The arts at Oak Hill Academy are a rich and integral part of our community. While “fine arts” offerings vary at different schools, at Oak Hill, our Fine Arts Department offers a robust series of courses and student activities, centered around three distinct element: visual arts, performing arts, and musical arts. What sets our Fine Arts Program apart are the accomplished faculty leaders and top-notch facilities we have available in each of these fields.
Visual arts
Mr. Dennis Wymer instructs our visual arts courses here on The Hill. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)—one of the most well-known and distinguished art schools in the world—Mr. Wymer holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree and is passionate about art education. Known for his boundless energy and dedication to his work, Mr. Wymer works tirelessly with his visual arts students, teaching courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, and studio, as well as AP Art.
He maintains an open studio after school for students interested in hands-on learning, and he is always an available and eager resource for Oak Hill’s budding artists. Mr. Wymer also helps put on one of the highlights of our school year, the annual art show, which happens during the Parents’ Weekend celebration each spring.
Performing arts
The leading lady of Oak Hill’s performing arts offerings is Ms. Corinne Johnson, who holds an MA from the University of Virginia. Ms. Johnson leads our dance troupe as well as our theater program. Our dancers perform numerous times throughout the year, and our thespians pour themselves into preparing for our spring play—another highlight of Parents’ Weekend.
Last year, the performing arts troupe brought down the house with an amazing performance of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. And Potterheads everywhere rejoice—we eagerly await Oak Hill’s rendition of Puffs, a Harry Potter-themed production, this spring!
Musical arts
Mr. Nick Lauterbach is our music teacher and is himself an accomplished musician. A gifted guitarist and keyboardist, Mr. Lauterbach is also a dedicated worship leader. He led worship at the collegiate level in California and was the worship leader at a large church in central Virginia prior to joining the Oak Hill faculty. He currently leads worship at his home church in Galax, in addition to teaching here at Oak Hill.
Any and all students interested in musical performance are encouraged to sign up for music classes. Mr. Lauterbach is happy to work with students of all competencies and experience levels. Most recently, his Oak Hill music class put on a smashing performance for the entire student body!
Fine arts at Oak Hill Academy are alive and well, and we dedicate as many resources as possible into nurturing our student body’s interest in the arts. If your student wants to pursue visual arts, performing arts, or musical arts, there are many vibrant options available at Oak Hill Academy.
