Performing & Studio Arts
The MTS Performing Arts Program is designed to expose students to the arts and to build confidence in children.
Weekly classes in the arts (drama, movement, music, and visual arts) every week starting in kindergarten provide the stepping stones for performances they do later on. Lower grades start in chorus, performing for our large events such as Grandparents and Special Friends Tea and Commencement. We produce the 4th/5th grade winter play giving 4th graders the opportunity to sing in the chorus, and 5th graders the opportunity to experience what it is like to put on a show. Building on those experiences, we give students the chance to participate in the Middle School musical produced in the spring as well as enrichment classes and concerts. The enrichment classes provide the opportunity for middle school students to take a deeper dive into the arts and make a choice about what area they want to focus on. They take more ownership in what they learn in these classes, which helps them make more informed choices when they get to high school.
A key part of the program is providing an environment that allows our students to build life long skills. We provide many opportunities to get up in front of a group. Over the years, students learn how to present themselves and collaborate in creative ways. Students participate in the audition process, learn about group work with rehearsals, and gain confidence by being on stage and performing. The important skills our students develop- learning how to present, speak articulately, make eye contact, and connect authentically in person in a real way - will last them well into the future in high school, college, and beyond.
Program Highlights
4th/5th Grade Winter Play
Every winter, MTS produces the 4th/5th Grade Musical.
A collaborative process across two grades, the Winter Play offers 5th graders the opportunity to take on lead roles and learn how to put on a show, while 4th graders sing and dance in the supporting chorus.
In 2020, we watched MTS 4th and 5th graders sprinkle some pixie dust and learn to fly during their production of Peter Pan.
Middle School Spring Play
Every Spring, our middle school students have the opportunity to audition and perform in a musical.
The performing arts department works in depth to prepare students for phenomenal performances. Parent volunteers come together to help with costumes and make up, and professional musicians are hired to accompany the singers. The high bar of these performances consistently impresses our community audiences.
Enrichment Concerts
6th, 7th, and 8th grade students participating in the Performing Arts and Visual Arts enrichment classes display their talent and hard work each trimester in a community performance on the MTS stage.
The evening includes a selection of performances from: Chorus, Scene Study, Dance Ensembles, Guitar Ensemble, and African Drum Ensemble, as well as slideshow and video presentations from other enrichment classes including digital photography & video.
