Performing Arts

The materials we use in Performing Arts classes are an intentional departure from more traditional scholastic models which draw mainly from the Western Classical canon because we believe that this fosters an inclusive environment in which everyone’s story is valued AND we want students to know the source stories of the popular forms they gravitate to on their own.

Theater at Drew is about learning to be seen, heard, understood, and believed. Students develop the confidence to tell their own stories and the empathy to appreciate different perspectives. Course work is focused on building skills in creativity and collaboration as students explore verbal and non verbal modes of communication. They also engage in self-evaluation, and reflect on their artistic process through writing and discussion.

Music at Drew is a subject in which you can immerse yourself, just as you would with any other academic subject. This is possible because your ensemble is the class, and meets just as often as any of your other subjects. Whether you are a beginner interested in trying a new instrument, or you are already proficient on one or more instruments, there is a place for you in our student-centered ensemble program that values the contributions of each individual.

As opposed to traditional orchestra and band programs, Drew’s Ensemble program fosters individual autonomy. Rather than following from the back of a large section, Drew students learn from the outset to develop their musical voices through collaboration, authentic practice and in developing leadership skills.

Music Production is an immersive experience in which students explore the creation of music using digital and acoustic sound sources. Beginning with the mechanics of sound production, propagation and perception, and moving through a variety of modules, students will work individually and in small groups on technical and creative projects that serve as an introduction to the elements of sound design and musical composition using recording equipment and digital editing tools.

Music Fundamentals

This class is designed to facilitate music-reading skills at an introductory level to beginning students and advance the skills of students with some previous experience. Rhythmic skills are developed in class through percussion and drumming, while pitch and music-performance skills are explored through voice, keyboard, guitar, and other instruments. Additionally, the course will introduce and nurture a basic knowledge of various world and popular genres by listening, playing, and researching historical as well as contemporary contexts. Students learn to draw connections between the vocabulary and skills they learn in class to the music they listen to on their own.
Theater Workshop

The Theater Workshop is a hands on experience in the art of live theater, introducing and exploring theater from page to stage. The focus is on learning to be seen, heard, understood, and believed. Students will develop the confidence to tell their own stories and the empathy to appreciate different perspectives. Course work includes in-class journaling, analyzing text and character, rehearsing scenes and monologues, playing improv games, and exploring verbal and non verbal modes of communication while building skills in creativity and collaboration. Students will also see live performances in venues on and off the Drew campus.
Adv Theater Workshop

Advanced Theater Workshop gives students an opportunity to expand their acting skills, with further concentration on physical acting and voice and speech techniques, including dialects. Class work will delve more deeply into text analysis, character development, and improvisation. Students will be encouraged to support the growth of the theater ensemble as they direct each other in scenes and short one acts. The Advanced Theater Workshop will also feature an enhanced playwriting component, as students experiment with their own original scenes, monologues, and short plays.
Adv Ensemble - Band

Students arrange and perform advanced literature from a variety of idioms to include: classical, modern jazz, Dixieland, blues, swing, salsa, Afro-Cuban, rhythm & blues, rock and hip-hop. Rehearsal, preparation, and performance skills will be developed. Students also develop theory, musicianship, and analysis skills. By audition only.
Adv Ensemble - Vocal

The advanced vocal ensemble takes as its focus a wide array of musical genres, from classical to Broadway to modern popular. Students learn, rehearse and perform solo and ensemble selections, and also develop ability to select and rehearse repertoire. The course is geared toward public performance, both at school and in the community. By audition only.
Music Production

Students compose, notate, and create audio recordings using digital sound-synthesis and recording equipment. Students compile a portfolio of polished pieces that reflect a clear concept of form and structure through the controlled use of specified musical elements. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the mechanics and psychology of sound production, propagation and perception and will use a variety of equipment to create/collect sound sources and apply editing and production techniques. Prerequisite: Music Fundamentals or by instructor permission (formerly Digital Composition)
Adv Music Production

Students develop more comlplex and polished compositions using acoustic and electronic sources and working in a variety of environments; students will further develop microphone techniques, sampling, editing, mixing and mastering using a range of DAW applications in a project-based environment that focuses on developing each student's workflow. This course builds on the foundation of skills taught in Music Production. Prerequisite: Music Production (with B or higher).
Adv Theater Production

All matters of theatrical production except the acting. A behind the scenes course covering stage lighting design, sound, some history of theater and terminology, stage management and production. This class will run school shows from Assembly to Drew TV. Some after school and evening participation will be required during productions. Limited space available. No prior experience necessary. Applicants may be interviewed to determine level of commitment and interest.
AP Music Theory

*list 2 alternates in any discipline
Prerequisite: Department approval