Performing Arts
At Holton, we rejoice when a student opens a door and seizes an opportunity.
In the performing arts there are countless opportunities – doors that allow us to tap into our creative spirit, to celebrate humanity, to satisfy our need for artistic expression, and to nurture our souls.
Performing Arts Programs
Dance
Dance is an integral part of the performing arts and physical education curriculum. Students learn to appreciate dance as a vibrant art form and a medium for developing physical fitness.
They explore creative movement, dance technique, improvisation and choreography. They work towards building a solid foundation in dance technique, while also having the opportunity to find their creative voice, work collaboratively on composing dances, and build confidence around expressing themselves artistically in a variety of settings.
Dance begins in third grade and continues through twelfth grade as part of the performing arts and physical education programs. Every student participates in dance in the Lower School. In the Middle and Upper School, there are a variety of dance classes students may select to take. For seventh and eighth grade students the opportunities include Dance Workshop, a one-trimester elective (offered twice a year) and the Middle School Junior Orchesis Dance Company, a two-season commitment. In the Upper School, we offer Dance Composition and Choreography, Dance Technique (beginner through intermediate level), Intermediate/Advanced Dance Technique, and the auditioned Upper School Orchesis Dance Company (a two-season commitment).
Performance Opportunities
- Upper School ORCHESIS Open House
- Middle & Upper School ORCHESIS Annual Concert with Junior Orchesis Dance Company
- Middle School Junior Orchesis Assembly
- Upper School WAISDEA Festival (Washington Area Independent Schools Dance Festival)
- Coffeehouse - Performance of Original Works
Drama
At the core of each experience in drama is a commitment to collaboration, creativity, and risk-taking.
Every creative process represents a journey. Holton offers opportunities in all aspects of performance and production. There are opportunities to act, direct, stage manage, and design for small and large-scale dramatic productions. There is equal respect for student contributions in all areas of theater; the technician is celebrated to the same degree as the actor. Curricular study in drama occurs both during the school day and after school through rehearsals and tech work.
Students exploring acting through classes and performances learn to use their voices, bodies, and imagination to create clear characters and collaborate in the story-telling process. An emphasis is placed on ensemble, interaction, and expression. Students explore diverse dramatic literature and also participate in improvisation and devising work.
Students involved in technical theater learn the basic skills, tools, and techniques for creating scenery, properties, lighting, sound, and costumes. An emphasis is placed on learning the safety standards and practices utilized within a working theater and scene shop as well as studying theatre vocabulary, backstage procedures and theater etiquette.
Performance Opportunities
- MS Fall play or musical (Co-ed at Landon)
- US Fall play or musical (Co-ed at Holton)
- US Winter One-Acts (Co-ed at Holton)
- Coffeehouse - Performance of Original Works
- US Spring play or musical (Co-ed at Landon)
- MS Spring one-acts or musical (Co-ed at Holton)
- Improv shows throughout the year (Co-ed at Holton or Landon)
Instrumental
Each student begins their instrumental music journey in third grade with classes that lay the ground work for playing an instrument and becoming part of an ensemble.
The instrumental experience helps students develop technical skills for expressive performance, encourages collaboration, and fosters a greater sense of community. The instrumental experience focuses on individual responsibility, commitment to collaborative work, respect for individuals and the ensemble, and aesthetic sensitivity.
At the end of their third-grade year, students select a wind or string instrument and become part of a band or string ensemble which they continue with through sixth grade. The Lower School ensemble experience is supported by group lessons during and after the school day. In Middle School students choose between one of the four full-year music ensembles, Chorus, Handbells, String Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. The Upper School instrumental program offers more opportunities for performance as students can participate not only in the elective music Instrumental ensembles, but can also audition for select music ensembles including US Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band.
The music of the instrumental ensembles is woven into the fabric of community life throughout the school year in events such as the Spirit Week Parade and Admissions Open House. Instrumentalists also have opportunities to participate in solo and ensemble festivals and All State Band and Orchestra sponsored by the Maryland Music Educators Association. Optional private lessons are available through the Arts Adjunct Program.
Performance Opportunities
- Middle & Upper School Winter Instrumental Concert
- Middle & Upper School Winter Handbells & Chamber Music Concert
- Coffeehouse - Performance of Original Works
- Upper School Spring Instrumental Concert
- Middle & Upper School Spring Handbells & Chamber Music Concert
- Lower School Spring Music Concert
- Middle School Spring Music Concert
Choral
The choral experience at Holton-Arms begins in fourth grade as an outgrowth of the general music program.
Every student in grades 4-12 with the desire to sing can participate in a choral ensemble that rehearses within the school day.
Here students learn to breathe life into the musical notes on the printed page, to contribute to a collaborative and rigorous rehearsal process, to find their own voices through the music, to understand music as a reflection of society, to acquire the skills for expressive musical performance, and to build a cohesive ensemble.
The work of the Holton choruses culminates in at least two concert appearances each year. Their music is also woven into the fabric of community life throughout the school year such as the Thanksgiving Assembly, Alumnae Reunion, Admissions Open House, and Commencement. Singers also have opportunities to participate in All State Chorus sponsored by the Maryland Music Educators Association.
Performance Opportunities
- Upper School Independent Schools Choral Festival at the Washington National Cathedral
- Middle & Upper School Winter Choral Concert
- Lower School National Cathedral School Choral Festival
- Coffeehouse - Performance of Original Works
- Upper School Independent Schools Vocal Ensemble Night for small ensembles
- Upper School Spring Choral Concert
- Lower School Spring Music Concert
- Middle School Spring Music Concert
General Music
Students develop a foundation in the many and varied qualities of musicianship that will enable them to be successful in all of their musical pursuits.
General Music is required for students in grades 3 through 6. In exploring music from a wide range of cultures and traditions, students deepen their interest in and sensitivity to the communities of people who created it. In addition to developing their technical skills and understanding, students learn to take creative risks, to think critically, and to work collaboratively.
In Middle School, students choose between one of the four Middle School music ensembles: Chorus, Handbells, String Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. They can also elect to take Music Composition where they make use of the Music Technology Lab for hands-on exploration in creating and composing music. Using electronic keyboards and composition software, students arrange, create, and improvise as they explore the art of Music Composition.
In Upper School, students have the opportunities to be involved in one or more of the aforementioned large music ensembles, as well as the more selective auditioned music ensembles of Chamber Singers, Swing Choir, Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band. Students may also choose from a variety of General Music electives including Music Theory, Music Composition & Arranging with Technology and Vocal Technique, Auditioning, and Cabaret.
General Music
