This year-long course is designed to give students experience
in the art and craft of acting on the stage and to deepen their
knowledge and understanding of theater. Exercises,
improvisations, and work on texts will help students free their
imaginations, develop flexibility and expressiveness in both
voice and movement, and explore the emotions necessary to
bring life to a role. Students engage in intensive play and scene
study, role analysis, character development and improvisation.
Through extended study of plays from different periods, they
gain knowledge of theater history and an awareness of various
theater styles. The final exam consists of a presentation of
scenes and monologues.
Students may take this course for more than one year.
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 9-12
(1 credit; full year)

Two major productions are presented each year, usually a
drama or comedy in November and a musical in late February.
Auditions are open to all students interested in acting,
regardless of prior acting experience. The plays emphasize
commitment to a group project, especially the importance of
ensemble theater, rather than the "star system." One-half
academic credit is given for a full-year's commitment.
Prerequisite: Audition
Grade Level: 9-12
(1/2 credit for participation in both productions)

Technical Theater Students are given the opportunity to work
in a variety of production capacities to learn by doing such
activities as set and lighting design, painting. costume
production and stage managing. Students learn the technique
and craft necessary to realize the scenery of the two dramatic
productions presented each school year plus a chance to learn
lifetime skills. Technical Theater provides a great opportunity
for women to acquire confidence and training in the use of
power and hand tools. One-half academic credit is given for a
full year's commitment.
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 9-12
(1/2 credit for participation in both productions)

This is a one-semester course, open to students in all grades,
designed to teach students pitch and rhythm notation, meter,
intervals, scales, and key signatures. Classroom instruction will
be based on the software program Exploring Music Theory in
Ars Nova Practica Music in a lab setting with midi keyboards.
Towards the end of the semester, students will create an
independent project, using the skills and tools learned.
Grade Level: 9-12
(1/2 credit; first semester)

Student musicians have the opportunity to perform in Music
Ensembles organized by the Music Department. These
ensembles include Instrumental Ensembles, Vocal Ensemble,
and Grace Notes. With a full year's participation in a Music
Ensemble, students have the opportunity to earn one-half
academic credit. Music Ensembles may be taken as a credit
bearing course only in addition to the normal student course
load.
(1/2 credit for full year participation in any of the following)

The exact nature of the instrumental ensemble is determined
by the temperaments, inclinations, and abilities of the various
players plus the size and instrumentation of the group. The
ensembles perform in the school's concert series and on other
special occasions.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor Grade Level: 9-12

This ensemble is offered for all students who wish to
participate in the experience of group singing. The group
studies the principles of vocal music: breathing, tone
production, fundamentals of articulation and diction. The
group performs in the school's concert series, during the coordinate
concerts with other schools, and on other special
occasions.
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 9-12

The Grace Notes singing group is a student-led a cappella
ensemble that is assisted by the School's vocal music director.
Membership is selected by audition in the spring semester. In
order to be eligible to audition a student must have attended at
least one year at Miss Hall’s. The group performs in the
School's concert series, during the co-ordinate concerts with
other schools, and on other special occasions. The Grace Notes
often function as ambassadors for the school.
Prerequisite: Audition
Grade Level: 10-12

Music students who have actively participated in music
courses, ensembles, and/or the private music instruction
program throughout their years at Miss Hall’s may choose to
perform an individual or shared recital during their senior year.
In order to qualify for this Hallmark event, a student must have
achieved a certain level of advanced performance, so that they
can share their passion and achievement with the community.
Students must propose their intention by the spring of their
junior year and, upon recommendation from the Music
Department and their private music instructors, may begin the
planning process. During the fall semester of senior year senior
musicians who qualify, will work with the Director of Music
and their supporting music teachers to prepare a wellconstructed
program, schedule a performance date, and create
supporting concert materials, i.e. promotional posters, concert
programs, and personal artist’s statement. In order to present
an event,demonstrating their best work, deadlines for all
planning stages must be met. This is a significant event in a
student’s senior year and should be the culmination for the
student’s Miss Hall’s music experience and an opportunity for
them to share their voice and creativity with the community in
a joyful experience.
Prerequisite: Recommendation by Music Department
Grade Level: 12
(no credit)

Private instruction in voice, instruments, and music technology
is available to students. The lesson fees vary with the
instructor. A signed parental permission slip is required for all
students taking lessons. The student has the option of taking
the lesson as a credit course. Private music instruction for
credit must be taken in addition to the normal student course
load.
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 9-12
(1/4 credit; one semester participation)
(1/2 credit; year-long participation)