Performing Arts

Find Your Voice

The Performing Arts at Loyola Blakefield is a place for students to discover and grow their gifts. Through an expansive array of classes in theatre, instrumental music, chorus, music theory and music history, students are able to take classes that best suite their ability levels and also inspire them to push beyond them in new and exciting ways.

Outside of these classes, students are involved in the school community through Pep Band, Liturgical Music, Acoustic Guitar Club, and Rock and Roll Club. Our students truly embody Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, as they use their gifts for the greater glory of God.

Instrumental Music

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Chamber Orchestra (Grades 6 - 12)

This course is 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.
Concert Band 6 (Grade 6)

Concert Band 6 is designed for students that are new to their instrument but are not beginners. Instruments include flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, bass, tuba, percussion and mallet percussion. Students will have an opportunity to switch to a larger instrument within their instrument family during the second semester to help balance out the ensemble if the need arises. Students will focus on playing concert band repertoire, chorales, technique work out of a method book, scales and will learn basic music theory using a work book.

This course aims to build a strong musical foundation in each student during their class time while also fostering a consistent practice routine at home. Students will also begin to develop the musical skills needed for playing together in an ensemble. The Concert Band 6 class is part of the larger Middle School Concert Band that meets before school on Wednesdays.

Students interested in entering Concert Band 6 must sign up for an audition in early May.
Jazz Ensemble Honors (Grades 7 - 12)

The Loyola Jazz Ensemble Honors is committed to the performance of jazz in a traditional “Big Band” setting. The ensemble 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 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.
Middle School Advanced Band (Grades 7 - 8)

The Middle School Advanced Band is a class is designed for students that are at an advanced level in their musical development and ready to work at a fast pace. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophones (alto, tenor and baritone) trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, bass, tuba, percussion and mallet percussion.

Students will continue their focus on playing concert band repertoire, chorales, technique work out of a method book, scale memorization and expand their knowledge of music theory using a work book. This course works to further develop technique and musicality with the focus on playing with leadership. The Middle School Advanced Band class is part of the larger Middle School Concert Band that meets before school on Wednesdays.

All students interested in entering the Middle School Advanced Band class must audition in May.
Middle School Intermediate Band (Grades 7 - 8)

Middle School Intermediate Band is designed for students at an intermediate level in their musical development. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophones (alto, tenor, baritone), trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, bass, tuba, percussion and mallet percussion. Students will continue their focus on playing concert band repertoire, chorales, technique work out of a method book, scales and more music theory using a work book.

This course works to expand on skills learned in Concert Band 6 with the goal of each student growing to play more independently and with more musicality. The Middle School Intermediate Band class is part of the larger Middle School Concert Band that meets before school on Wednesdays.

Students interested in entering the Middle School Intermediate Band class must audition in May.
Upper School Concert Band (Grades 9 - 12)

Upper School Symphonic Band Honors is open to Upper School students who are ready to play a more advanced level of music at a faster pace. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, saxophone (alto, tenor, baritone) horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, bass, percussion and mallet percussion.

Students will focus on playing concert band repertoire, chorales, technique work out of a method book, scale memorization and expand their knowledge of music theory using a workbook. This course works to develop advanced technique, refine musicality and build ensemble skills through performing a high level of music as a larger group.

All students interested in entering Upper School Symphonic Band Honors must audition in early May.
Upper School Symphonic Band Honors (Grades 9 - 12)

The Upper School Concert Band class is open to all Upper School students who have an intermediate level of musicianship. This ensemble is modeled after a traditional concert band. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, saxophone (alto, tenor, baritone) horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, bass guitar, percussion and mallet percussion.

Students will focus on playing concert band repertoire, chorales, technique work out of a method book, scales and expand their knowledge of music theory using a workbook. This course works to expand on musical skills learned in middle school with the goal of each student growing to play more independently.

All students interested in entering Upper School Concert Band must audition in early May.

Choral Music

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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.
Upper School Chorus (Grades 9 - 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.
Vocal Ensemble Honors (Blakefield Singers) (Grades 9 - 12)

The Blakefield Singers are the premier upper school choral ensemble at Loyola Blakefield, consisting of approximately thirty-five auditioned singers from all upper school grade levels. The ensemble’s repertoire encompasses a variety of styles of music written or arranged for high school men’s voices. In addition to their performances in concert at Loyola Blakefield, the Blakefield Singers have performed on WBAL Radio, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, and at the Baltimore Basilica of the Assumption and Saint Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg.

They have collaborated with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, the Cincinnati Boychoir, the University of Cincinnati Men’s Choir, the Concert Artists of Baltimore, and choral ensembles from Calvert Hall College High School, Bishop McDevitt High School, Saint Xavier High School, and Notre Dame Preparatory School.

Music Theory & Music History

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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.
AP Music Theory

Designed to prepare students for the AP Music Theory exam, this course reinforces and applies all of the concepts introduced in Music Theory, 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.
Music Appreciation

This course is designed to provide the student with a solid foundation for understanding, appreciating 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.

Drama / Theater

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Drama & 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 & 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!
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 is required.
Theater Arts & 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.

Contact

List of 5 members.

Mr. Jim Katchko

Performing Arts Department Chair

(410) 823-0601 Ext 564
Mr. John Babcock

Jazz and Chamber Orchestra Director

(410) 823-0601 Ext 689
Mr. Ric Chiapetta

Drama Director

(410) 823-0601 Ext 224
Dr. Richard Skirpan

Choral Director

(410) 823-0601 Ext 225
Mrs. Mary Thielen

Band Director

(410) 823-0601 Ext 232

Band & Chorus Audition Requirements

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Requirements for Placement into Band
Woodwinds and brass:
- A scale of your choice.
- A piece of music that demonstrates your ability level. This can be a band piece or solo piece.
Percussionists:
- Demonstration of the following rudiments:
- - flam
  - paradiddle
  - closed roll
- A piece of music that demonstrates your ability level. This can be a band piece or solo piece.
Requirements for Placement into Choral Music
- Pitch-matching (singing back a single note that is played on the piano or sung)
- Vocalizing (singing back short musical patterns) to help determine the top and bottom of your range

Scholarships Available

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O'Neil Dramatics Scholarship

This scholarship is designed to attract the best and brightest to our dramatics program. Awarded to an incoming 9^th grade student who shows potential for excellence in the dramatic arts, the scholarship amount is $1,000 for each year of high school that the student maintains good academic standing and involvement in the arts.

Apply Here
Performing Arts Scholarship in Music

The Performing Arts Scholarship in Music is a scholarship that is designed to attract the best and brightest to our music program (band and chorus). A limited number of these scholarships will be awarded to incoming 9th grade students who show potential for excellence in the musical arts. The scholarship amount is $2,500 for each year of high school that the student maintains good academic standing and involvement in the arts.

Apply Here

The Blakefield Players

The Blakefield Players is Loyola Blakefield’s acclaimed theatre troupe, renowned for its vibrant and engaging productions. Each academic year, the ensemble presents three mainstage performances for the school community and the public—a drama, a musical, and a comedy.

Students audition for each production and commit to an intensive rehearsal schedule of six to eight weeks after school. Performances take place over two consecutive weekends, showcasing the talents of our student actors, singers, and crew members.

Behind the scenes, the Stage Crew designs and constructs sets and serves as the technical team, managing sound, lighting, and backstage operations to ensure each production runs smoothly. The Blakefield Players offer students a comprehensive theatre experience that fosters creativity, teamwork, and leadership.