Performing Arts

At the Upper School level, the performing arts program is designed to allow students with interests in music or drama to further develop their skills through both exploratory and performance-based courses. Upper School music performance will include Instrumental Ensemble, Theatre, and a Performing Arts Appreciation. All students entering 10th grade are required to complete one semester of performing arts during their time at VMS.

The goal of the theatre performance programs is to educate and expose the students to a broad range of theatrical styles by presenting diverse performances and productions for cultural enhancement. The Performing Arts Department also strives to prepare students for post-high school study in music, theory, and performance.

Performing Arts Courses Offered in 2024-2025

Music Theory

Open to: 11th & 12th grade
Meetings per ten day rotation: Five 80 minute periods
Prerequisites: None

Music Theory is offered to a junior or senior student who would like to further their interest in music theory. The music theory course supports mastery of the rudiments and vocabulary of music including aural skills and composition. Topics will include but are not limited to: pitch and rhythmic notation, meter, scales, intervals, triads and seventh chord, cadences, non-harmonic tones, melody, texture, voice leading, modulations, small forms, and score analysis. Building on this foundation, the course will progress to include more complex and creative tasks such as: melodic and harmonic dictation, composition, implying appropriate harmony, realization of the Roman numeral progression, and analysis of melody and harmony. The curriculum will focus predominantly on repertoire from the Western canon, but will also include jazz compositions, 20th century works, and world music.

9th Grade Theatre Appreciation

Open to: 9th grade
Meetings per ten day rotation: Five 80 minute periods
Prerequisites: None

This course is designed for incoming 9th grade students who are interested in the theatre world and would like to learn more about the history, craft, and execution of the art form. This course will go into the rich backstory of theatre and study its importance in cultures around the world. This will not be a performance-based course, but will have aspects that require working on stage in front of the class, as well as papers, script/film analysis, and standard tests and quizzes.

Standard Theatre Performance

Open to: 10th - 12th grade; Class is limited to 25 students
Meetings per ten day rotation: Four 100 minute periods
Prerequisites: None

In this course, students will explore basic acting skills through the production of a standard play. Students learn the rehearsal process and the performance/staging process of the selected production piece. An audition is required as part of the course and will constitute a major part of the grade. No other students are present during the audition. The three final performances in November are a requirement for all students who take the course. There will be small-group after-school rehearsals as needed, whereby the rehearsals will be planned around other school activities to give all students an opportunity to participate. There will be full cast rehearsals on selected Sundays. The student must be available the Sunday through Saturday of the production week. All students will need to sign a contract confirming their commitment to the Theatre program; class time is rehearsal time and may not be missed except for events previously posted on the VMS master calendar.

Musical Theatre Performance

Open to: 10th - 12th grade
Meetings per ten day rotation: Four 100 minute periods
Prerequisites: None

In this course, students will explore basic musical theatre acting skills through the production of a musical. The students learn the rehearsal process and the performance/staging process of the selected production piece. Prior singing and dancing experience is not necessary but will be required in the course to some extent. An audition is required as part of the course and will constitute a major part of the grade. No other students are present during the audition. Students can choose to audition for non-singing or non-dancing roles. The three final musical performances in April are a requirement for all students who take the course. There will be small-group after-school rehearsals as needed and these rehearsals will be planned around other school activities to give all students an opportunity to participate. There will be full-cast rehearsals on selected Sundays, and before- and after-school rehearsals may be required. Students must be available the Sunday through Saturday of the production week. All students will need to sign a contract confirming their commitment to the Theatre program; class time is rehearsal time and may not be missed except for events previously posted on the VMS master calendar. Students in 9th grade are encouraged to audition for this class, though one must have all A’s and B’s in the first semester to qualify for the second semester musical.

Performing Arts Appreciation

Open to: 10th - 12th grade
Meetings per ten day rotation: Four 100 minute periods
Prerequisites: None

Performing Arts Appreciation will further your knowledge and understanding of the universal and timeless qualities that identify all performing arts. The more you appreciate and understand, the better you can develop, evaluate, and improve your cultural mindset. During this course, students will learn about musical instruments and the different genres, artists, and composers. Students will also have an introduction to music theory, learn to read and write music, and analyze and listen to melodies. Students will also be able to compose original songs and arrange songs that we know and love. This is a course full of music and fun while gaining a true appreciation for the performing arts.

Instrumental Ensemble

Open to: 10th - 12th grade
Meetings per ten day rotation: Four 100 minute periods
Prerequisites: Prior playing experience

This class is designed for students who would like to explore and expand their previous musical knowledge through playing their instrument. Through this course, students will build instrumental technique and sight reading skills as we learn the score to the Upper School Spring Musical. The Ensemble will accompany the Upper School Spring Musical, which will require extra rehearsals during tech week. Musicians in the 9th grade are welcome to audition for this performance-based class.

Theatre Dance

Open to: 10th - 12th grade
Meetings per ten day rotation: Four 100 minute periods
Prerequisites: Audition required

This course is intended for students who are interested in learning how to choreograph for Theatre. This is not a technique class, and an audition will be required to join the class. Students in this class will transition into the Musical Theatre track during the spring semester and dance lead for the spring show as well as be expected to choreograph select songs for both the MS and US musicals. There will be small-group after-school rehearsals as needed, and these rehearsals will be planned around other school activities to give all students an opportunity to participate. There will be full-cast rehearsals on selected Sundays. The students must be available Sunday through Saturday the week of the production. All students will need to sign a contract confirming their commitment to the Theatre program; class time is rehearsal time and may not be missed except for events previously posted on the VMS All School Calendar.

Backstage Theatre

Open to: 10th - 12th grade class limit 5 max
Meetings per ten day rotation: Four 100 minute periods
Prerequisites: Interview with Theatre Director

This course is meant for those who have had experience backstage or in Theatre technology and would like to pursue a more in-depth and hands-on experience. Students in this course will help produce, construct, run, and design parts of the Upper School productions. Therefore, there are certain after-school and weekend dates that students in this course will be required to attend, which will be discussed at the beginning of the course. Admission to this course requires students to have an informal interview with the Theatre Director regarding their interests and experience in Theatre.