Performing Arts The Music Department will assist with finding teachers for students wishing to have instruction in instruments not listed. Session I Music lessons begin in October and end in January. Session II begins in February, and continues through the end of the school year. There are twelve 45-minute lessons in each session. Lessons are generally scheduled after school but may also be scheduled during the school day depending on a student’s schedule. As such, lessons are arranged individually by the teachers and students based on mutual availability. Financial aid for private music lessons is available to Upper School students who receive financial aid for tuition.
Dance Satisfies Arts Program Requirement Classes I, II, & III This comprehensive course is designed both for students who have had little or no previous formal dance experience and for the intermediate-level dancer. Students explore and practice the principles of dance technique, improvisation, and composition, working to develop greater awareness, freedom, and control in the use of the body as an instrument of expression. Ballet, modern, and jazz dance styles will be introduced and practiced.
Advanced Dance: Modern (Half Course) Classes I & II This course is designed for students prepared to work at the advanced or intermediate level in modern dance technique. Students practice advanced warm-up exercises, center combinations, and movement patterns. Students may learn repertory from established modern dance choreographers. In addition to technique, students explore improvisation and dance composition in a more in-depth manner, culminating in a collaborative performance in the Winter Dance Concert. (Prerequisite: Arts Program Dance or permission of the department chair.)
Advanced Dance: Ballet (Half Course) Classes I & II This course is designed for dancers prepared to work at the advanced or intermediate level in ballet technique. Students practice advanced warm-up exercises, center combinations, and movement patterns. In addition to technique, students may learn repertory from choreographed ballets. (Prerequisite: Arts Program Dance or permission of the department chair.)
Advanced Dance: Choreography (Half Course) Classes I & II This course explores the path from improvisational dancing to sophisticated dance making. In a fun and supportive atmosphere, students cultivate their natural movement resources, developing movement ideas into fully shaped dance and movement pieces. Students also study relevant and wellestablished choreographers. No formal dance training is required; however, the ability and the desire to move are necessary. Students in this course will work collaboratively to create and perform a dance for the Winter Dance Concert. This course is strongly 4 Milton Academy
recommended for students interested in choreographing as individuals for the Winter Dance Concert. (Permission of the department chair is required.)
Drama Satisfies Arts Program Requirement Classes I, II, & III This course teaches acting skills to students of all experience levels. From interested novices to the advanced performer, each actor is given tools to continue their performingarts growth. Exercises and scene work aim at developing concentration, freedom, and power of expression, connection with a text and with acting partners, and a process for approaching characterization. The emphasis is on representational acting techniques and contemporary, realistic texts. Attendance at all Upper School performances is required. Excursions to professional productions may be required.
Advanced Drama: Directing (Half Course) Classes I & II This course introduces students to the principles and practices of directing for the stage. The course is project-based and emphasizes hands-on instruction and exploration in the directing of scenes and short plays. Students learn the basics of concept development, actor coaching, and blocking. The course is highlighted with a public presentation of student directed work in the spring. Students will also shadow faculty directors and may act as assistant directors for current-season productions. (Prerequisite: Arts Program Drama or equivalent experience and permission from the department chair.)
Advanced Drama: Improvisation (Half Course) Classes I & II This course covers the many aspects of improvisation such as quick and thorough thinking on one’s feet; creating believable characters; the use of subtext, concentration, imagination, and observation in short and long-form non-scripted scenes; working cooperatively with an ensemble and audience; creating truthful relationships; and the use of the body and voice as communicative instruments. Through participating in class activities, attending two off-campus shows, and performing in public, students will become more spontaneous, trusting, and cooperative performers. (Permission of the department chair is required.)
