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Performing Arts

MS teacher and boy in classroom

Whether you raise your voice in song, bring music to life with your instrument, or command the spotlight in a dramatic role, our program gives you the chance to follow your passion, take creative risks, and grow as a performer. You'll build confidence, stretch your problem-solving skills, and be part of a nurturing community where everyone is encouraged to express themselves and sharpen their talents.

The Middle School orchestra performing at the Winter Chorus Concert.
Lower School students playing xylophones in music class.
An Upper School student conducting the student orchestra who are playing a song he composed at the Spring Instrument Concert.
Middle School drama students performing in a play during Arts Day.
Lower School students singing a song at the Christmas Concert.
Upper School student jazz ensemble performing at the Winter Instrumental Concert.
A guest artist working with Lower, Middle, and Upper School chorus students at the #SaintsSing workshop.
Middle School orchestra students performing at the Spring Instrumental Concert.
Lower School students narrating between songs at the Christmas Concert.
Upper School boys performing a song at the Winter Chorus Concert.
Middle School students singing a song on Middle School Arts Day.
Lower School fifth graders performing at the Spring Chorus Concert.
Upper School Stage One drama students in the spring musical, %22Hadestown: Teen Edition.%22
Upper School jazz class.
Students practicing in a Middle School band class.
Fifth graders performing in the Spring Chorus Concert.
An Upper School student singing a song at the Evening with the Arts.
Middle School drama students performing in a play on Arts Day.
Lower School students singing a song in the Grandparents and Special Friends' Day Concert.
Girls in the Upper School chorus singing at the Spring Chorus Concert.
Middle School music teacher playing with sax along with his students in a band class.
The Early Saints visited an Upper School music class, where the students played for them and shared their instruments.
Middle School students performing a song at the annual outdoor chapel.
Lower School students learning hip hop in an Artstravaganza workshop.
An Upper School student performing an Irish dance routine with the chorus.
Middle School students performing in the musical, %22Frozen.%22

A Place for Everyone

Our performing arts program celebrates every voice, every talent, and every step of the journey. Whether you're just beginning or have years of experience, there’s a place for you to be celebrated, thrive, and belong. The energy of rehearsal, the magic of opening night, the magic of making music with friends—it all adds up to unforgettable camaraderie and moments shared together.

Lower School

Lower School students performing in the Grandparents and Special Friends' Day Concert.

Our Lower School performing arts program is rooted in the Orff-Schulwerk approach, a joyful and holistic method that blends rhythm, movement, poetry, singing, and early drama. As our Saints grow, so does their musical awareness—through playful exploration of notation, improvisation, and instrument recognition. They learn to play the recorder and both melodic and battery percussion instruments, building a strong foundation in music.

Each year, our fifth graders join Middle and Upper School students on stage for the Winter and Spring Choral Concerts, while all Lower School students shine in the annual Christmas Concert and the Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day performance in May.
 

Middle School

Middle School chorus class.

The Middle School performing arts program builds on the strong foundation established in Lower School, guiding students into more focused artistic paths. Students can choose from band, chorus, orchestra, or drama—each offering a true ensemble experience. Whether you sing, play an instrument, or take the stage, you’ll be part of something vibrant and meaningful, creating unforgettable moments with your fellow Saints.

Middle School performers take part in a variety of concerts and productions throughout the year, including the Winter and Spring Concerts, Jack-o-Lantern Jubilee, Thanksgiving Service, Spring Musical, Lessons and Carols, Saints Sing, and weekly chapel services. Along the way, students grow not only in technical skill but also in confidence, collaboration, critical thinking, and a strong sense of self and community.

Upper School

Upper School students practicing in a band class.

Creativity, collaboration, technique, and individuality shine in our Upper School performing arts program. Whether you're drawn to the spotlight or thrive behind the scenes, there are countless ways to get involved. Share your musical talents in one of our many ensembles—concert choir, wind, orchestra, or jazz—or dive into courses like Music Technology/Digital Audio Composition and Music Theory to build your skills. You might find yourself performing in the Pit Orchestra for the spring musical, playing a solo at a concert, conducting an ensemble, or designing the costumes for a theatrical production. Our student ensembles participate in campus and community performances including the Kaleidoscope, Winter, and Spring Concerts, the spring musical Pit Orchestra, the Performing Arts Season Celebration, Lessons and Carols, our all-school Thanksgiving Service, and MAESA (Mid-Atlantic Episcopal School Association). Wherever your passion lies, you'll have the chance to expand your artistic horizons and connect with others who share your love for the arts.

Our Signature Programs

Cap your performing arts experience with a Performing Arts Certificate. Our signature programs provide students with an opportunity for deeper study and exploration in specific academic areas. Students who complete the requirements for a Certificate are recognized at the Academic Symposium, through notation on the final academic transcript, and in the Commencement program.

The Fine Arts Certificate Program aims to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Upper School students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and talent in the arts. A Fine Arts Certificate is earned through the completion of coursework, sustained involvement in arts leadership and engagement, and the completion of an independent arts-related capstone project. 

 

A poster at the Academic Symposium capturing the essence of a student's Fine Arts Certificate for composing an overture in honor of the school's Centennial.
Upper School student performing a song at the piano at Evening of the Arts.

Beyond Our Courses

There are plenty of ways to express yourself beyond the classroom! You might share your musical talents during chapel, perform at a school event, or join an extracurricular group like improv or gospel. You can take the spotlight—or work behind the scenes—in a play or musical, and get involved with special events like the annual Evening of the Arts or the semiannual coffeehouses that celebrate all things creative.

Performing Arts Curriculum

Performing Arts Department

Terrell Ambrose

Terrell Ambrose

ES-12 Performing Arts Department Chair
Dallis Byrne

Dallis Byrne

Performing Arts Teacher
Valerie Carlson

Valerie Carlson

English Teacher and Theater Director
James Criswell

James Criswell

Performing Arts Teacher
Ricky Drummond

Ricky Drummond

Performing Arts and English Teacher
Matthew Gehlhoff

Matthew Gehlhoff

Performing Arts Teacher
Rebecca Gehlhoff

Rebecca Gehlhoff

Performing Arts Teacher
Lindsay Jagodowski

Lindsay Jagodowski

Performing Arts Teacher

Bonny Tynch

Performing Arts Teacher