Arts

The Arts Are Integral

The visual and performing arts are integral components of a Hamden Hall education as we weave our students' artistic visions and talents into daily campus life. Our students love to share their stories of risk-taking: trying out for the school play despite having never stepped foot on a stage; musicians putting aside their violins to instead hoist a trumpet; athletes finding their voice within our choral programs.
 
Our campus hums throughout the school year with concerts, art exhibits, performances, theater productions, and cross-curricular art shows across all three divisions. 

Theater

We are dedicated to the process of creating dynamic theater.
Focusing on essentials, students learn the art of theater including character development, blocking, set design, choreography, costuming, direction, scene work, and rehearsal techniques. The process is as much about learning about theater as it is developing life skills. From our elementary school division through our high school courses, students are challenged through classes and rehearsals to develop and refine skills such as collaboration, listening, public speaking, healthy risk-taking, sense of humor, empathy, problem solving, and perseverance to name a few. Hamden Hall takes pride in the importance of theater education and has a rigorous and inspiring program in place.

Lisa Daly, Theater Coordinator

Theater is more than a stage at Hamden Hall. It is a creative home where young people discover their voice, grow as artists, and learn to collaborate and lead with empathy. Our thoughtfully sequenced curriculum meets each learner where they are and guides them from foundational storytelling and ensemble work into collegiate-level training in Acting, Playwriting, Directing, and Design. Every student is welcome and finds meaningful ways to participate; whether performing, designing, or contributing behind the scenes. Through coursework, rehearsals, performances, and technical training, they build confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of personal voice. We believe meaningful theater education blends academic depth with joyful artistic exploration, giving each individual the tools to express themselves, grow their craft, and step into their fullest potential.

Music

Joyful music fills our halls.
Hamden Hall has a comprehensive music program across all three divisions including our nationally renowned High School Choral and Instrumental programs, which are continually represented at regional, state and nationwide music competitions. Our music programs create opportunities for musicians of varying proficiency with comprehensive programming by our teaching-artist faculty. Students are immersed in an environment that expects excellence while maintaining a supportive community of like-minded young artists.

Matt Harrison, Upper School Choral Director

At Hamden Hall, students can explore all facets of their musical ambitions. Our vocal program fosters a deep understanding of music literacy through curated performance opportunities designed to meet our students' needs. History and theory are integrated into our daily discussions to broaden student perspectives. Hamden Hall musicians are student leaders in regional, state, division, and national honor ensembles and prize winners in vocal competitions.  Students who have a passion for music can succeed at Hamden Hall regardless of their previous experiences.

Visual Arts

Explore the creative process through our visual and studio arts program.
Our youngest students enjoy a cross-curricular learning experience as their art units are integrated with the classroom curriculum. In Middle and Upper School, students continue their personal artistic journey with opportunities in a variety of materials, techniques and approaches via academic experiences that broaden individual talent and artistic abilities. Students at all levels work with faculty members who are active artisans and exhibiting artists outside of our Hamden Hall Community.
 
Our Moira Fitzsimmons Arons Art Gallery provides an additional educational experience for our students as we continually showcase regional and national artists in this premier exhibition space.

Meet the Art Department

List of 11 members.

  • Photo of Caryn Azoff

    Caryn Azoff 

    Arts Department Chair, Gallery Director, History
    Central Connecticut State University - B.A.
    Central Connecticut State University - M.S.
  • Photo of Kristen Thornton

    Kristen Thornton 

    Arts Department
    University of Connecticut - B.F.A.
  • Photo of Sue Bennett

    Sue Bennett 

    Lower School Art
    Hobart/ William Smith College - B.A.
    Southern Connecticut State University - M.A.
  • Photo of Lisa Daly

    Lisa Daly 

    Arts Department
    Muhlenburg College - B.A.
  • Photo of Karl Gasteyer

    Karl Gasteyer 

    Arts Department
    Southern Connecticut State University - B.A.
  • Photo of Jon West

    Jon West 

    Arts Department
    Ashland University - B.A.
    Yale School of Drama - M.F.A.
  • Photo of Rachael Jungkeit

    Rachael Jungkeit 

    Lower School Music
    Messiah College - BS
    Westminster Choir College of Rider University - M.M.
  • Photo of Melissa Hudson

    Melissa Hudson 

    Arts Department
    Bowdoin College - B.A.
    Hartt School of Music - M.A.
  • Photo of Sarah Reed

    Sarah Reed 

    Arts Department
    Northwest Missouri State University - B.S.
    University of Hartford, Hartt School of Music - M.M.
  • Photo of Matthew Harrison

    Matthew Harrison 

    Arts Department
    James Madison University - B.M.
    New England Conservatory - M.M.
  • Photo of Chris Buckley

    Chris Buckley 

    Arts Department
Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.