Curriculum Detail

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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

  • ADV. PORTFOLIO - THEATER

    Continuing on skills learned in Technical Theatre this course is open to students looking to develop and focus their interests in technical theatre and design into specific fields.  Students interested in Scenic and Costume design will learn the various methods of conveying designs to a director through research, sketches, rendering, scale model boxes and ground plans. Those interested in lighting design will learn how to present lighting ideas through research to a director and how to create a light plot and necessary paperwork for a production.  Students interested in stage management will learn the tools and techniques to improve their skills and knowledge of the various components that go into the creation of theatre pieces. In addition, those students who are interested in the construction of both scenery and costumes/clothing will be able to work on the skills necessary for technical direction and costume technology.  This course will allow students to partake in the design process of Trinity productions from a leadership standpoint and will aide in the building of a portfolio suitable for presentation purposes.
     
    This course may be taken in the fall, spring, or both semesters.
     
    Prerequisites: Technical Theatre and permission of Technical Director required.
     
    Pass/Fail
     
    3 periods per cycle
     
    Grades 10, 11, and 12

  • 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.

    Students are expected to sign up for this course for the full year (1 credit). However, in some cases, after completing the first semester, students may opt out of the spring semester with departmental permission (1/2 credit).

    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

  • PHILHARMONIA

    The Philharmonia is the advanced orchestra of Trinity School. Students who play an orchestral instrument may audition for this group that meets three times each six-day cycle. The class focuses on rehearsal and performance skills for music of many styles and periods. The study of musical structure, theory, and terminology is part of the course as germane to the music selections the group performs.

    Students are expected to sign up for this course for the full year (1 credit). However, in some cases, after completing the first semester, students may opt out of the spring semester with departmental permission (1/2 credit).

    Prerequisite: required audition or permission of the department head required

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

  • GUITAR ENSEMBLE

    This class is an ensemble open to guitarists, bass guitarist(s) and drummers. Students may join the class for Fall, Spring or both semesters. Repertoire will include classic rock, blues, jazz, pop and classical pieces by well-known guitarists and composers such as; Lennon and McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, J.S. Bach, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and Wes Montgomery. The ensemble will play arrangements based on the ability of the players in the class. No audition is required, but students will need a basic knowledge of major and minor chords, the notes in the first position, and to be open to improvisation. Some home practice will be involved so it is best that students have a guitar at home for practice.

    The class will develop ensemble skills, ability to read music and increase knowledge of the fretboard, chords and scales as well as studying the history of the guitar, music history, standard guitar repertoire, music theory and ear training.

    The guitar ensemble will perform at various times throughout the year both during the school day and at evening concerts.
     
    This course will be offered in the fall and spring semesters. 

    Prerequisite: Incoming 9th graders will perform placement audition in April.

    Pass/Fail

    4 periods per cycle

  • JAZZ ENSEMBLE I

    This course gives students experience in ensemble playing and improvisation in the jazz and jazz/rock idioms. Students develop a knowledge of form, harmony and rhythm through playing. This course also emphasizes listening to recordings integral to the course work. Instrumental proficiency is required. The ensemble performs at evening concerts and community times throughout the school year.

    Students are expected to sign up for this course for the full year (1 credit). However, in some cases, after completing the first semester, students may opt out of the spring semester with departmental permission (1/2 credit).

    Prerequisite: required audition and permission of the department head required

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

  • JAZZ ENSEMBLE II

    Jazz Ensemble 2 is an intermediate performance group that builds on the skills developed in Jazz Ensemble 1. Students explore complex chord scales, rhythms and structures and the repertoire is more challenging.   The ensemble performs at evening concerts and community times throughout the school year.

    Students are expected to sign up for this course for the full year (1 credit). However, in some cases, after completing the first semester, students may opt out of the spring semester with departmental permission (1/2 credit).

    Prerequisite: required audition and permission of the department head required

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

  • JAZZ ENSEMBLE III

    Jazz Ensemble 3 is an advanced, audition based performance group that focuses on the development of a number of musical skill sets: Improvisation technique, ensemble playing, music theory, ear training and jazz history. The “Jazz Messengers” perform at a variety of school events including concerts, community times, admission evenings and chapels. 

    Students are expected to sign up for this course for the full year (1 credit). However, in some cases, after completing the first semester, students may opt out of the spring semester with departmental permission (1/2 credit).

    Prerequisite: required audition and permission of the department head required

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

  • ADV. ACTING/Sp

    Students rehearse and perform a full-length play, directed by the instructor, for evening performance at the end of the semester. Every effort is made to provide all students in the class with a challenging role, and everyone will learn the practicalities and logistics of preparing a show for performance. All rehearsals (except for the last three days before the show) occur in class, making this an ideal course for the extra-curricular athlete who wishes to perform. Recent shows have included The Laramie Project, Book of Days, and Dancing at Lughnasa.

    Spring 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

  • SONGWRITING/Sp

    Students will meet four times a cycle to review major and minor keys signatures, triads and dominant 7th chords as well as simple four-part harmony. Students will write simple harmonies to a given melody and simple melodies to a given harmony. They will spend time listening to some of the world’s greatest songs, examining lyrics and musical form. They will begin to compose original lyrics, based on Pat Pattison’s Essential Guide to Songwriting series, and will work on creating rhythmic patterns and melodies based on those lyrics.

    This course will be offered in the spring semester (1/2 credit).

    Pass/Fail

    4 periods per cycle

  • MUSICAL THEATER: DANCE, SONG AND SCENE

    The class, with its incorporation of both dance and song/scene work, approaches learning of musical theater repertoire from multiple angles.  While the focus stems from a strong movement-based perspective, including both choreography and stage physicality, it allows the students to put what they learn to use immediately within the musical theater framework.

    Pass/Fail
     
    3 periods per cycle
     
    Grades 9-12
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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.