Performing Arts

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

• Grade 8 & 9 Drama

  In Grade 8 & 9 Drama, students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of performance styles, including pantomime, improvisation, reader’s theatre, Shakespearean soliloquies and monologues,
  ensembles, a choreographed musical number, and a final showcase performance.
  
  Students will learn about staging, movement, vocal interpretation, and characterization throughout the course. Reflective in nature, the program will ask students to analyze their own and professional
  performances throughout each unit of study.
  
  Students can also look forward to field trips to Neptune Theatre and visits from guest speakers.

• Prep School Choir

  Students in Grades 3 & 4 participate in Prep School Choir, led by music teacher Shawn Whynot. The choir performs at seasonal concerts, Grandparents' Day, and annually at Shannex.

• Band by Grade Level

  • Grade Five: Students go through suitability testing to determine the skills they have entering the program and which instruments suit them best

  • Grade Six-Seven: Students start their first two years of Band class, focused on learning about the instruments and performing class

  • Grade Eight-Nine: Students take part in Grammar's Concert Band, performing at the school's annual concerts

  • Grade 10-12: Students' last year of required band classes is in Grade 10, students can continue to take band as an elective to advance further

• Band Extracurriculars

  Through all grades, students have many opportunities to enhance their musical learning outside the classroom with extracurricular bands, camps, one-on-one workshops, and mentorship between advanced Senior School students and Middle School Students. Below are extracurriculars that are typically offered.
  

  • Prep Choir
  • Middle School Choir
  • Pit Band
  • Pep Band
  • Junior Jazz Band
  • Senior Jazz Band
  • Senior Wind Ensemble
  • Sectional Programs
  • Workshops/Camps
  • Festivals
  • Annual Concerts

• Musicals

  Students from Grade 4 - 12 have the opportunity to participate in a yearly musical production. 
  
  All Grade 4 students take part in the Prep School Musical, where they are introduced to character-work, memorization, and choreography, all culminating in a spectacular production. Last year's production was Wonderland.
  
  Middle School students in Drama Club may audition for the Middle School Musical, which is directed by local emerging theatre talent. Last year's production was James and the Giant Peach. Grade 9 students can also audition for the Senior School Musical.
  
  One of our signature Arts events, the Senior School Musical showcases the talent of our students in music, drama, tech, and beyond. The Senior School Musical is directed by multi-disciplinary artist GaRRy Williams and musically directed by Ian Mosher. Students in the musical will participate in workshops led by professional theatre artists, learning skills like stage-fighting, puppetry, and more. Last year's production was Les Miserables.