|
 Students begin to learn the elements of performing arts in the grade-level
assemblies in the Lower School and continue to have a wide range of opportunities
to explore and nurture their talents throughout their years at the School.
Instrumental music, vocal music, movement, and dramatic arts are well
integrated parts of the curriculum. Co-curricular opportunities in the performing
arts are abundant.
In the Middle and Upper Schools, instrumental and vocal music ensembles typically
give students at least two opportunities to perform each year, in winter and
spring concerts. The Upper School jazz band often performs in other venues,
too, as do the male a cappella group The LaTones, the Women's Chorale,
and the select Chamber Choir. Additionally, the Student-Faculty Chorale,
comprising student chorus members, faculty, and staff, practices during the
winter to give two concerts each spring.
The Theatre and Dance programs at Latin offer courses for credit as well as non-credit performing opportunities. Upper School drama classes include vocal exercises and theatre games while moving into established scenes and scripts which are performed at the conclusion of each semester.
Students may be involved in the School's dramatic productions without
also taking acting classes. In practice there is much overlap between students
taking for-credit courses and those who choose to be involved in productions.
As part of Latin's co-curricular educational offerings, much consideration
is given, when choosing the scripts, to the educational and artistic value
of the script's message, performing style, historical merit, and pure entertainment
value.
 In Dance productions, choreography is done by the students under the
guidance of the Dance director/choreographer.
Most Latin productions are cast through a "no-cut" policy: If the student commits to the specified rehearsals then he or she will get a part to be determined by audition. The productions are directed by faculty members. Stage managers are always students and students do the set construction and control of lighting, scenery, sound, costume, and other technical elements under the direction of faculty, such that by final dress rehearsals the entire production is in student hands.
|
|
