Fine Arts

Fine Arts

Visual art, the BASIS Music Academy, dance and drama

BASIS International School Bangkok students in costume during a school drama production

Fine arts at BASIS International School Bangkok cover visual art, music, dance, and drama. Students paint and draw, take instrument lessons, sing in a tiered choir program, dance, and act in our Black Box Theatre. Music runs through the BASIS Music Academy, which offers private lessons, a string orchestra, an age-based rock band, and choirs. Many classes are led by specialist teachers and visiting artists.

The arts give students a way to express themselves and grow in confidence next to their academic work.

BASIS International School Bangkok students presenting artwork on display in class

At a glance

  • Ages: Early Years through Grade 12
  • Visual art: drawing, painting, mixed media, dot painting, clay and comic creation
  • Music: BASIS Music Academy with instrument lessons, the BASIS String Orchestra, Rock Band and a choir pathway
  • Dance: ballet and hip hop
  • Drama: Drama Club, Musical Club and Thai Dancing Club
  • Facilities: Arts Building with a Black Box Theatre, Dance Studio, Art Rooms and Music Rooms
  • AP pathway: students can continue into AP Drawing, AP 2-D Art and Design and AP 3-D Art and Design, which begin in Grade 9

Visual art

Students explore drawing, painting, and mixed media in a relaxed studio setting. Some classes are led by visiting specialists.

Young BASIS International School Bangkok students making art in class

Art and drawing

Classes cover drawing, painting, and color work, with room for students to find their own style.

Students working in an art class at BASIS International School Bangkok

Clay and making

Clay work is hands-on and helps students build patience and fine motor control as they model and shape their own pieces.

A young BASIS International School Bangkok student in the school library

Comic creators

Students invent characters and tell their own illustrated stories, from first sketches to a finished book.

Music at the BASIS Music Academy

Music runs through the BASIS Music Academy, which brings together private lessons, ensembles, and choirs.

BASIS International School Bangkok students playing keyboard and ukulele together from sheet music

Instrument lessons

Students take individual or paired lessons. Through the BASIS Music Academy these cover strings, including violin, viola, cello and double bass, along with wind instruments and guitar. Our wider music program also offers piano and ukulele, and younger students can begin with introductory music classes that build rhythm and melody through songs and play.

BASIS International School Bangkok students holding ukuleles beside an instrument rack

BASIS String Orchestra

The BASIS String Orchestra brings string players together in a conducted ensemble. Students should read music at a basic level. Anyone new to an instrument is encouraged to start with private lessons first.

A BASIS International School Bangkok student playing the drum kit

Rock Band

The Rock Band program is grouped by age, from a Little Junior band for younger students up to a Senior band. Students rehearse and perform popular songs together and build real stage confidence.

BASIS International School Bangkok students rehearsing from scores beside a piano

Choirs

Our choir program moves through clear stages: Kinder Choir, Young Voices, Primary Choir, and the more advanced TUSKERS Trebles. Each stage builds singing, listening and ensemble skills, and choirs take part in school events and festivals.

Dance

Dance runs through our Dance Academy in the Arts Building.

A BASIS International School Bangkok student performing on the Black Box Theatre stage

Dance Academy

Ballet is led by experienced instructors, with hip hop classes for primary students. Students build rhythm, coordination and confidence as they learn and rehearse.

Drama and performance

Rehearsals and productions take place in our Black Box Theatre.

A BASIS International School Bangkok student performing on stage in the Black Box Theatre

Drama Club

Drama Club rehearses and performs in our Black Box Theatre. Students explore acting, voice and movement, and learn to hold an audience. It is one of the best ways for students to build confidence.

The Black Box Theatre stage lit for a BASIS International School Bangkok production

Musical Club

Musical Club works across the school year toward a full musical production, for students who love singing, acting and performing.

The full cast of a BASIS International School Bangkok production in costume on stage

Thai Dancing Club

Thai Dancing Club teaches traditional Thai dance, with students performing at school events such as Songkran and Loy Krathong.

A BASIS International School Bangkok student on stage during a school production

Where the arts happen

  • Black Box Theatre for drama and performance
  • Dance Studio for ballet and hip hop
  • Art Rooms for visual art
  • Music Rooms for music learning
  • Campus-wide pre-cool fresh air system that keeps these spaces clean and comfortable through the year

See more on our campus page.

Why the arts matter at BASIS

The arts build creativity, confidence, and self-expression that carry into the rest of school. Performing and creating teach students to take risks, accept feedback, and finish what they start. Those habits show up in the classroom too.

Students who want to take art further have a clear route. Advanced Placement courses begin in Grade 9, and our AP offerings include AP Drawing, AP 2-D Art and Design, and AP 3-D Art and Design.

BASIS International School Bangkok students in front of a display of their artwork

Frequently Asked Questions

What fine arts activities does BASIS Bangkok offer?

Fine arts cover visual art, music, dance and drama: art and drawing classes, the BASIS Music Academy with lessons, orchestra, rock band and choirs, a Dance Academy, Drama Club, Musical Club and Thai Dancing Club. Offerings change each season.

What does the BASIS Music Academy include?

Individual and paired instrument lessons across strings, wind instruments and guitar, the BASIS String Orchestra, an age-based Rock Band program, and a choir pathway from Kinder Choir up to the advanced TUSKERS Trebles. Piano and ukulele are offered through the wider music program.

Can beginners take music lessons?

Yes. Younger students can start with introductory music classes, and instrument lessons meet students at their level. Anyone new to an instrument is encouraged to begin with private lessons before joining the orchestra.

What arts facilities are on campus?

The Arts Building has a Black Box Theatre for drama and performance, a Dance Studio, Art Rooms for visual art, and Music Rooms for music learning.

How do students sign up?

Activities are listed each term in the Extracurricular and Music Academy catalogs, with registration and current fees available to enrolled families.

Can students study art at AP level?

Yes. Advanced Placement courses begin in Grade 9, and our AP offerings include AP Drawing, AP 2-D Art and Design and AP 3-D Art and Design.

Come and see for yourself

Book a campus tour and see a rehearsal, a class or a performance in action on our Rama 2 campus.

Join our interest list
Call +66 2 415-0099
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Activities change each season and school year. The full Extracurricular Catalog, with current offerings, pricing and registration, is available to enrolled families in the For Parents section of our website.