Curriculum Detail

Discover Our Curriculum

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts Department seeks to provide opportunities for students to explore their potential for personal expression and growth through music, theater, and dance. While these three disciplines each have their own techniques and concepts, they share a common set of educational values:
  • Craft and discipline
  • Teamwork and mutual support
  • Individuality and self-discovery

In the Performing Arts we consider it our mission to help students to:
  • Take responsibility for and become engaged with their work
  • Develop a sense of trust in themselves and each other
  • Learn from their mistakes
  • Learn the importance of preparation and repetition
  • Learn to concentrate in performance
We aim to achieve these ends by creating a safe environment for risk-taking, promoting understanding of commitment and responsibility to the group, setting high standards for performance, allowing creativity to grow both from imitation and from within, and instilling a sense of fun and play.

The fine arts requirement for graduation is 1.5 credits or three semesters in either the visual or performing arts. Only 1/3 of the requirement may be fulfilled by art history.

  • INTRO. TO ACTING

    This is a three-part survey course designed to provide students with a basic knowledge of the craft of acting on stage. The first part consists of exercises in diction and projection as well as physical expression and memorization (pantomime, recitation, speed-talking, and theatre calisthenics). The second part explores the creative aspect of acting, including elements of improvisation, problem-solving and dialogue interpretation. The third part is the casting, rehearsal and performance of a one act-play for the upper school at the end of the semester.
     
    This course will be offered in the fall and spring semesters (1/2 credit).

    Pass/Fail 

    4 periods per cycle

  • INTERMEDIATE ACTING

    Intermediate Acting is an advanced acting course in which students explore voice and movement through a variety of exercises. They further develop their performance skills through improvisation work as well as study and preparation of monologues and scenes.

    This course will be offered in the fall and spring semesters (1/2 credit).

    Prerequisite: One semester of theatre course work or permission of department chair.

    Pass/Fail 

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 10, 11, and 12

  • ADV. ACTING/Fa

    Students cast and direct a one-act play of their own choosing for production. Original material is highly encouraged, but published works are also done (recent student directors have done plays by Woody Allen, David Ives, and Lanford Wilson). The instructor serves as production manager for all shows, assisting the directors wherever needed, but all choices in casting, concept, design and staging belong to the students. The shows are performed near the end of semester for two evenings, admission free.

    Fall semester, 1/2 credit

    Prerequisite: Two semesters of theatre course work or permission of department head required.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 11 and 12

  • TECHNICAL THEATER

    Technical theatre is critical in all dramatic productions. While many students are drawn to the stage, others prefer to work behind the scenes to contribute to the magic of a dramatic production. In this course students will be introduced to the basic concepts of design and technical operation in the theatre. They will work in class and hands-on to gain understanding of the concepts and safe working practices of stagecraft, lighting, sound, costumes, and stage management. The objective of this class is to provide a foundation of technical production knowledge and experience to help students appreciate the theatrical medium, whether as a member of the production or a member of the audience.

    This course may be taken in the fall, spring, or both semesters.

    Pass/Fail

    4 periods per cycle

  • MUSIC PRODUCTION

    This course is designed for students in grades 9-12 interested in recording and producing music on a computer. The course provides an overview of the wide range of tools available to the modern musician/songwriter. Through hands-on exercises and projects, students will experience the process of developing the original musical idea through distributing a final mix. Students will learn how to set up audio interfaces, microphones, MIDI sequencers, synthesizers, drum machines and more, to effectively create and produce music ideas.

    This course will be offered in the fall and spring semesters (1/2 credit).

    Pass/Fail

    4 periods per cycle

  • CHORUS

    Upper School Chorus is open to any interested students without audition. The students will work on basic vocal technique, warm-ups, sight-reading and ear-training exercises and a huge array of musical styles spanning classical to pop and jazz. Many songs will be sung a cappella, and all of the repertoire will be in four-part harmony. The singers will have opportunities to solo in class as well as in concert. The chorus is an integral part of the Trinity community and will perform at a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, community times and All-School Chapels.

