P e rform i ng Arts
PERFORMING ARTS The performing arts constitute a vital part of life. Through aesthetic education, Landon provides multiple opportunities for each individual to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for participating fully in the performing arts. In both rehearsal and performance, students: • Develop and expand age-appropriate skills in singing, playing musical instruments and acting, learning to communicate effectively with other performers, directors and an audience. • Develop and expand their skills in reading music, scanning texts, deciphering dialogue and using movement. Graded exercises and practice in reading musical notation, scores and scripts aid in allowing students to study and understand the culture of times past, present, and future. • Experience a wide variety of the great repertoire available, in studying and performing the historical and contemporary monuments of music and drama. (Participation in musical performances with varying levels of sophistication is commensurate with age, experience, individual ability, and interest.)
• D evelop aesthetic sensitivity and appreciation through listening, improvisation, and performance. These experiences in the performing arts are a part of each student’s course of study in Lower and Middle Schools (Grades 3–6, Forms I–II). They are also available to a large segment of students in the Upper School (Forms III–VI) who elect to take classes in the performing arts to fulfill a two- year requirement. In point of fact, the majority of students who enter the performing arts program as Form III students are drawn to continue their experience through senior year.
LOWER SCHOOL Music
Music literacy underscores the experience of a Lower School boy. Each homeroom meets for music class twice a week. All grades receive instruction in music theory and in
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the reading and writing of music. Students are introduced to various instruments and concepts of rhythm, melody, and harmony. Singing is a very important element in class, as are playing recorder and interacting with and writing music using iPad-compatible programs. In addition, each boy is required to participate in one of three performance ensembles and has the opportunity to perform for parents and the community at large. Lower School Band, String Ensemble, and Chorus each meet once a week. All ensembles are open to all students. The Landon Little Singers is a select performing group that meets before school twice weekly and is open to all Lower School students. This ensemble gives concerts in which a smaller singing ensemble is desired. The Little Singers have performed throughout the Washington metropolitan area, including at the Kennedy Center, Washington National Cathedral and the White House; they have performed at Carnegie Hall in New
