At British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park, there are many extra-curricular musical activities to get involved with and enjoy! Due to our recent collaboration with The Juilliard School, the music department is a key focus, not just for our school, but across all Nord Anglia Education schools as we work with other music teachers across the world to further develop our existing music programs.
CHOIR
Our whole school choir is around fifty pupils strong! Repertoire is varied and includes Glee style musical numbers, classical works in different languages, Disney songs, Jazz numbers and many more. The pupils really enjoy these rehearsals and have the opportunity to perform at many different school events.
ORCHESTRA
The school orchestra includes all of our talented instrumentalists who also have their moment in the spotlight at our various concerts and performance opportunities. Repertoire has included The Four Seasons by Vivaldi, The Planet Suite by Holst, The Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens and Viva La Viva by Coldplay, to name just a few.
RECITALS
We hold half-termly recital evenings after school for pupils who have been working hard in their instrumental lessons and have prepared a piece to performance standard. These recitals are open to all ages and instruments and are a fabulous way to celebrate our pupils' musical achievements.
MORNING INSTRUMENTAL RECITALS
We have many different morning clubs and rehearsal sessions for a variety of instruments ranging from percussion to mixed woodwind and strings.
DRAMA
Our drama program starts in the Foundation Stage where children are encouraged to explore different roles and characters through storytelling and role play. From Year 1, our children have one lesson every week dedicated to Drama, which they spend in our specially designed Studio Theater. In their classes, children learn about how they can use movement, voice, and expression to create, adapt, and sustain different roles on stage. Class teachers specifically design their drama lessons to make links with the children’s learning in Literacy and the International Primary Curriculum. