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2008 Summer Reading & Foreign Language Assignments

Curriculum

Performing Arts Department

Performing arts department students are given the challenge to learn by doing. Whether it is working out the tricky fingering for a Bach string piece, learning to sight-read the jump from Ab to Gb in a cantata, getting down the flap-ball change of a tap step, or handling a complicated phrasing from an Aeschylus monologue, our students have their performing cut out for them. Ranging from the most inexperienced but curious beginner to the tried and talented old hand who has performed for years, students in all performing arts classes are led to a higher awareness of the craft and artistry of each area of expression.

The Blair Academy Players entertain the Blair community with three major productions each
year. A smaller winter production is also presented to accommodate the many students who wish
to participate in this popular activity. The Blair Academy Singers, led by multiple Grammy winner
William Hammer, have traveled to New York City, California and Italy to perform. The outstanding
instrumental music department also boasts a wind ensemble, a jazz band and a string orchestra that have performed with other preparatory schools in the Northeast. Blair’s dance courses and studio give students the opportunity to learn and explore the various techniques of ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical and ethnic forms. All classes include exercises designed to improve flexibility, motion, balance, coordination and endurance. Advanced dancers may also study choreography. Regular performance opportunities occur throughout the year. Each group performs on a number of occasions throughout the year in the Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts built in 1999.

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