Musical & Performing Arts

The Academy’s music program is rich, varied, and inclusive. The goal is to encourage learning and participation, and to find a fun, satisfying role for everyone. Musical opportunities range from singing in a choral or a capella group to joining a Klezmer Band to playing saxophone in a Jazz ensemble to hammering on an electric guitar in one of the rock bands. Because of our “studio block” schedule, local artists (Tracy Grammer, Jon Weeks of Viva Quetzal, and Dave Chalfant of Sackamusic Recording, among others) are able to join our faculty to bring not only expert instruction but also experience in performance and a range of resources. Thus, motivated students have had the opportunity to create and record their own music, as well as exposure to working professionals who act as both teachers and mentors. Lower school students are required to take some music classes, and after satisfying that requirement can elect to focus on other interests, or can take their passion for music as far as they wish.

In addition to musical performance, students have the opportunity to participate in full-scale dramatic productions as actors, technicians, stage crew, or assistants. The annual winter show, usually staged in February, is one of the major milestones of the school year. In 2009-2010, Academy actors staged As You Like It in collaboration with Shakespeare & Company of Lenox, MA. As his senior project, Will Melnick `10 directed a student production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. In 2010-2011, Shakespeare & Company returned to lead a production of Twelfth Night.  The collaboration continues this year, with a production of Julius Caesar.