The performing arts program offers students the opportunity to study the history, art, and practice of dance, drama, and music. While developing their skills, the curriculum nurtures students’ creative expression and refines their appreciation for the diverse aesthetic expression of artists of many cultures and eras. Extracurricular performances enhance the academic curriculum.
MUSIC
MUSIC VIII: BELL CHOIR
Students in Class VIII are members of the handbell ensemble. In addition to the study of music theory, skills are sharpened in sight-reading, rhythm, and the art of ensemble playing. Ringing techniques are practiced on bronze Schulmerich Carillon bells. The Class VIII hand-bell ensemble plays at the opening of the celebrations of Lessons and Carols and at Commencement.
MARYMOUNT SINGERS: CONCERT CHOIR
CLASSES VIII – XII
The concert choir, geared toward the intermediate singer, is designed to develop such skills as sight singing and a cappella singing, while expanding the students’ vocal range. Individual growth is fostered in pitch recognition and imitation; performance and confidence, including the ability to interpret diverse compositions with accuracy of pitch, dynamics and style; understanding of the historical context and appreciation of western and non-western musical forms and styles; an ability to understand the composer’s intentions and text in relation to the musical period and style. Students are expected to memorize music in several languages, using proper vocal technique. The Singers perform at liturgies, assemblies, graduation, and concerts, and every spring the choir goes on a concert tour to Europe and performs at churches, concert halls, and one of our sister schools. Students are admitted by audition only. Performances and dress rehearsals require additional time beyond the school day.
CHAMBER CHOIR
CLASSES XI & XII
This advanced course for a cappella, solo, and quartet singing is offered, schedule permitting, to students who have attained an honors grade in the concert choir, who have experience with solo and ensemble work, and who have auditioned and interviewed with the instructor. Concentration on advanced musicianship and performance is stressed. Basic requirements include a good musical ear, a sense of rhythm and timing, the ability to match pitch, excellent concentration, and understanding of musical language, form, and analysis. Complex forms of harmony and analysis of form and theory are emphasized through written assignments. Performances and dress rehearsals require additional time beyond the school day.
More information about Marymount Singers and Chamber Choir is found in the Upper School Extracurricular Activities pages.
CLASS XII ELECTIVE: HISTORY OF MUSIC
This senior elective introduces students to music from medieval times through the present, including traditional classical music from the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th-Century periods, as well as world music, contemporary music, and jazz. Students develop the listening skills to distinguish music from the different periods and to gain a basic understanding of the forms and the vocabulary which will help them become skilled listeners. Students also study basic music theory, note-reading, and the instruments of the orchestra. (Fall Semester)
DRAMA
CLASS X: VOICE IN SPEECH AND ACTING
This one-semester course allows students to refine their public speaking and performance skills, training them to speak with confidence and authority before an audience. Speech assignments include original oratory, declamation of great speeches from American and world history, and oral presentation of poetry, short fiction, and Shakespearean verse. Students also explore the basic elements of acting. The primary goals of the course are to enable students to communicate with purpose and confidence and to appreciate the oral dimension of literary works.
CLASS XII ELECTIVE: HISTORY OF THEATER
This course provides an overview of the history of theater by studying dramatic literature and its historical context. The class explores the origins and development of theater through a broad range of cultures and time periods, from ancient Greece through the 21st century, for example: classical Greek drama, Restoration comedies, commedia dell’arte, Kubuki and Noh Theatre, and 20th century and contemporary American plays and musicals. The students will read, watch, and discuss quintessential representations of each period and participate in some performance exercises to enhance their understanding of a particular work. Students will gain a sophisticated appreciation of drama along with an understanding of the historical, literary, and theoretical bases of drama throughout the centuries.
Marymount also offers rich extracurricular offerings in drama.
DANCE
A weekly dance class, scheduled as part of the physical education course, emphasizes individual expression. See Physical Education.