Performing Arts

As students enter Middle School (grades 6 and 7), students have performing arts built into their curriculum. Drama teaches both theater discipline skills of communication, focus, body and voice control, stage presence, and taking direction, as well as creative problem solving, as students work both cooperatively and independently to develop self-confidence, and  build a healthy self image.

Music teachers focus on creating an environment in which students enjoy making music, both their own compositions and those of others, and have a greater understanding of how the building blocks of notes, rhythms, and chords can be used in so many different styles. Every student leaves their time with us having a greater appreciation of music in all its varied styles and genres. 

In Grade 8, students use all the skills they have been learning and spend a semester working on a musical that culminates in a fully staged performance. Choreography, costumes, set, and lights are added to the singing and acting, and the concept of a goal-oriented approach to our work is introduced, culminating in a mid-January performance! Past musicals have included Shrek Jr., Oklahoma, Mulan Jr., and Once on This Island.

Middle School students also have the opportunity to participate in our extracurricular annual Winter Musical alongside our Upper School students.

The Little School music program is designed to foster a love of singing, dancing, and storytelling, and to start building the fundamental music making skills. Special attention is paid to a student’s ability to sing songs and chant rhymes in their heads, as this is the foundation of rhythm and awareness of pitch that we build on in Lower School.

Creative movement, both improvised and choreographed, is an integral part of every class. We develop an appreciation for music that is familiar and a curiosity about music that is unfamiliar. To this end, students are regularly exposed to music and dance from other countries and cultures.