Performing Arts

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A Program of Uncommon Strength

Performing arts are a core part of our whole-child approach, alongside academics and athletics. From Pre-K through Grade 9, students engage in music and drama as part of their daily experience.

Whether they are learning steady beats in the Lower School or taking on a lead role in one of the Upper School performances, Rumsey students develop creativity, confidence, and collaboration through the arts.

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Our Faculty

Ros Craft

Lower School Music

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Krystyana Czeiner

Orchestra Instructor

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James Czeiner

Orchestra Instructor

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Upper School Performing Arts (Grade 6-9)

Students in the Upper School dive deeper into music and theater through a wide range of classes and performance opportunities.

Music Curriculum & Ensembles

From rhythm and melody to performance and production, music at Rumsey is hands-on and integrated into the student experience.

Music Curriculum by Grade:

  • Grade 6: Through Boomwhackers and world percussion, sixth graders explore rhythm and pitch, culminating in drumming circles and vocal work.
  • Grade 7: Acting and improvisation invites students to bring characters to life through scene work, stage combat, and original soundscapes using instruments and digital music.
  • Grade 8: Hand chimes introduce students to musical notation, harmony, and ensemble skills, with both group and solo performance opportunities.
  • Grade 9: Trimester electives such as Ukulele and Guitar allow students to build instrumental technique, creativity, and personal expression through music.

Explore our Music Curriculum

Performance Ensembles:

  • Orchestra: Led by Juilliard-trained instructors, students with instrumental experience are supported with chamber music coaching and individual study.
  • Chorus: Open to all Upper School students, the chorus performs multiple times per year and welcomes all voice types and experience levels.
  • Blue Dog Voices: A select, audition-based a cappella group drawn from the chorus, offering additional performance and solo opportunities.
  • Individual Lessons: Available for voice, piano, string, and wind instruments.
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Drama Curriculum & Theater Arts

Drama at Rumsey builds creativity, empathy, and self-expression through improvisation, storytelling, and stage work.

Theater Curriculum

Students learn through narrative pantomime, improvisation, and role play. As they grow, they write, direct, and perform, building confidence and communication skills.

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Lower School Performing Arts

(Pre-K – Grade 5)

From the earliest years, Lower School students build musical and theatrical confidence through joyful, hands-on learning.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Music begins in Pre-K and builds steadily through Grade 5, incorporating rhythm, movement, singing, and instrumental exploration.
  • Students develop music literacy through recorder, ukulele, and two-part harmonies, and perform during community events.
  • Theater experiences use narrative pantomime, improvisation, and role play to encourage expression and storytelling.

Signature Events

  • Winter Celebration of Song & Art: Each December, families gather for a festive outdoor vocal performance and student-curated art exhibit.
  • Lower School Musical Production: Open to all Grade 3 through Grade 5 students, this after school program begins with winter song classes and builds toward a full-stage spring musical, with options to help with set and costume design
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The Maxwell A. Sarofim ’05 Performing Arts Center

Our 230-seat, state-of-the-art theater is the centerpiece of performing arts at Rumsey. The space also serves as a gathering place for the wider community, hosting public lectures, film screenings, seminars, and events like the annual talent show.