Performing Arts (Grades K-12)
CCS students in grades K-12 can participate in a variety of activities in the performing arts through classroom music lessons, vocal and instrumental music ensemble experiences, and live theater productions! While other schools are cutting programs like music and performing arts, Collegium continues to strongly support them and recognizes the vital role they play in students’ education and development.
Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of performing arts pathways when enrolled at Collegium with some offerings occurring during the school day and other’s taking place after school. Some programs take place seasonally (ex: Spring Musical) while others are continuously offered all year long (ex: Middle School Choir). Click on the grade level links below to discover what possibilities in the performing arts exist for your grade level!
Have a specific question about a program in the Performing Arts at Collegium? Please reach out to us via the email addresses on the right side of this page. We’d love to hear from you and/or set up a visit to our campus!
General Music
What is General Music?
General Music classes, offered in grades K-8 at CCS, are built on the idea that every student can learn to engage with and express themselves through music. Students learn the building blocks of music-making through exposure to music from around the world and across many time periods. All K-6th grade students take general music classes twice every 6-day cycle, where they participate in active music-making through instruments, movement, singing, and creativity. Students in 7th and 8th grades receive a broad, foundational understanding of music that encompasses music theory, history, performance, composition, and appreciation. General music education aims to cultivate a well-rounded understanding and appreciation of music as a universal art form, accessible to everyone regardless of prior experience or specialization.
Why should I learn music?
Learning about music offers numerous benefits and enriches your life by deepening your cultural understanding and awareness of our world. In almost every time and place, music-making and other art forms have been a critical part of the human experience. Experiencing music individually or in groups meets a universal human need to create, to experience beauty, and to connect with others. Research continues to show the academic, social, and psychological benefits of music such as emotional expression, communication, and problem solving. At CCS, we believe music is for everyone and benefits everyone.
Grades K and 1
Students discover the joy of music through varied musical experiences. They build a musical foundation as they develop their singing voices, keep a steady beat, perform folk dances, listen and respond to music, and begin exploring and playing instruments.
Grades 2-4
Students delve into playful, diverse music-making experiences where they sing, perform on instruments, move, respond to, and improvise music with multiple parts simultaneously. Students in these grades learn the basics of music reading and apply them to composing their own short music.
Grades 5 and 6
Students increase their musical independence as they work on their own and in groups to read music, compose, and create multi-part performances. By playing xylophones and ukuleles, and composing music in blues, song, and rap forms, students learn how to discuss music and connect musical experiences with their personal lives.
Grades 7 and 8
Students participate in general music every day for one quarter of their 7th & 8th grade year. Topics range from music technology, world music, film music, percussion, ukulele, and more! Students participating in a music ensemble have rehearsal in place of their general music class.
Grades 9-12
Students can choose their elective classes in the spring prior to the next school year. Presently, our high school has semester-based elective offerings in music and the performing arts that include Guitar, Piano, Bucket Drumming, Music Theory & Composition, Theatre Studies, American Music History, and Music Technology. AP Music Theory is offered as a full year elective offering.
Music Ensembles
What are Music Ensembles?
Music ensembles refer to groups of musicians who perform together to create a unified musical experience. These groups can vary widely in size, instrumentation, and musical style. Collegium presently offers music ensemble experiences in various choir, orchestra, concert band, and jazz band settings.
Why should I join a Music Ensemble?
At CCS we believe in the power of music to build community. Ensembles provide opportunities for musicians to collaborate, develop ensemble skills, and perform a wide range of musical repertoire. By participating in a music ensemble, students have an opportunity to participate in diverse and enriching musical experiences that empower them to grow, express themselves, and connect with others, while they learn even more about music and share their passion with audiences.
Grades 3-6
Beginning in 3rd grade students may choose to enroll in choir and orchestra which rehearse before or after school on specific days of the week. In 4th grade, students have the opportunity to sign up for the elementary band. Additionally, a jazz lab band is offered at the elementary level starting in 5th grade. All students involved in instrumental ensembles receive small group instrumental music lessons in elementary school.
Grades 7 And 8
At the middle school level, students can join/continue their studies in vocal and instrumental music education at a more intermediate skill-based level. At this level, students in music ensembles such as band, choir, and orchestra rehearse during the school day and continue to receive small group lesson instruction. Offerings that take place after school include Stage Band and Jazz Band. In middle school and high school our students participate in performance trips.
Grades 9-12
In high school, students choose their elective course offerings the spring prior to the current school year. Students may select band, choir, and orchestra to fulfill part of their elective credit requirements for graduation. Five music ensembles rehearse during the school day as curricular options: Concert Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Chamber Choir, and Concert Choir. Chamber Choir is an audition based group with auditions occurring in the fall. Students taking two band or two choral music ensembles are eligible for honors credit on their transcript. Small group lesson instruction continues in high school which sets us apart from other surrounding school districts. Additionally, CCS offers Basketball Pep Band, Guitar Ensemble, and Tri-M Music Honor Society activities which meet outside of the school day.
CCST
What is CCST?
Open to students in Grades 8-12, Collegium Center Stage Theatre (CCST) is one of CCS’s most popular extracurricular programs. CCST offers students opportunities to audition for two full-scale theatrical productions each year — a fall drama and a spring musical. Students can also participate in a variety of production areas, such as Stage Crew, Tech Crew, Pit Orchestra, and Costumes. We also have a Junior CCST program for students in Grades 5-7 who collaborate to perform substantial and lively musical productions.
Why should I join CCST?
CCST is one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences on our campus. The theater students spend countless hours perfecting their craft and entertaining audiences. We strive to create an inclusive and safe community that is accepting and accessible to all Collegium Students.
Grades 5-7
Our 5th, 6th, & 7th grade students put on a spring musical performance each school year that is fun and engaging for the entire school community. Recent past productions include Annie Kids, Frozen Jr., Aladdin, and The Lion King. Rehearsals and Performances take place after school beginning in January. 7th grade students may also have opportunities to participate in CCST mainstage in the Fall Play if there are spots available.
Grades 8-12
Students in 8th through 12th grade put on a fall play, a spring musical, and fundraisers such as our Cabaret. This past year, CCST had over 100 students involved in their production of The Addam’s Family. Rehearsals and Performances take place after school. Recent past productions include The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz, Les Miserables, and Hairspray.
