Arts Department Head, Dance
Colleges and schools throughout the northeast have presented Sarah's choreography.
Overview
“Our students work with their hands, voices, bodies, hearts, and minds to create something original—something they alone envisioned, cultivated, and carried through to completion. This process builds a confidence and pride that stays with them beyond Taft, supporting their success in college, careers, and life.”
Sarah Surber, Arts Department Head
Art is the most elemental form of expression. It challenges the mind, nurtures the soul, and spurs innovation. Mr. Taft understood the vital role art plays in shaping the spirit and intellect of his students. Our graduates are collaborators. They are disciplined thinkers. They are intuitive, imaginative creators, and observers in all areas of their lives.
Academic courses in the arts support the school's mission of educating the whole person, and are included in our required curriculum. Opportunities outside of the classroom—from concerts and theater to gallery exhibits and travel—not only broaden and enhance learning, but also bring energy, culture, creativity, and balance.
Faculty Artists
![Meghan Balliett]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657630710/taft/azk8gs9qnlz67xj7mngb/BalliettMeghan.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1657630710/taft/azk8gs9qnlz67xj7mngb/BalliettMeghan.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1657630710/taft/azk8gs9qnlz67xj7mngb/BalliettMeghan.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657630710/taft/azk8gs9qnlz67xj7mngb/BalliettMeghan.jpg","width":960}])
Studio Art
Meghan has a passion for nature and that is the subject of much of her artistic exploration.
![Kiayani Douglas]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657630542/taft/exeuhykewwqvvovdyk2k/DouglasKiayani.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1657630542/taft/exeuhykewwqvvovdyk2k/DouglasKiayani.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1657630542/taft/exeuhykewwqvvovdyk2k/DouglasKiayani.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657630542/taft/exeuhykewwqvvovdyk2k/DouglasKiayani.jpg","width":960}])
Studio Art
Douglas uses her art to engage individuals in important conversations around social justice narratives.
![Heather Dawson]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657629631/taft/kywowuzbensdi9xfffcl/DawsonHeatherFay.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1657629631/taft/kywowuzbensdi9xfffcl/DawsonHeatherFay.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1657629631/taft/kywowuzbensdi9xfffcl/DawsonHeatherFay.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657629631/taft/kywowuzbensdi9xfffcl/DawsonHeatherFay.jpg","width":960}])
Video Arts
Heather is an Emmy Award-winning director and producer and joins the Taft faculty as the video arts teacher.
![Jessica Pierpont]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767969779/taft/v0csnorenzrgydpafgna/JessicaPierpontArts.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767969779/taft/v0csnorenzrgydpafgna/JessicaPierpontArts.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1767969779/taft/v0csnorenzrgydpafgna/JessicaPierpontArts.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1767969779/taft/v0csnorenzrgydpafgna/JessicaPierpontArts.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1767969779/taft/v0csnorenzrgydpafgna/JessicaPierpontArts.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1767969779/taft/v0csnorenzrgydpafgna/JessicaPierpontArts.png","width":2200}])
Director of Choral Activities
An experienced conductor, educator, and professional singer, Dr. Pierpont has worked with collegiate, professional, and community ensembles across the U.S. and Canada.
Theater
Helena teaches beginning and advanced acting, comedy and improvisation, and public speaking.
Instrumental Music
T.J. has been an educator, jazz pianist, composer, and conductor for the last 20 years throughout the Midwest, New York, and New England.
![Semaj Campbell]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767969777/taft/emrtlcdslopnml3iiyqc/SemajCampbellArts.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767969777/taft/emrtlcdslopnml3iiyqc/SemajCampbellArts.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1767969777/taft/emrtlcdslopnml3iiyqc/SemajCampbellArts.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1767969777/taft/emrtlcdslopnml3iiyqc/SemajCampbellArts.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1767969777/taft/emrtlcdslopnml3iiyqc/SemajCampbellArts.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1767969777/taft/emrtlcdslopnml3iiyqc/SemajCampbellArts.png","width":2200}])
Photography
An award-winning visual artist and dedicated educator, Semaj mentors students in both the classroom and on the football field while using photography as a powerful tool for self-expression and discovery.