Performing Arts | The John Cooper School

BAND

In fifth grade, students can elect to take band. During this year, students are exposed to the fundamentals of instrumental music including basic fingering skills, note reading, and rhythmic patterns. In Middle School, students continue to develop their skills by concentrating on musical characteristics such as dynamics, tempo, and articulation. Upper School students can participate in symphonic band, jazz band, or ensemble groups. Members are given the opportunity to study improvisation, music theory, composition, and arranging. Middle and Upper School students also have the opportunity to be involved in the pep band which plays at varsity home football games.

CHOIR

Beginning in the Lower School with the Junior Choir (grades 3-4) and the Fifth Grade Choir, students are given the opportunity to sing in a number of ensembles. The Middle School choir meets daily throughout the year and participates in a number of performances. Choir members audition for the TPSMEA State Honor Choir, perform a Holiday Concert and Spring Concert, and present a musical. For those who desire to sing solos, there are plenty of opportunities to perform at the Holiday Brunch, the springtime Solo & Ensemble Festival, and the Cooper Fine Arts Festival.

The Upper School Chorale is a non-auditioned group and accepts singers of all abilities from grades 9-12. Members are eligible to audition for the Upper School musical, which is performed each November. Their concert schedule includes the Holiday and Spring Concerts. Choir members are also invited to audition for the TPSMEA All-State choir and are always well represented. Members of the Chorale are eligible to be considered for the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Throughout the year, choir members audition for placement in the Cooper a cappella group, “VOX.” This ensemble meets during the school day during the spring semester and performs throughout the community and Greater Houston area.

DANCE

Students who are interested in dance instruction have a variety of options to choose from and will learn discipline, flexibility, technique, poise and grace through the study of dance. Middle School dance students are introduced to a variety of styles, from traditional dance to jazz to lyrical to hip hop and perform at halftimes of football games. In Upper School, dance is offered at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, based on level of experience. Instruction in the unique art of aerial arts, also known as "silks," is also offered at all three levels for Middle and Upper School students. Middle and Upper School dance students showcase their talents at the schoolwide Fine Arts Festival held each April and in the end-of-year "Life!" production that is held each May.

DRAMA

Middle School Drama focuses on proper warm up techniques, voice and movement instruction, audition monologues and character analysis. Further instruction leading up to “production readiness” includes stage make-up as well as stage combat. Students will perform in two public performances throughout the school year.

Upper School Theater Arts is dedicated to foundational principals of theater acting, design and tech as well as their practical application. Instruction includes voice, speech and physical relaxation techniques as well as script analysis and scene study via the concepts of its most respected practitioners. Performances include the Fine Arts Festival Week and the Student Theater Project, as well as on-camera work. Theater Tech classes are available and allow students to learn and apply the concepts of lighting, stage and audio design, and construction for the Main Stage and Black Box productions. Theater Production focuses on the application of acquired skills in a performance environment, including musical theatre, drama, and comedies. Participation is based upon audition. Performances are advertised and open to the public.