All students at Oakwood and Westwood participate in Elementary Art and Music. Throughout these programs at the Elementary level, students are encouraged to explore their creativity while learning an awareness of and appreciation for the arts. Various media, techniques, and skills are introduced to students to encourage their exploration of the Arts.

Visual Art is offered as a semester long elective at each grade level where students not only create artwork in multiple different media and techniques, but also learn to appreciate and critique art, explore technology applications, and learn about the history of art. Students at each level curate their own digital portfolio of their learning and their art.

Music options are available at each grade level in multiple formats to follow their passion, whether that is instrumental, choral, or general music. Band students develop and refine their skills over three years, from beginning with their instrument to intermediate solo and ensemble performances. Choir students have many opportunities to sing for personal enjoyment as well as for performances. A general Music Education course is also available for students to explore aspects of Music History, Theory, Composition, and more.

Mrs. Gorzen’s Mission of Teaching is to inspire and motivate students by sharing with them the care she has for them, the passions she has for art, and modeling what it is to be a lifelong learner. Students will find new possibilities, overcome struggles, grow, and find inspiration within art, which they will connect to their everyday lives.

The High School includes many visual art options to meet various student interests. Courses are reflective of different Art media, from traditional subjects like drawing, Painting, and Ceramics/Sculpture to technology-infused Digital Photography and Graphic Design to unique, specialized courses with Fibers and Advanced Art. Students have the opportunity to learn and grow in a multitude of challenges throughout the different courses!

Visit the PHS Arts Site for more information and examples of work.

It's not just the Marching Band at PHS. Students have a number of opportunities to explore Performing Arts and Music. In addition to the Marching Band, students are involved in Concert and Jazz Bands, while Audio Production was added to our offerings as well, for students to experience a different side of music. Choir rounds out the music department, where students hold numerous performances throughout the year with a strong tie to the community.

Dance is another recently added elective based on student interest and the desire for Portland Public Schools to engage students in exploring their creativity through as many options as possible.

Students involved in the theater program learn aspects of acting, directing, and theatrical design. They also get the opportunity to be trained in light and sound board operation, as well as designing lights and sound for the annual Drama Club production.  

Drama Club, separate from the student technicians and academic theater offerings, produces the annual spring musical, involving students not only in the on-stage aspects of a show, but also in costume and set production, hair and makeup, and publicity. The Drama Club also takes part in theater workshops, often led by industry professionals or college professors.