5 minute read
The Performing Arts On & Off Stage
BY DANA KOBERNICK, LCC Communications Manager
An eager audience anticipates a moving monologue, an orchestral crescendo or the stirring harmonies of a choir, ready to share in the experience of a dramatic production or concert. Performers step onstage, backstage crew are on their mark, lighting technicians await their cues. This is the thrill of the performing arts.
At LCC, students have a myriad of opportunities to take part in the world of theatrical and musical performance. Beyond the sheer joy, teachers and students alike attest to the value of participating in these collaborative activities.
Senior School play She Kills Monsters
Senior & Middle School Plays Are Tough Acts to Follow
Every year, students from grades 7 to 12 can choose to have their moment in the spotlight. Or, they may wish to undertake stage management tasks, lighting and sound design, or create costumes and props. Not only do they learn about the intricacies of the craft, they also develop transferable skills like time management, effective communication, teamwork, and public speaking abilities.
“I used to be extremely nervous when making presentations,” says Emma Jabbari ’21. “But when I started acting, this soon came naturally to me. I was no longer scared about my projects and even found myself volunteering to go first.”
Senior School play She Kills Monsters
LCC Theatre Arts Teacher Sarah Mahoney literally has a front row seat to the growth and development of her students. “It is a beautiful thing to be able to watch a student progress and blossom,” she says. “And it is completely unpredictable. A shy, introverted student with a minor role in grade 7 may be the star of the show in grade 10.”
In addition to directly involving many students, the Middle and Senior School plays also draw on the talents of students participating in other clubs. For example, “Bob the Eyeball,” a plaster of Paris sculpture which took centre stage in this year’s Senior School play, They Kill Monsters , was built courtesy of the art club. And students in the robotics club brought their ingenuity to the production with a moving robot.
Middle School play Orange is the New Glass
“There is a real sense of community,” says Alexandra Mazzella ’04, English teacher and director of the Middle School play. “Our students want to be part of something creative and they want responsibility. They find their safe haven and develop enduring friendships.”
Middle School play The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet
Middle School play Orange is the New Glass
Junior School musical Little Mermaid
Senior Choir is Music to Our Ears
New to LCC in 2019–2020 is the Senior Choir, an initiative that has been embraced by many grade 9, 10 and 11 students. Its director, Penni Clarke, who is also the Junior School music specialist, is confident that participation will grow and looks forward to many performances in the future.
“The students are invested, feel challenged and are engaged,” says Ms. Clarke. “Their focus on learning music only for the sake of learning music and not for marks is a source of pleasure and sense of accomplishment.”
Junior School Chorale at the annual Toy Tea
Junior School Musical & Choir Strike the Right Chord
Grade 4, 5 and 6 students flock to auditions for the Junior School musical, an LCC community favourite, which plays to consistently packed houses. Whether they land a lead role or are part of the ensemble, they all have a chance to shine, making this inclusive event a highlight of their school year.
“The first time I had a large role in a play was in LCC’s production of Annie Jr.,” says Harry Fletcher ’24. “It was a different experience from being involved in a sports team or other activities. It helped improve my confidence for public speaking and taught me that working well with the other cast members is really important.”
The Junior School choir for students in grades 3 to 6 fosters an enjoyment of singing and allows the children to develop their voices and express themselves through music. They learn about the importance of listening to one another and what it means to be part of a team. And Non Nobis Solum is put into action as students take their music-making to seniors’ residences and other community events.
“Both the Junior School musical and the choir help students get out of their shell,” says Shoshana Weinberger, grade 2 math teacher, director of the musical and assistant to the choir leader, Ms. Clarke. “They gain confidence, make new friends, and form bonds with teachers in a different way.”
Junior School musical Annie Jr.
Singing the Praises of the Middle School Glee Club
Led by Middle School English and Art Teacher Jeff Sykes, students in the Middle School Glee Club sing their hearts out at a variety of school events including the grade 8 closing ceremonies and Café Cabaret.
“It is vital that students have an opportunity to express themselves creatively, and music offers a perfect environment in which to experiment,” says Mr. Sykes. “The performing arts, more generally, provide an opportunity for students to learn to trust each other and work together toward a common goal.”
Senior Concert Band students in Budapest, Hungary
Senior School & Pre-U Students Face the Music
Outside of the academic music program, there are many options for students who want to pursue—or develop—their musical interests. Senior Concert Band, Senior Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Small Ensembles and Grade 8 Jazz Band are opportunities to work on their skills, with the added benefit of character development.
“There is inherent value in the study of music as an art form,” says Head of Fine Arts Scott Cheyne. “In particular, students learn to work with one another and honour commitment. They see the value of creating something as a group rather than as an individual, and watching this development in them brings me a great deal of pride.” These impressive music ensembles perform at local school events and, over the years, the 90-member Senior Concert Band has travelled internationally, performing for audiences in Cuba, Italy, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic, among others.
“I have loved being part of the music program at LCC,” says Heidi Sinyor ’20. “My involvement has led me to be more patient, responsible and disciplined, largely due to my wonderful teachers, Mr. Cheyne and Mr. Cox. In addition, the Europe, Boston, and band camp trips allowed band members to forge strong bonds and learn to work and play collaboratively, while making countless and unforgettable memories.”
LCC Senior Concert Band
