Sandy Spring Friends School

 

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Performing Arts

The Performing Arts are an important component of the educational experience at SSFS. Our performing arts program is designed to stimulate creative expression, build skills, instill confidence, and enhance appreciation for a variety of performance styles from cultures around the globe. Students are offered numerous exciting opportunities to engage in music, theatre, dance, and multimedia experiences in every grade.

Students from all divisions also have the opportunity to participate in our annual Community Play where they perform with faculty, staff, parents, alums, and school trustees. Please visit our division websites for more details about our performing arts programs and performance schedules.

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Three young children in teal shirts and holding horse puppets stand on a stage in front of a blurred audience and colorful backdrop.

 

Lower School

Lower School students take music classes twice a week, where they listen to a variety of musical works, sing, dance, play instruments, learn to read music, and experiment with movement and improvisation.

All our Lower School students participate in annual class plays and assembly programs. Many of the students participate in the creation process, helping to adapt or write their own plays, choreograph numbers, build sets, and more.

In the foreground, a young person sits at a table while two others whisper secrets, all against a vibrant blue backdrop.

 

Middle School

In the sixth grade, students take music, drama, and movement courses (in addition to visual arts offerings) for one quarter each. Each quarter culminates with completed projects, performances, and portfolios to be shared with the SSFS community during the year.

Seventh and eighth grade students are given a choice of Music, Drama, and movement—along with visual arts class offerings—and they are expected to take two different semester-length classes each year.

All Middle School students have the option to engage in other arts opportunities at SSFS, such as a weekly Middle School Band opportunity, Arts electives, and Theatrical opportunities.

A person in a tuxedo and bow tie stands on a stage with a dark background, clenching their fists and shouting.

 

Upper School

Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to take a wide range of performing arts classes, including Musical Theater Lab, Instrumental Music, Handbells, Modern Dance, Stagecraft, and Digital Music Production.

Public performances and assemblies are scheduled throughout the year for students to share their talents and for the community to enjoy. Traditionally, the Upper/Middle School Play is performed in the fall, and the Upper/Middle School Musical in the spring.