All-City Performing Arts

Students in Choir I and II will develop individual vocal skills while strengthening their ability to perform as part of an ensemble. Students will explore their vocal capacity and receive training in music theory and vocal technique that includes developing good tone quality, vowel uniformity, breathing techniques, and blending. Through exercises, rehearsals, and performances, students will receive exposure to and experience in a variety of choral music.

The dance ensembles are designed to benefit dancers of various levels ranging from beginning to advanced dance and build upon Classic and Contemporary Jazz and Ballet Technique’s foundation and vocabulary. Time will be divided into one hour of technical training and one hour of breakout sessions that will offer various styles and choreography to strengthen students’ knowledge of dance and performance skills. This year, there will be two levels of dance.

Participants in Music & Media Production will engage in student-driven music creation using electronic music tools and studio production techniques to explore song writing, performance, recording, and music publishing. Synthesizers, sampling, audio mixing and digital music applications will be tools used to explore music production and songwriting. We will dive into song forms, rhythm, arranging, collaboration, artistic identity, lyric writing, visual content and other ideas used in the musical creative process. The program will feature two performance presentations including a Winter Showcase in December and a Spring Showcase in May in collaboration with HAUS at Columbia College Chicago.

Participants in Music & Media Production will engage in student-driven music creation using electronic music tools and studio production techniques to explore song writing, performance, recording, and music publishing. Synthesizers, sampling, audio mixing and digital music applications will be tools used to explore music production and songwriting. We will dive into song forms, rhythm, arranging, collaboration, artistic identity, lyric writing, visual content and other ideas used in the musical creative process. The program will feature two performance presentations including a Winter Showcase in December and a Spring Showcase in May in collaboration with HAUS at Columbia College Chicago.

The Theatre ensemble includes 6-12 grade theater artists focused on creating original content that resonates with young audiences. Students will create their own original plays to perform in both semesters of the school year.

Beginning Band is designed for students who are interested in, but new to band. No prior musical experience is necessary. The instruments offered are Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. Students can try the different instruments before choosing one to focus on. Instruments will be provided for Beginning Band students to learn on.

Students in the Jazz Band will rehearse and perform a varied music repertoire in combo and big-band formats by playing, listening, and improvising in various jazz styles. Instruments include trumpet, trombone, saxophone, guitar, bass, piano, and drums.

In Symphonic Band, beginning/intermediate wind-instrumental musicians will rehearse various wind band repertoire ranging in difficulty, style, and time. There will be a focus on developing fundamental ensemble skills, including tone, balance, blend, musical expression, phrasing, intonation, and rhythm. Students will work in collaboration with directors and fellow musicians.

Elementary and High School Modern Band students select rock repertoire and related genres to play as an ensemble. Students play guitars, basses, keyboards, drums, and they sing. High School Modern Band is intended for students interested in learning and further developing the skills necessary to perform in a rock band setting. Our goals as an ensemble are to collaborate, develop skills on our chosen instrument, and find ways to create and share music.

Elementary and High School Modern Band students select rock repertoire and related genres to play as an ensemble. Students play guitars, basses, keyboards, and drums, and sing. High School Modern Band is intended for students interested in learning and further developing the skills necessary to perform in a rock band setting. Our goals as an ensemble are to collaborate, develop skills on our chosen instrument, and find ways to create and share music.

Violin, viola, cello, and string bass musicians will come together in the Orchestra to rehearse and perform various music. Orchestra members will be able to perform in a full orchestra, a string orchestra, and a chamber orchestra for advanced players. Ensemble members will show superior leadership by consistent rehearsal attendance and at-home practice.

Percussion students will rehearse a variety of pieces written for a range of percussion instruments. Students will have a direct focus on their instrument in a setting that allows them to play familiar instrumentation and take a more unconventional approach to percussion instruments.

Mariachi ensemble will comprise students who play the violin, trumpet, guitar, vihuela, guitarrón, harp, and guitarra de golpe; however, other instrumentalists or vocalists will be considered. This performance-driven ensemble will focus on traditional mariachi song styles and techniques and explore how the mariachi culture has evolved through the present day.