Performing Arts

List of 5 items.

• M/US Forensics

  Middle and Upper School students actively engage in competitive speaking events at local and state tournaments as part of the Roeper Forensics team. Our enthusiastic and supportive community offers students the opportunity to compete in various categories, including delivering original, student-written speeches, dramatic readings of prose and poetry, performing famous speeches, and interpreting scenes from plays or films individually or in small groups. Middle School students can elect to participate in Forensics. 
  

  
  The Roeper Community enjoys these exceptional performances at Forensics Nights held in winter and spring.

• M/US Instrumental Music

  Our Middle and Upper School instrumental ensembles provide students with a holistic musical education, emphasizing core elements like melody, harmony, rhythm, tone color, texture, and form. Students, through their selected instruments, master the art of combining these elements with expressiveness to create a harmonious ensemble sound.

  
  Each ensemble's repertoire is thoughtfully chosen, taking into account group instrumentation, student preferences, and individual strengths. These ensembles actively participate in scheduled concerts, MSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festivals, and attend performances by community professional musicians.

  
  One notable feature of Roeper's program is the inclusion of a curricular jazz program, where jazz bands meet during the school day. This program encourages students to explore diverse styles and delve deeper into jazz music with no restrictions on instrumentation.

  
  Ensembles include
  

  • 6th Grade Concert Band
  • 7th/8th Grades Concert Band
  • Upper School Concert Band
  • Upper School Percussion Ensemble
  • Intermediate and Advanced String Orchestra
  • Middle School Jazz Band
  • Upper School Jazz Band

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• M/US Vocal Music

  Roeper offers diverse performance opportunities, including

  • Vocal Techniques (M/US)—a class for singers at all skill levels to enhance their understanding and confidence in their own voices. It emphasizes solo repertoire selection based on students' interests and goals.
  • Open Studio—a space where soloists (vocal and instrumental) can refine their performance skills alongside fellow musicians. Students share prepared repertoire with the support of an accompanist and provide and receive constructive feedback. This fosters confidence in front of an audience.
  • Musical Theater Workshop (M/US)—students prepare and perform scenes from a variety of Broadway shows, encompassing spoken and sung elements.
  • All vocal music students are encouraged to audition for the two school musicals (US in the fall; MS in spring).
  • Students have the option to participate in the MSVMA Solo & Ensemble Festival each year, with the provision of a professional collaborative pianist.

• LS and M/US Dance

  Roeper's dance programs harness creativity for personal growth and self-expression.
  
  Lower School Dance nurtures children's natural curiosity and passion for movement, encouraging personal choice, curiosity, and confidence in their physical abilities. Through structured improvisation, free play, and physical challenges, students develop ownership and pride in their physical and emotional strength. The curriculum incorporates mindfulness to enhance empathy and self-confidence, teaching students to process emotions through breathing exercises, yoga postures, and expressive dance.
  
  In the Middle & Upper School Dance program, students develop their creative voice through choreography, performance, and technique, emphasizing collaboration and interdisciplinary exploration. They engage in rigorous movement exploration, improvisation, composition, and performance, participating in showcases and performances for the community.

• LS Vocal and Instrumental Arts

  Students across all stages showcase musical performances throughout the year at family events, all-school gatherings, Grandparents and Special Persons Day, and occasional visits to Senior Living facilities. Music is an integral part of the LS curriculum.
  
  

  In Stage I, instruction focuses on early childhood development through music with singing, movement, and musical games.
  
  Guided by the philosophies of Orff/Schulwerk and Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Stage II introduces percussion instruments to teach concepts of beat, rhythm, and pitch, while xylophones and metallophones expand musical understanding.
  
  

  In Stage III, students further develop singing, beat, rhythm, dance, and percussion instrument skills. They expand their ability to read music on the staff and create music through partner and small group music writing, using platforms like Garageband. Students are introduced to band instruments and offered music electives like Beginning Piano or Guitar.
  
  

  Stage IV offers a diverse range of music opportunities, including band instrument selection, participation in vocal ensembles, and various electives like Piano, Guitar, Steel Drumming, Vinyl Records, Music Research, Musical, and Choir. Students can opt for yearlong electives in two levels of band: Beginning and Advancing. Additionally, they can choose to take part in a staged musical production tailored for developing voices.