Upper School Arts
Arts Curriculum
Visual Arts
Whether it be drawing and ceramics, digital art or independent sculpture studies, the visual arts encourages students to explore their interests in a variety of media. Derryfield student artwork is represented at the Scholastic Art Awards each year, and is showcased throughout campus and in the Lyceum Gallery.
Music
Music students perform at a variety of events throughout the year including seasonal concerts, pep rallies at Homecoming, and guest appearances at Admission events. Derryfield continues to be well-represented by its choral and instrumental students selected as members of All-State, Regional, and All-Eastern Honors ensembles.
Drama
Musical theater and dramatic productions performed on the Derryfield stage are some of the most anticipated events on the school calendar. Each production is open to student involvement, whether it is performing on stage, playing in the pit orchestra, backstage crew, constructing and painting the set, or providing technical support on lights and sound.
Art in Action
The Derryfield Theatre Company’s production of The Outsiders enjoyed an unprecedented record-breaking two-day run this fall. Revenue and attendance shattered all previous records, with closing night being officially sold out and standing room only. These numbers rival and even surpass any two-day snapshot of any past play. Mr. Westenberg shared, “It was a truly astounding weekend! Never has a play sold out the way The Outsiders did. The energy in the audience was palpable and the actors enjoyed an experience that they will never forget. I could not have asked for more from a group of students and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
The Wedding Singer brought us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. It’s 1985, and rock star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and, unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.
This choral ensemble is for any student who has a desire to sing (no previous experience required). Concert Choir members learn vocal techniques, how to sing in multiple voice parts, healthy singing habits, music reading, and group dynamics. The repertoire is chosen from many different eras and with differing styles from sacred and spiritual text to modern popular or musical theater pieces. There are three required performances (one per term) at our concerts, as well as field trips and smaller performances throughout the year. Students in the class will also have the opportunity to audition for the NH All-State Chorus, and all students will participate in the All New England Choral Festival at Plymouth State University in November.
Instrumental ensemble aims to improve your skill as an ensemble and solo performer. Students will have lessons emphasizing music literature from various periods of history. The ultimate goal of the ensemble course is for all students to perform at a high level while being exposed to a variety of musical literature. The course is designed to be flexible with the opportunity for student-driven small group ensembles. Through mentorship, leadership, and musicianship, this community grows together and prepares music for All School Assemblies, talent shows, school concerts, and other on and off-campus activities. Individual attention will be given to students in preparation for music festivals, solo, and small ensemble performances.
The Lyceum Gallery is an indoor exhibition space that features shows of artwork each year by both professional and student artists. The exhibits are often coordinated with classroom study, and frequently the artists visit classes and discuss their techniques and professional goals. The central location of the Lyceum Gallery creates an active art space, bringing a rich arts experience to those who pass through it on a daily basis.