    This course may be taken for a full year (1 credit) or for the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

  • MADRIGAL SINGERS

    This advanced performance group is open to students by audition or permission of the Director of Performing Arts. Students will study great choral literature from all genres, including the Renaissance, Classical, and Romantic periods, as well as jazz and pop standards. Singers will work on complicated sight-reading and ear-training exercises, paying attention to tone and phrasing, as well as advanced theoretical concepts in the music. All of the songs will be in 4-6 part harmony and many will be sung a cappella. Students will be expected to solo throughout the year, both in class and in concert. The chorus will perform in local festivals, competitions and in Interschool events as well as Trinity community events.

    Prerequisite: required audition or permission of the department head required

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

  • ORCHESTRA

    This class provides an opportunity for students who play an instrument to rehearse and perform in a group. The orchestra learns music in different styles, from classical to popular, with a strong emphasis on improving sight-reading skills. Students also have the option of playing solos and duets. The group performs in assemblies, chapel services and concerts 

    This course may be taken for a full year (1 credit) or for the fall semester (1/2 credit).

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

  • ORCHESTRA

    Orchestra provides an opportunity for string players to rehearse and perform as an ensemble. The group explores classical and popular music with an emphasis on sight-reading. Students may also perform solos and duets. The orchestra participates in assemblies, chapel services, and concerts.

    Prerequisite: Audition or permission of  department head.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

  • PHILHARMONIA

    Philharmonia is Trinity’s advanced, audition-based string orchestra. The class emphasizes rehearsal and performance skills across various musical styles and historical periods. Students will study musical structure, theory, and terminology relevant to the selected repertoire.

    Prerequisite: Audition or permission of the department head.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

  • JAZZ ENSEMBLE I: JAZZ TRAVELERS

    JAZZ ENSEMBLE I: JAZZ TRAVELERS
    Jazz Ensemble I ("Travelers") is a beginning performance group. Students gain experience in ensemble playing and improvisation in jazz and jazz/rock styles. The course covers form, harmony, and rhythm, with an emphasis on essential jazz recordings. Instrumental proficiency is required. The ensemble performs at evening concerts and community events throughout the year.

    Prerequisite: Audition or permission of  department head.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

  • JAZZ ENSEMBLE III: JAZZ MESSENGERS

    Jazz Ensemble III ("Jazz Messengers") is an advanced, audition-based performance group focusing on improvisation, ensemble playing, music theory, ear training, and jazz history. The group performs a wide variety of jazz and popular music and performs regularly at school events, including concerts, tours, competitions, community times, admissions events, and chapels. Students are expected to enroll for the full year (1 credit). In some cases, students may opt out of the spring semester with departmental permission. (1/2 credit)

    Prerequisite: Audition or permission of  department head.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

  • JAZZ ENSEMBLE III: JAZZ MESSENGERS/Fa

    Jazz Ensemble III ("Jazz Messengers") is an advanced, audition-based performance group focusing on improvisation, ensemble playing, music theory, ear training, and jazz history. The group performs a wide variety of jazz and popular music and performs regularly at school events, including concerts, tours, competitions, community times, admissions events, and chapels. Students are expected to enroll for the full year (1 credit). In some cases, students may opt out of the spring semester with departmental permission. (1/2 credit)

    Prerequisite: Audition or permission of  department head.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

  • ACTING IV: ADV. ACTING/Fa

    A performance-based course for students looking to refine their craft. Students explore advanced acting techniques, character development, script analysis, movement, and vocal control. The course culminates in a final showcase performance. (1/2 credit)

    Prerequisite: Intro to Acting and either Monologues & One Acts or Improv Comedy, or permission of the Department Head.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 10, 11, and 12

  • ACTING IV: ADV. ACTING/Sp

    A performance-based course for students looking to refine their craft. Students explore advanced acting techniques, character development, script analysis, movement, and vocal control. The course culminates in a final showcase performance. (1/2 credit)

    Prerequisite: Intro to Acting and either Monologues & One Acts or Improv Comedy, or permission of the Department Head.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 10, 11, and 12

  • ADV. ACTING/Sp

    A performance-based course for students looking to refine their craft. Students explore advanced acting techniques, character development, script analysis, movement, and vocal control. The course culminates in a final showcase performance. (1/2 credit)

    Prerequisite: Intro to Acting and either Monologues & One Acts or Improv Comedy, or permission of the Department Head.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 10, 11, and 12

