Dartmouth and interested in art, should definitely look at Williams (lots of undergraduate cross-admits between these two schools in general).</p>