From classroom reader’s theaters, to our weekly Friday School Sings, to concerts and productions for bigger audiences, EDS students get lots of opportunities to perform. Music and Performing Arts are very much part of the integrated curriculum at the K-5 level. All students participate in an integrated performing arts class each week. Students learn music and rhythm theory and have an opportunity to experiment with music, acting, and dance. Each class has a chance to shine for larger audience once a year in a performance crafted around the core curriculum they are studying in the classroom.
Instrumental music is provided for students in 4th to 8th grade. Students begin in 4th grade with a short course in recorder. They then have an opportunity to choose an instrument. Small group instruction is provided for students who choose to participate during the year. In the spring, students have a chance to perform as part of a band or orchestra for their peers and families.
In addtion, EDS is proud to partner with Starting Arts to provide a full scale production each spring. This is an afterschool activity and requires a fee to particpate. Students rehearse two afternoons per week for about 8 weeks and then have a chance to perform with full music, lights, and sets in a professional grade theater. We are planning to put on Willy Wonka, Jr. in the spring of 2010.