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Upper School
US Curriculum

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts programs supports the idea that students learn best through active participation as part of an ensemble.
Active participation in drama or music is linked to positive development of problem solving and critical thinking skills, as well as creative imagination and self-expression. Hackley considers the Performing Arts programs an important part of the curricular day, and students are able to participate in a wide range of offerings, including band, orchestra, choirs and acting ensembles.

Performing Arts Drama Courses

List of 5 items.

  • Drama Courses Overview

    All courses fulfill the graduation requirement in visual/performing arts except for Public Speaking 968

    Hackley School sustains vigorous and flexible music- and drama-performance programs that offer students opportunities to hone their skills as actors, directors, playwrights, singers, instrumentalists and composers; to gain new experience in performing arts disciplines with which they may have been previously unfamiliar; and to significantly extend their artistic and intellectual reach.
    Drama and Musical Theater

    Students interested in theater are encouraged to enroll in a drama or musical theater course. The Musical Theater class presents the annual school musical, and the Acting Production class presents the annual play.

  • Acting: The Craft

    3 meetings per eight-day cycle/2 credits
    Open to all students; no experience necessary

    The building blocks of acting will be introduced through improvisation, character building and analysis, script analysis and theater history. Students will learn to think on their feet, develop bold on-stage character choices through relationships and goals, strengthen listening skills and analyze various theater styles.

    Students will also explore ways that theater can be used to support social justice initiatives. As a capstone project, students will participate in a one-act production. This class can be repeated for students wishing to gain a greater mastery of acting tools.

  • Musical Theater Seminar

    4 meetings per eight-day cycle/2 credits
    Open to all students

    Hackley’s annual musical theater production is rehearsed and cast from the Musical Theater Seminar class. All students will perform in a musical production or a showcase in the spring. Ensemble work will support advancement in acting, dancing, singing and auditioning techniques. Scene and monologue work will provide opportunities for character study, and fundamentals of voice production will help students improve presentation skills and increase confidence.

  • Public Speaking

    3 meetings per eight-day cycle/2 credits
    Open to all Upper School students

    (Note: This course does not satisfy the Visual/Performing Arts graduation requirement.)

    This course will assist students in developing better public speaking skills through the use of voice, speech and presentation techniques. Topics covered in this class will include: 
    • Presenting informative, persuasive, storytelling, demonstration, impromptu and group speeches;
    • Dealing with stage fright;
    • Using one’s voice to one’s advantage; and
    • Relating to the audience.
    Students will be required to write their own speeches throughout the course of the year. They will watch and analyze great inspirational speeches, as well as those of their classmates.

  • The Spoken Word: Creativity, Craft & Delivery

    3 meetings per eight-day cycle/2 credits

    This interdisciplinary course is offered with a BIPOC perspective in mind, thus supporting the ideals of Hackley's mission statement to learn from various perspectives. Students will study numerous spoken word styles, which may include texts of Moth-inspired personal tales, contemporary and classical monologues, great political speeches, stand-up comedy routines, hip-hop lyrics, slam poetry and other oratorical styles from diverse cultures.

    The instructors will co-teach in a format that allows for an open exchange of ideas and information with a goal of highlighting cultures and people often overlooked in a traditional educational environment. Participants will learn to write and perform these styles during the class. The culmination of the class will be the creation of a contemporary or electronic journal that will capture the highlights of the year.

Performing Arts Music Courses

List of 8 items.

  • Music Courses Overview

    All courses fulfill the graduation requirement in visual/performing arts except for Public Speaking 968

    Hackley School sustains vigorous and flexible music- and drama-performance programs that offer students opportunities to hone their skills as actors, directors, playwrights, singers, instrumentalists and composers; to gain new experience in performing arts disciplines with which they may have been previously unfamiliar; and to significantly extend their artistic and intellectual reach.

    Music

     Singers and instrumentalists are encouraged to enroll in a major ensemble class (e.g., band ensembles, string orchestra, female chorus). Participants in these classes will have opportunities to perform in both the large core ensemble and smaller satellite groups, which include chamber ensembles for strings, winds and percussion, smaller singing groups and jazz groups. Performing groups present at least two concerts per year; numerous informal performance opportunities are available, as well.

