Performing Arts

Loyola seeks to educate the entire person: body, mind, and spirit. The Performing Arts gives each student a chance to develop that creative spirit which dwells inside each one of us. Through direct participation and a discipline-based curriculum, students at Loyola experience the performing arts as a form of creative personal expression shaped by cultural, social, and spiritual influences.

AP Music Theory

Design to prepare students for the AP Music Theory exam, this course reinforces and applies all of the concepts introduce in Music Theory I, focusing on the study of harmony through music analysis and compositional exercises. Topics include functional triadic harmony (including non-harmonic tones, seventh chords, and secondary dominants), cadences, modulation, compositional devices, phrase structure and small forms.
Chamber Orchestra 10 Honors

Chamber Orchestra will be offered as a new course beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This course will be open to students in grades 6-12 who play violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone and percussion. Enrollment is unlimited for string players who demonstrate a minimum of intermediate skill on their given instrument. Woodwind and brass enrollment will be limited to two each of the instruments listed above. Woodwind and brass players must be enrolled in either MS Advanced Band or Symphonic Band Honors.
Chamber Orchestra 11 Honors

Chamber Orchestra will be offered as a new course beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This course will be open to students in grades 6-12 who play violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone and percussion. Enrollment is unlimited for string players who demonstrate a minimum of intermediate skill on their given instrument. Woodwind and brass enrollment will be limited to two each of the instruments listed above. Woodwind and brass players must be enrolled in either MS Advanced Band or Symphonic Band Honors.
Chamber Orchestra 12 Honors

Chamber Orchestra will be offered as a new course beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This course will be open to students in grades 6-12 who play violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone and percussion. Enrollment is unlimited for string players who demonstrate a minimum of intermediate skill on their given instrument. Woodwind and brass enrollment will be limited to two each of the instruments listed above. Woodwind and brass players must be enrolled in either MS Advanced Band or Symphonic Band Honors.
Chamber Orchestra 8 Honors

Chamber Orchestra will be offered as a new course beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This course will be open to students in grades 6-12 who play violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone and percussion. Enrollment is unlimited for string players who demonstrate a minimum of intermediate skill on their given instrument. Woodwind and brass enrollment will be limited to two each of the instruments listed above. Woodwind and brass players must be enrolled in either MS Advanced Band or Symphonic Band Honors.
Chamber Orchestra 9 Honors

Chamber Orchestra will be offered as a new course beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This course will be open to students in grades 6-12 who play violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone and percussion. Enrollment is unlimited for string players who demonstrate a minimum of intermediate skill on their given instrument. Woodwind and brass enrollment will be limited to two each of the instruments listed above. Woodwind and brass players must be enrolled in either MS Advanced Band or Symphonic Band Honors.
Chorus 10

This course provides students the opportunity to develop skills in reading music, an understanding of basic music theory, and talents in choral singing through the written and aural exercises, and the study, rehearsal, and performance of choral literature for men’s voices. Several concerts are presented during the school year and include opportunities to sing at school functions and off-campus. Students are evaluated on their individual musical progress, as well as attendance at the ensemble's rehearsals and performances.

Prerequisites: Audition and Permission of the Instructor
Chorus 11

This course provides students the opportunity to develop skills in reading music, an understanding of basic music theory, and talents in choral singing through the written and aural exercises, and the study, rehearsal, and performance of choral literature for men’s voices. Several concerts are presented during the school year and include opportunities to sing at school functions and off-campus. Students are evaluated on their individual musical progress, as well as attendance at the ensemble’s rehearsals and performances.

Prerequisites: Audition and Permission of the Instructor
Chorus 12

This course provides students the opportunity to develop skills in reading music, an understanding of basic music theory, and talents in choral singing through the written and aural exercises, and the study, rehearsal, and performance of choral literature for men’s voices. Several concerts are presented during the school year and include opportunities to sing at school functions and off-campus. Students are evaluated on their individual musical progress, as well as attendance at the ensemble’s rehearsals and performances.