  • SONGWRITING/Sp

    Songwriting is open to all students. While musical background can be helpful, it is not necessary. In this class, students will listen to and analyze many exemplary songs, considering all elements of songwriting, including lyrics, form, and harmony. Students will have the opportunity to write their own lyrics and work toward composing their own songs, working individually and collaboratively with classmates. As a culminating event, we will have a Songwriters Showcase at the end of the semester. (1/2 credit)

    Prerequisite: NONE

    Pass/Fail

    4 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

  • JAZZ ENSEMBLE III: JAZZ MESSENGERS/Sp

    Jazz Ensemble III ("Jazz Messengers") is an advanced, audition-based performance group focusing on improvisation, ensemble playing, music theory, ear training, and jazz history. The group performs a wide variety of jazz and popular music and performs regularly at school events, including concerts, tours, competitions, community times, admissions events, and chapels. Students are expected to enroll for the full year (1 credit). In some cases, students may opt out of the spring semester with departmental permission. (1/2 credit)


    Prerequisite: Audition or permission of  department head.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

  • VOX TRINITAS

    Vox Trinitas is an elite choral ensemble open to students who have participated in Madrigals for at least one year and/or by audition or invitation from the Head of Performing Arts. Members are expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of concepts covered in Chorus and Madrigals, as well as fluency with traditional All-School Chapel repertoire and commonly sung community songs. The ensemble studies sophisticated choral literature across a wide range of genres, including Renaissance, Classical, and Romantic works, as well as jazz and pop standards. Singers will engage in rigorous sight-reading and ear-training, with focused attention on tone, phrasing, blend, and advanced theoretical concepts. Students are expected to demonstrate confidence in independent part-singing, a cappella performance, and singing in multiple languages.Vox Trinitas members serve as music leaders of the school, regularly performing solos in concerts and providing musical leadership in weekly Chapel services. The ensemble may also participate in local festivals, competitions, and Trinity community events.

    Prerequisite: Audition, membership in Madrigals, or permission of  department head.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

  • VOX TRINITAS/Fa

    Vox Trinitas is an elite choral ensemble open to students who have participated in Madrigals for at least one year and/or by audition or invitation from the Head of Performing Arts. Members are expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of concepts covered in Chorus and Madrigals, as well as fluency with traditional All-School Chapel repertoire and commonly sung community songs. The ensemble studies sophisticated choral literature across a wide range of genres, including Renaissance, Classical, and Romantic works, as well as jazz and pop standards. Singers will engage in rigorous sight-reading and ear-training, with focused attention on tone, phrasing, blend, and advanced theoretical concepts. Students are expected to demonstrate confidence in independent part-singing, a cappella performance, and singing in multiple languages.Vox Trinitas members serve as music leaders of the school, regularly performing solos in concerts and providing musical leadership in weekly Chapel services. The ensemble may also participate in local festivals, competitions, and Trinity community events. Students are expected to enroll for the full year (1 credit).

    Prerequisite: Audition, membership in Madrigals, or permission of  department head.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

  • VOX TRINITAS/Sp

    Vox Trinitas is an elite choral ensemble open to students who have participated in Madrigals for at least one year and/or by audition or invitation from the Head of Performing Arts. Members are expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of concepts covered in Chorus and Madrigals, as well as fluency with traditional All-School Chapel repertoire and commonly sung community songs. The ensemble studies sophisticated choral literature across a wide range of genres, including Renaissance, Classical, and Romantic works, as well as jazz and pop standards. Singers will engage in rigorous sight-reading and ear-training, with focused attention on tone, phrasing, blend, and advanced theoretical concepts. Students are expected to demonstrate confidence in independent part-singing, a cappella performance, and singing in multiple languages.Vox Trinitas members serve as music leaders of the school, regularly performing solos in concerts and providing musical leadership in weekly Chapel services. The ensemble may also participate in local festivals, competitions, and Trinity community events. Students are expected to enroll for the full year (1 credit).

    Prerequisite: Audition, membership in Madrigals, or permission of  department head.

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

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Located on the Upper West Side of New York City, Trinity School is a college preparatory, coeducational independent school for grades K-12. Since 1709, Trinity has provided a world-class education to its students with rigorous academics and outstanding programs in athletics, the arts, peer leadership, and global travel.