    Scheduling

    Although each major ensemble is scheduled for four of eight possible meeting periods, the actual number of meeting times per cycle can range from three to four, depending upon various factors, such as the number of ensembles in which the student participates, sectional rehearsals determined by the ensemble director, and the proximity of a specific performance date. Ensemble directors will clearly summarize expectations and map out rehearsal schedules in the initial meetings of each class.

    New York State School Music Association

    Students enrolled in a Hackley ensemble class are eligible to audition for NYSSMA, which determines placement in All-County and All-State ensembles.

    In addition to the three major ensemble classes, the department also offers other classes in music performance, history, theory and mentorship.

  • Treble Chorus

    4 meetings per eight-day cycle/1 credit
    Open to all students

    The Treble Chorus is a non-auditioned soprano/alto ensemble, offering opportunities to sing a variety of repertoire representative of diverse time periods and cultures. Students develop sight-reading and ensemble skills, learn vocal technique and deepen their musicianship. Each student will have the opportunity to audition for the a cappella satellite group. All students will perform in formal and informal concerts throughout the year.

  • Male a cappella

    3 meetings per eight-day cycle/1 credit
    Open to all students

    The basics of a cappella singing will be taught in a comfortable group setting. Students will improve performance skills, musicality, vocal technique and self-confidence. They will develop stage presence and learn to work as part of a team. Daily rehearsals will challenge singers while introducing a variety of repertoire. All students will perform in formal and informal concerts throughout the year.

  • String Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles

    4 meetings per eight-day cycle/1 credit
    Open to experienced string players; open to experienced pianists with the consent of the instructor; piano students must audition, demonstrating an ability to sight-read basic chamber music repertoire.

    Students enrolled in String Orchestra will have demonstrated competence on their instrument — violin, viola, violoncello, contrabass and piano. Most students will be placed in the String Orchestra and a smaller chamber ensemble, such as a duo, trio or quartet; such placement is based on student ability and experience.

    To supplement regular large- and chamber-group rehearsals, the director may designate certain rehearsal days for sectional rehearsal or individual practice. All groups study and perform music from both the traditional orchestral and chamber repertoire, as well as more contemporary works.

  • Band Ensembles: Concert Band, Jazz Orchestra, and Chamber Ensembles

    4 meetings per eight-day cycle/1 credit
    Prerequisite: Open to players of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments

    Students enrolled in Band Ensembles will have demonstrated competence on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument. In addition to playing in the Concert Band, students will have the opportunity to join multiple satellite groups, including the Jazz Orchestra, Woodwind Quintet and ensembles featuring woodwind, brass and percussion instruments in various combinations.

    All Band Ensembles will meet on a rotating schedule determined by the director within the Band Ensembles period. Each ensemble performs at least two concerts per year. The Concert Band repertoire includes traditional concert pieces, new works for band and pops selections. Other enrichment activities, such as trips to hear professional ensembles, are part of the curriculum.

  • Jazz Combos

    2 meetings per eight-day cycle/1 credit
    Open to all experienced instrumentalists

    Those students who are proficient on their instrument and who wish to study the art of jazz improvisation may register for Jazz Combos. Students are placed into a specific band based upon their particular instrument and level of ability. The harmonic and stylistic vocabulary of jazz is explored, and each student learns how to apply that vocabulary to improvisation and to performing in a jazz combo.

    The repertoire is primarily classic jazz compositions by such artists as Thelonius Monk, Horace Sliver, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter; however, more contemporary pieces are regularly performed, and the students are encouraged both to suggest repertoire and to write for their band. Two concerts per year are performed, and there are numerous other performance opportunities.

  • Independent Study in Musical Mentoring

    2 meetings per eight-day cycle, scheduled by instructor and student/1 credit

    This Independent Study is available to Upper School musicians who would like to mentor Middle and Lower School musicians. As a musical mentor, Upper School musicians will be asked to encourage younger musicians with practice plans, enjoy great recordings together and participate in one community service concert per trimester. 

    Mentors would be assigned to meet with a Middle School student one period per eight-day cycle and would meet with their faculty advisor the other meeting time to plan classes, establish practice plans and rehearse for community service concerts. The mentors would be included in one community service activity, either on- or off-campus, per trimester.

  • Independent Study in Musicianship

    Meeting times: as needed/1 or 2 credits
    Requires permission of department chair

    Students who demonstrate a high level of interest and ability in composition or performance may undertake independent study under the supervision of a faculty member in the department.

Hackley School

293 Benedict Avenue
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914-366-2600
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