Prerequisites: Audition and Permission of the Instructor
Chorus 6

This course provides students the opportunity to develop skills in reading music, an understanding of basic music theory, and talents in choral singing through written and aural exercises, and the study, rehearsal, and performance of choral literature for treble voices. Several concerts are presented during the school year and include opportunities to sing at school functions. Students are evaluated on their individual musical progress, as well as attendance at the ensemble’s rehearsals and performances. No audition required.
Chorus 7 - 8

This course provides students the opportunity to develop skills in reading music, an understanding of basic music theory, and talents in choral singing through written and aural exercises, and the study, rehearsal, and performance of choral literature for mixed voices. Several concerts are presented during the school year and include opportunities to sing at school functions. Students are evaluated on their individual musical progress, as well as attendance at the ensemble’s rehearsals and performances.
Chorus 9

This course provides students the opportunity to develop skills in reading music, an understanding of basic music theory, and talents in choral singing through the written and aural exercises, and the study, rehearsal, and performance of choral literature for men’s voices. Several concerts are presented during the school year and include opportunities to sing at school functions and off-campus. Students are evaluated on their individual musical progress, as well as attendance at the ensemble's rehearsals and performances.

Prerequisites: Audition and Permission of the Instructor
Concert Band 6th Grade

The Middle School Concert Band is modeled after a traditional concert band. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, bass guitar, tuba, percussion and mallet percussion. Opportunity does exist for advanced players that play piano, guitar, bass guitar or drum set to play in the Upper School Jazz Ensemble. All students interested in entering the Middle School Concert Band must audition. The Band Director will be in contact to schedule your son’s audition that takes place mid-May.
Concert Band I

Concert Band I is for freshmen that would like to play their instrument in the Upper School Concert Band. This ensemble is modeled after a traditional concert band. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, alto saxophone tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, bass guitar, percussion and mallet percussion. Students taking this course will explore the depths of their instrument through work on technique, tone and the execution of accurate articulation, dynamics and phrasing. Students will study musical notation, rhythms and basic music theory. Students will work on listening outside of their section, playing independently and following a conductor. Effective practicing methods and habits will be taught and assessed. Appropriate instrument care and cleaning will also be discussed. The opportunity to purchase step up mouthpieces and instruments will be explored.
Concert Band II

Concert Band II is for sophomores, juniors or seniors interested in continuing to play their instrument in the Upper School Concert Band. This ensemble is modeled after a traditional concert band. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, bass guitar, percussion and mallet percussion. Students in this course will continue to add to the foundation of musicianship that they began in Concert Band I. More emphasis will be placed on taking a leadership role within their sections.
Concert Band III

Concert Band III is for juniors or seniors interested in continuing to play their instrument in the Upper School Concert Band. This ensemble is modeled after a traditional concert band. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, bass guitar, percussion and mallet percussion. Students in this course will continue to add to the foundation of musicianship that they began in Concert Band I and II. More emphasis will be placed on taking a leadership role within their sections.
Drama 6

Students will work on monologues and scenes for two or more actors along with acting games designed to improve character development, improvisation skill and a greater appreciate of theatrical performances as well as public speaking and confidence. There will be two public performances for the student to showcase what they have learned. No audition required.
Drama and Stagecraft I

This class, available to 7th and 8th graders, offers a general background in acting and theatre through monologues, short scenes, and theatre exercises and games. Students will have the opportunity to improve their public speaking skills and to build confidence when performing or presenting in front of an audience. We will also explore character development through an in-class production of a full show at the end of the school year.
Drama and Stagecraft II

This class, available to 8th grade students, is for students who would like to explore basic training in theatre technology. The class will focus on building scenery and props as well as learning theatre lighting and sound system beginning concepts. Students will be using power tools in this class!
Jazz Ensemble Honors 10

The Loyola Jazz Ensemble Honors is committed to the performance of jazz in a traditional “Big Band” setting. JEH performs jazz standards and arrangements in a wide variety of styles. Students learn scale studies, chord studies, jazz specific notation and techniques for improvisation. Enrollment in JEH is based on an annual audition. All members, except for guitarists, are required to be also enrolled in Symphonic Band Honors. Students whose schedule precludes them from being in SBH are required to take weekly private lessons.
Jazz Ensemble Honors 11

The Loyola Jazz Ensemble Honors is committed to the performance of jazz in a traditional “Big Band” setting. JEH performs jazz standards and arrangements in a wide variety of styles. Students learn scale studies, chord studies, jazz specific notation and techniques for improvisation. Enrollment in JEH is based on an annual audition. All members, except for guitarists, are required to be also enrolled in Symphonic Band Honors. Students whose schedule precludes them from being in SBH are required to take weekly private lessons.
Jazz Ensemble Honors 12

The Loyola Jazz Ensemble Honors is committed to the performance of jazz in a traditional “Big Band” setting. JEH performs jazz standards and arrangements in a wide variety of styles. Students learn scale studies, chord studies, jazz specific notation and techniques for improvisation. Enrollment in JEH is based on an annual audition. All members, except for guitarists, are required to be also enrolled in Symphonic Band Honors. Students whose schedule precludes them from being in SBH are required to take weekly private lessons.
Jazz Ensemble Honors 7

