Performing Arts
The purpose of a performing arts education is to allow each student many opportunities to develop self-discipline and a sense of ensemble, and to experience working collaboratively. By developing individual skills and talents, the performing arts faculty increase students’ awareness, appreciation, respect, and understanding of and for the arts. With this understanding and appreciation, the student becomes an active and confident participant in the artistic triangle of Creator + Performer + Audience, elevating the arts as a positive equalizer among diverse cultures, environments, and circumstances.
The RPCS Dance Program offers performance opportunities at all grade levels.
Roland Park Country School Dance Program, K-12, is dedicated to the physical and intellectual training of dance students through the use of standard dance forms (ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip hop), the incorporation of dance styles from various global cultures and the integration of technology. Central to the understanding of dance is knowledge of dance history, exploration of the cultural significance on society, and awareness of the connection to the community at RPCS and at large. The program seeks to promote and empower each student’s ability to be a poised, graceful, and confident young woman. As a result students leave the RPCS Dance Program enabled to experience dance in the studio, on the stage, in the audience, and as an enriching part of their lives.
Roses Repertory Dance Company is an auditioned ensemble for juniors and seniors. The company will learn repertory choreographed by the teacher, company members, and guest artists. The repertory will be performed at the RPCS Dance Concert, Performing Arts Concert, and other engagements arranged by the teacher.
Roland Park Country School’s Theatre Program puts on a
variety of productions each year. There are opportunities for all students to be involved in these
productions. Roland Park Country School strives to present a
wide range of dramatic works of recognized artistic and/or literary merit from a
variety of periods and genres, including classical and contemporary dramas,
comedies, tragedies, musicals, and other distinctive styles.
Roland Park Country School’s theatre curriculum, for grades 6-12, is based on a
liberal arts foundation while providing all students with a series of “theatre
core” foundation courses in the various aspects of the theatrical arts,
including history and criticism, literature, performance, improvisation,
directing, design, technical production and musical theatre. The program
celebrates the theatrical arts as an effective forum for exploring issues of
self, community, diversity, human dignity and respect for the world.
RPCS’ Footlights Theatre Ensemble (FTE) is an auditioned theatre ensemble for Upper School juniors and seniors at the Roland Park Country and Gilman Schools. Student actors and technicians are selected to create a collective ensemble that produces theatre performances in the Tyler Studio Theater each semester and biennially tours a production abroad.
RPCS offers an enriching and dynamic music program, which is available to all students in all grade levels.
Chorus is a non-auditioned large choral ensemble is for the student who enjoys singing music of varying styles and time periods. Students will study techniques of good vocal tone production, musicianship, and showmanship. The Chorus performs at the traditional RPCS Christmas Program and in the spring Performing Arts Concert as well as other school events during the year.
Somettos is an auditioned vocal ensemble for 9th and 10th graders, Somettos performs a variety of repertoire, including classical, folk, popular, jazz, and original music. Students study techniques of good vocal tone production, musicianship, and showmanship. This ensemble performs at the two major RPCS concerts and other school events during the year.
Semiquavers is a performance-oriented course provides an opportunity for selected students (juniors and seniors chosen by audition the previous spring) to participate in a challenging vocal ensemble under faculty supervision. Repertoire includes classical, folk, popular, and original materials. Students study techniques of good vocal tone production, musicianship, and showmanship. Extensive public appearances in the school and community are an integral part of the Semiquavers experience. There are mandatory rehearsals during the last two weeks of August to prepare for RPCS’ Opening Day Convocation. Every other year, Semiquavers, along with Roses and FTE, creates an interdisciplinary piece that tours abroad.