Fine and Performing Arts
About Us: Department of Fine and Performing Arts
Welcome to the Dover Public Schools Department of Fine and Performing Arts. Led by Janet Gaynor-Matonti, our department is dedicated to providing equitable access to arts education, empowering students to explore and express their creativity while understanding the human condition.
Our Mission Art enriches lives and helps us comprehend the world around us. Our mission is to empower students to become complete human beings who contribute positively to society through their engagement with various art forms. We aim to ensure that all students have the opportunity to explore their artistic talents and develop critical thinking and empathy through arts education.
Our Goals
- Understanding the Human Condition: Help students find artistic avenues to explore and process human experiences.
- Fostering Creativity: Encourage students to engage in creative processes and artistic expression.
- Encouraging Innovation: Support innovative thinking through the arts.
- Developing Critical Thinkers: Cultivate the ability to analyze and approach problems with critical insight through artistic methods.
- Empowering Lifelong Learners: Shape students into empathetic and productive individuals who value lifelong learning.
Recent Successes and Projects Our students have achieved remarkable recognition in various competitions and exhibitions, showcasing their talents across multiple disciplines:
- Music in the Parks Festival (6/5/24): The DHS Marching Band received a Superior Rating.
- DHS Teen Arts Winners (5/13/24): Our students excelled in multiple categories, including a 1st place in Art, 2nd place in Film and Dance, and notable mentions in Vocal and other areas.
- Congressional Art Show Competition Finalist (5/6/24): Eliana Thompson represented DHS brilliantly.
- Blackwell Street High School Art Show (4/18/24): Our students won 1st place in the Watercolor Division and received honorable mentions in Graphic Art.
- New Jersey Flute Choir Day (4/15/24): Isabella Munoz performed at Caldwell University.
- AANJ Emerging Artists Exhibit (2/7/24): Shayla Graham featured as an emerging artist.
- Mayo Performing Arts Center Musician of the Month (1/22/24): Percussionist Matthew Lombardi was honored.
- North Jersey Area Band Concert (1/13/24): Amelia Cassano was accepted for her French Horn performance.
- Morris Area Honors Choir (11/27/23): Our vocalists from DMS showcased their talents beautifully.
Looking Ahead Our department continues to foster artistic excellence and creativity, providing students with opportunities to grow as artists and individuals. We are excited about the ongoing projects and upcoming events that will further enhance our students' artistic journeys.
Join us as we continue to celebrate and cultivate the arts at Dover Public Schools, ensuring our students not only appreciate the beauty of art but also harness it to make meaningful contributions to the world.