Performing Arts - Derby Academy | Pre-K – Grade 8

Performing Arts at Derby plays a vital role in supporting students during a critical stage of development.

Through our Choral, Instrumental, and Theater program, Derby nurtures social-emotional learning by building empathy, communication, and collaboration, while offering safe spaces for self-expression. As students explore different perspectives and work together toward shared goals, they develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging within their school community.

Engagement in the performing arts also strengthens academic and cognitive growth. Skills such as focus, discipline, creative thinking, and problem-solving transfer directly to success in core subjects, while physical components like dance and theater support coordination and overall well-being. Together, these benefits make the arts essential to a well-rounded education that supports the whole child emotionally, socially, physically, and academically.

Building Confidence on the Stage

Choral

The Choral program provides an opportunity for students to build upon their performance skills and music fundamentals while developing an appreciation for the importance of music in their own lives.

Instrumental

Learning an instrument fosters growth beyond the music classroom by strengthening focus, memory, problem-solving, and discipline. These skills directly support success in subjects like math, literacy, and science.

Theater and Movement

Students explore the expressive world of theater, from performing on stage as actors, singers, and dancers to designing and building sets, creating show programs, and operating the lighting and sound booth for all productions.

Creative Beginnings in the Lower School

Music & Movement

Music & Movement

Children in a classroom, some holding drumsticks, face a large interactive screen displaying a music game, while bookshelves and a window fill the background.

Music & Movement

The Lower School music program is designed to prepare young children to become musical people. As students begin developing music literacy skills and exploring instruments and a wide range of musical genres, they learn to sing and move in an exciting and meaningful way.

Movement and dance is taught alongside songs as students explore hand percussion and pitched instruments and compose ensemble rhythmic and melodic pieces. Our students have the opportunity to perform for audiences during Grandfriends Day, Arts Morning, and during the Winter Festival in December.

Confidence Grows in the Middle School

Choral

A music teacher instructs a group of children seated in chairs in a classroom with keyboards and musical charts in the background.

Choral

Special attention is given to developing age appropriate vocal technique, singing in harmony, reading notes, rhythmic accuracy, and solfeggio. The Chorus sings a varied and challenging repertoire, including music of different languages, genres, and rhythm patterns.

Students perform several times a year, including:

Grandfriends Day
December Holiday Choral Concert
Year-end Derby Day graduation Choral Concert

Students are challenged to sing in several parts, including a cappella pieces, and in a range of musical styles. Emphasis is on blending voices and developing listening skills. Many solo and duet opportunities exist within the Chorus and Vocal Ensemble. The Vocal Ensemble also performs throughout the school year for special events.

Instrumental

A teacher in a plaid shirt faces away from the camera, observing four students playing violins in a classroom decorated with musical instruments and posters.

Instrumental

All students begin their instrumental journey in Grade 4, choosing to play an instrument in either the String Orchestra or the Concert Band. Throughout the year, students develop fundamental skills performing, creating, and responding to a diverse repertoire that fosters creativity and a lifelong love for music. Middle School students participate in the following performances each year:

Winter Band and Strings Concert
Spring Arts Night Concert

Musical study engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, promoting neural development, coordination, and executive functioning.

Derby also offers private music lessons through our Auxiliary Program.

Theater and Movement

All students in Grades 5-8 have the opportunity to participate in a musical production each year.

Derby’s musical productions introduce students to various composers, librettists, and choreographers. Actors learn the importance of camaraderie, hard work, and focus. They are also encouraged to practice proper vocal technique and deliver text or music while understanding certain nuances or traits that make a character believable.

In the areas of stagecraft and theater tech, students are taught about the in-depth process of set design, involving both personal creativity and collaboration to take a design from conception to finished scenery. Costumes and set design are introduced to deepen students' understanding of the story and the actor’s work. Along with assisting with designing and building sets, Middle School students serve as the backstage crew for shows, running the digital soundboard and lighting in our Larson Hall booth for all productions.

Through movement, students explore various dance forms and play an integral role in picking music and choreography. Although technique is encouraged throughout, our primary goal is to engage storytelling through movement. Through participation in the musicals, winter performances, and various additional opportunities both in the classroom and on the stage, students can deepen their understanding of music, lyrics, and character.