The Performing Art Department recognizes the importance of artistic development in the individual and society. This is an ideal venue for learning to collaborate and perform. In addition to singing, dancing and acting, students are invited to become involved in all aspects of publicity, sound, lighting, set design and construction, and general "theater tech."
Performing arts courses include Chorus, American Music, Vocal Techniques, Music Theory, Acting and Improvisational Comedy.
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   Chorus
Students participate in a number of choruses that include many grade levels. In the Lower School, activities in speech and songs—all within the classroom—develop the child’s creative and musical skills. Careful attention is paid to the development of the child’s singing voice. The Lower School chorus offers a choral experience for children in grades three through five. Fourth graders participate in Lyric Opera’s “Opera in the Classroom” program. Fifth graders study American Musical Theater, and, together with the fourth graders, perform a musical play.
The Lower School Chorus is an extension of the Lower School music program that meets for additional time outside of class. Chorus rehearses on Thursdays after school and is open to all third, fourth and fifth grade children who like to sing. Chorus has an average of 60 enthusiastic members. The children sing a variety of choral music, and through their choral experience they learn about good vocal technique, conducting and reading music. Some songs also include choreography. The Chorus performs in the all-school winter holiday festival and in a spring concert with the Middle School Chorus as well as on other occasions throughout the year. Every two years they participate in the Lakeshore Choral Festival with four other children’s choruses and a guest conductor. The Middle School Chorus sings a challenging repertoire of various styles from cultures around the world. While the students learn different techniques for breathing and creating a quality vocal sound, they also apply different levels of music theory they have learned within their general music classes to the songs they sing within the Chorus. The Upper School chorus program provides many opportunities for students to hone their talents, and includes courses in American Music, Vocal Techniques and Advanced Vocal Techniques.  Theatre
In the Middle School, students take courses and work in movement, voice, improvisation and acting skills. Students learn to apply acting techniques, stage terminology and directing to a variety of scenes ranging from soap opera scripts to Shakespeare to contemporary plays. Students have the opportunity to write and produce films for their peers, assist in Upper School theater productions, perform in the annual Middle School play and participate in the All-School Musical.
In the Upper School, we require students to perform onstage in one theater production and to participate in another. Time and again, we see a student’s self-confidence grow as he or she performs on stage. Recent theater productions include You Can’t Take it with You, Inherit the Wind, Harvey, Big, Peter Pan, The Sorcerer, Wiley and the Hairy Man and The Water Engine. In addition to performances, Upper School students may take courses in Introduction to Theatre, Acting, Improvisation and Comedy. The Performing Art Department welcomes all Upper School students to audition and perform in the productions at North Shore Country Day School. The season includes a Fall Play, a Winter Play, a Spring Musical/Operetta and a Shakespeare performance in spring. During four years at North Shore, each student is expected to be on stage for one of the productions and participate on or off stage for a second production. All students, parents, relatives, and faculty and staff are warmly encouraged to attend North Shore dramatic productions! Band
Our outstanding music program spans the curriculum. Each student participates in general music classes in sixth, seventh and eighth grade. Students may also participate in a number of choruses that include many grade levels and take courses in music theory and appreciation. The Middle School Chorus sings a challenging repertoire of various styles from different cultures, and students have the opportunity to participate in the Middle School Band program. Upper School students may take courses in American Music, Vocal Techniques and Advanced Vocal Techniques. Instrumental ensemble opportunities are also offered.
The Lower School music program is based on the philosophy of Orff-Schulwerk: children learn by doing. Activities in rhythmic and creative movement, speech, body percussion, songs, use of percussion instruments, creative dramatics and integration, all within the academic classroom, develop the child’s creative and musical skills. Third, fourth and fifth graders can learn to play the soprano, alto and tenor recorders in Recorder Club. Third, fourth and fifth graders have the option of joining Recorder Club, which meets one day a week from 12:30-1 p.m. Third and fourth graders learn to play the soprano recorder and a woodwind instrument, and they develop their music reading and ensemble skills. Fifth graders may also learn to play the alto or tenor recorder and play three-part music. The Beginning and Intermediate Bands welcome students in fourth and fifth grades regardless of experience level. In addition to weekly rehearsals, musicians have a chance to perform at various “Afternoon Exs” and during the school band concert evenings in January and May. Please note: Daily practice will be necessary for true success. |
 
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