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Lower School Electives

Our hope for all students is that they find a performing arts elective about which they feel passionately.

The study of an art form is a lifelong pursuit and we’re committed to helping our students ignite that fire.

If you are a returning student and you found that you enjoyed your previous choice of elective, we highly recommend continuation in that elective. Ongoing study in an art form leads to exponential growth, fluency and mastery in addition to the strong friendships developed within ensembles.

  • We do take student preference into account when placing students into classes. Students should thoughtfully consider their first, second and third choices of elective. Please refrain from listing a choice more than once.
  • Sixth grade students will be placed first followed by 5th and 4th grades. Regretfully, we will not have the flexibility to move students once they are placed.

Electives available

Band (available to 5th and 6th graders only)

Ever been captivated by the sweet sounds of woodwinds, or been moved to excitement by the sound of powerful brass? This class is for you! You will be given a chance to try out several different mouthpieces and instruments to find out which instrument calls to you the most. Learning how to read music and play a new instrument in a group setting with friends is a challenging and rewarding experience!
Additional information about Band

Chorus (available to 4th, 5th and 6th graders)

Singing is for everyone! Chorus students will learn proper singing technique and explore various genres of choral music, including classical, pop, and musical theatre. If you love singing, and learning new songs, this class is for you!
Additional information about Chorus

Contemporary Jazz Dance (available to 4th, 5th and 6th graders)

This class incorporates a range of different dance styles including jazz-funk, hip-hop, and contemporary jazz. Instruction is designed for students to express themselves in a positive and interactive ways, while exploring a wide range of styles of choreography. Students will work both individually, and as teams to gain confidence, skill, and build new friendships. Join us if you love dancing!
Additional information about Contemporary Jazz

Hula (available to 4th, 5th and 6th graders)

Hula is the language of the heart and is the link to Hawaiʻiʻs history and culture. Students have the opportunity to study ancient and modern Hawaiian dance. Boys and girls are taught dances specific to their gender. Related activities (i.e. playing instruments/lei making/games) are designed to be fun and engaging while providing a deep understanding of Hawai‘i’s rich cultural heritage.
Additional information about Hula Kane
Additional information about Hula Wahine

Musical Theatre (available to 6th graders only)

This class is a three-for-one deal! Students will develop their talents in three skill areas: acting, singing, and dancing.  Students who have a broad range of interests in performing will love this class!
Additional information about Musical Theatre

Orchestra (available to 4th, 5th and 6th graders)

Savor the sounds of soothing strings! Orchestra students choose one of four bowed-stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, or upright bass). They share their musical learning in performances throughout the year including the annual Spooktacular and Holiday Sing-along. Musicians are placed in one of three ensembles based on previous note-reading and playing experience, and will work with multiple instructors. This fun, fast-paced environment emphasizes developing instrumental mastery, appreciation of great classical music, and developing lifelong friendships!
Additional information about Orchestra

Orff Ensemble(available to 4th, 5th and 6th graders)

Orff Ensemble will be a NEW elective starting in the 2024-25 school year. Carl Orff (1895 - 1982), the composer widely known for his famous cantata "Carmina Burana," was also a renowned music educator, and first conceived of this type of ensemble in the 1920s and 30s, with the goal of teaching children music through imitation, creativity and improvisation, and play. Though flexible in instrumentation, Orff ensembles typically employ a mix of xylophone and other percussion instruments. This is the only elective that does not directly continue into the Upper School, but will be a good experience for students wishing to continue in other disciplines such as band, orchestra, choir, and even dance.

Theatre (available to 6th graders only)

Thespians, we call on thee! This class places strong emphasis on acting and storytelling through movement, improvisation, playwriting exploration, and more. If you’re interested in everything from the dramatic to the comedic, and like to think on your feet, you may just thrive in this class!
Additional information about Theatre

Grade Performing Arts Electives
Fourth

Chorus
Contemporary Jazz Dance
Hula Kane
Hula Wahine
Orchestra
Orff Ensemble

Fifth Band
Chorus
Contemporary Jazz Dance
Hula Kane
Hula Wahine
Orchestra
Orff Ensemble
Sixth

Band
Chorus
Contemporary Jazz Dance
Hula Kane
Hula Wahine
Musical Theatre
Orchestra
Orff Ensemble
Theatre