The Loyola Jazz Ensemble Honors is committed to the performance of jazz in a traditional “Big Band” setting. JEH performs jazz standards and arrangements in a wide variety of styles. Students learn scale studies, chord studies, jazz specific notation and techniques for improvisation. Enrollment in JEH is based on an annual audition. All members, except for guitarists, are required to be also enrolled in Symphonic Band Honors. Students whose schedule precludes them from being in SBH are required to take weekly private lessons.
Jazz Ensemble Honors 8

The Loyola Jazz Ensemble Honors is committed to the performance of jazz in a traditional “Big Band” setting. JEH performs jazz standards and arrangements in a wide variety of styles. Students learn scale studies, chord studies, jazz specific notation and techniques for improvisation. Enrollment in JEH is based on an annual audition. All members, except for guitarists, are required to be also enrolled in Symphonic Band Honors. Students whose schedule precludes them from being in SBH are required to take weekly private lessons.
Jazz Ensemble Honors 9

The Loyola Jazz Ensemble Honors is committed to the performance of jazz in a traditional “Big Band” setting. JEH performs jazz standards and arrangements in a wide variety of styles. Students learn scale studies, chord studies, jazz specific notation and techniques for improvisation. Enrollment in JEH is based on an annual audition. All members, except for guitarists, are required to be also enrolled in Symphonic Band Honors. Students whose schedule precludes them from being in SBH are required to take weekly private lessons.
MS Advanced Concert Band

The Middle School Advanced Band class is part of the larger Middle School Concert Band. This class is designed for students that are at an advanced level in their musical development. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, bass guitar, tuba, percussion and mallet percussion. Opportunity does exist for advanced players that play piano, guitar, bass guitar or drum set to play in the Upper School Jazz Ensemble. All students interested in entering the Middle School Advanced Band class must audition. The Band Director will be in contact to schedule your son’s audition that takes place mid-May.
MS Intermediate Concert Band

The Middle School Intermediate Band class is part of the larger Middle School Concert Band.This class is designed for students at an intermediate level in their musical development. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, bass guitar, tuba, percussion and mallet percussion. Students interested in entering the Middle School Intermediate Band class must audition. The Band Director will be in contact to schedule your sons audition that takes place mid-May.
Music Appreciation

This course is designed to provide the student with a solid foundation for understanding, appreciation and enjoying music from the earliest times through modern day. The course consists of three interrelated aspects: (1) the elements of music; (2) the aesthetics of music; and (3) the history of music. The development of student proficiency in each of these aspects represents the goal of the course. This is a 1/2 credit course.
Music Theory

This course provides students with a technical professional understanding of the basic building blocks from which music is constructed. Students are expected to develop fluency with the musical concepts of meter, rhythm, pitches, intervals, scales and keys, and chords, through the use of aural, performance, and written exercises, including melodic and rhythmic dictation and sight-singing.
Symphonic Band Honors I

Symphonic Band Honors is for freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors who are ready to play a higher level of music in the Upper School Symphonic Band. This ensemble is modeled after a traditional concert band. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, bass guitar, percussion and mallet percussion. Acceptance into this course is by audition only. Students will focus on playing staples of the concert band repertoire, technique work and scale memorization. The pace of this course will be fast, precise and each student will need to be self-motivated in their practicing routine. More emphasis will be placed on independent playing, consistency of tone, articulation, color and texture. This course will involve performances and competitions outside of school.
Symphonic Band Honors II

Symphonic Band Honors is for freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors who are ready to play a higher level of music in the Upper School Symphonic Band. This ensemble is modeled after a traditional concert band. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, bass guitar, percussion and mallet percussion. Acceptance into this course is by audition only. Students will focus on playing staples of the concert band repertoire, technique work and scale memorization. The pace of this course will be fast, precise and each student will need to be self-motivated in their practicing routine. More emphasis will be placed on independent playing, consistency of tone, articulation, color and texture. This course will involve performances and competitions outside of school.
Symphonic Band Honors III

Symphonic Band Honors is for freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors who are ready to play a higher level of music in the Upper School Symphonic Band. This ensemble is modeled after a traditional concert band. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, bass guitar, percussion and mallet percussion. Acceptance into this course is by audition only. Students will focus on playing staples of the concert band repertoire, technique work and scale memorization. The pace of this course will be fast, precise and each student will need to be self-motivated in their practicing routine. More emphasis will be placed on independent playing, consistency of tone, articulation, color and texture. This course will involve performances and competitions outside of school.
Symphonic Band Honors IV

