While purposes and objectives vary from discipline to discipline within the department, the main shared goal is for students to have regular, meaningful, and pleasurable experiences creating, learning, preparing, analyzing, and performing works of Music, Theater, and Dance. Through these experiences, students learn the satisfaction of being prepared and at ease whenever they have to present something to others, and they should have an increasing awareness of and appreciation for the role of the Performing Arts in the culture and in their own lives.

Curriculum Notes

The performing arts are deeply integrated into the fabric of life at Sant Bani, from music and drama classes to morning session presentations, monthly recess concerts, the annual music recital, art blocks and clubs, chorus and jazz band. Recorder, percussion, and steel pan ensembles, sound recording, playwriting, set design, acting, singing, hip-hop, ballroom dance and ballet are just a few offerings from recent years. Visiting artists and field trips to performances also enrich the curriculum. Our ongoing chamber music series brings world class musicians to the student body as well as to the larger community. Private lessons are available at all age levels in a wide variety of instruments as well as voice. Approximately one fourth of our students take weekly music lessons. An after-school dance program is also available.

K-2

In Kindergarten through 2nd grade, music and drama are integrated through the curriculum and are part of the daily routine. A weekly movement class combines gross motor movement, movement qualities and rhythmic work with dramatic self-expression.

h. 3-6

In grades 3-6, music/drama classes meet twice weekly. At this age some emphasis begins to be placed on technique, in addition to exploration and self-expression. All students learn to play the recorder and read music, and there is an annual 3rd-6th grade evening performance, often centered on a theme.

h3. Junior High

7th & 8th grades take drama for one quarter of the year. Each class chooses what type of project they want to produce, and are guided through the process of reaching consensus and preparing the final performance. Junior high students must also fulfill a music requirement, which may be met by taking private lessons, joining chorus or jazz band, or taking a music or dance art block.

High school electives are offered in Dance, Introduction To Theatre, Introduction to Music, and Directing. Students are also able to participate in jazz band, chorus, and play productions. The department presents a play every semester and the school has participated and won awards in regional and state drama festivals.

Department Head: Craig Jaster