Symphonic Band Honors is for freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors who are ready to play a higher level of music in the Upper School Symphonic Band. This ensemble is modeled after a traditional concert band. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, bass guitar, percussion and mallet percussion. Acceptance into this course is by audition only. Students will focus on playing staples of the concert band repertoire, technique work and scale memorization. The pace of this course will be fast, precise and each student will need to be self-motivated in their practicing routine. More emphasis will be placed on independent playing, consistency of tone, articulation, color and texture. This course will involve performances and competitions outside of school.
Theater Arts and Chorus

An introductory class in theater and choral music, this course provides students the opportunity to develop skills in acting, singing, and basic music reading. Students will work on monologues and scenes, as well as perform in several choral concerts during the school year, including opportunities to sing at school functions and off-campus. Students are evaluated on their individual progress, as well as attendance at rehearsals and performances.
Theater Arts I

An introductory class for the theatre, exploring both acting as well as the technical aspects of theatrical productions, but with an emphasis on the technical side of theatre. The class will focus on building scenery and props as well as learning theatre lighting and sound system beginning concepts. Students will be using power tools in this class! Students will also work on monologues, and acting scenes. No pre-requisite required.
Theater Arts II

This course, in collaboration with Theatre Arts III and Theater Arts IV, will allow students the opportunity to take theater arts for each of the four years of enrollment in the Upper School. Students will develop a better understanding of the great works of literature through experiential learning. Students will also be able to critically analyze and portray character motivations and development. This class will be performing the Blakefield Players spring show. Teacher approval required.
Theater Arts III

This course, in collaboration with Theatre Arts II and Theater Arts IV will allow students the opportunity to take theater arts for each of the four years of enrollment in the Upper School. Students will develop a better understanding of the great works of literature through experiential learning. Students will also be able to critically analyze and portray character motivations and development. Students will be involved with lighting and sound operation as well as set construction and design that is based on and tailored to meet student interest and experience.
Theater Arts IV

This course, in collaboration with Theatre Arts II and Theater Arts III will allow students the opportunity to take theater arts for each of the four years of enrollment in the Upper School. Students will develop a better understanding of the great works of literature through experiential learning. Students will also be able to critically analyze and portray character motivations and development. Students will be able to focus on period styles, age portrayal, cultural understanding, and vocal health.
Vocal Ensemble 10 Honors

The core choral ensemble of Loyola Blakefield, this course provides students with the opportunity to further develop talents in choral singing through the study, rehearsal, and performance of a variety of choral literature for men’s voices. Throughout the year, the Blakefield Singers prepare and present a number of performances both on- and off-campus. Students are evaluated on their individual musical progress, as well as attendance at the ensemble’s rehearsals and performances. Members are expected to have strong music reading skills and will be required to prepare parts outside of class.

Prerequisites: Audition and Permission of the Instructor
Vocal Ensemble 11 Honors

The core choral ensemble of Loyola Blakefield, this course provides upper school students with the opportunity to further develop talents in choral singing through the study, rehearsal, and performance of a variety of choral literature for men’s voices. Throughout the year, the Blakefield Singers prepare and present a number of performances both on- and off-campus. Students are evaluated on their individual musical progress, as well as attendance at the ensemble’s rehearsals and performances. Members are expected to have strong music reading skills and will be required to prepare parts outside of class.

Prerequisites: Audition and Permission of the Instructor
Vocal Ensemble 12 Honors

The core choral ensemble of Loyola Blakefield, this course provides upper school students with the opportunity to further develop talents in choral singing through the study, rehearsal, and performance of a variety of choral literature for men’s voices. Throughout the year, the Blakefield Singers prepare and present a number of performances both on- and off-campus. Students are evaluated on their individual musical progress, as well as attendance at the ensemble’s rehearsals and performances. Members are expected to have strong music reading skills and will be required to prepare parts outside of class.

Prerequisites: Audition and Permission of the Instructor
Vocal Ensemble 9 Honors

The core choral ensemble of Loyola Blakefield, this course provides students with the opportunity to further develop talents in choral singing through the study, rehearsal, and performance of a variety of choral literature for men’s voices. Throughout the year, the Blakefield Singers prepare and present a number of performances both on- and off-campus. Students are evaluated on their individual musical progress, as well as attendance at the ensemble’s rehearsals and performances. Members are expected to have strong music reading skills and will be required to prepare parts outside of class.

Prerequisites: Audition and Permission of the Instructor

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Performing Arts

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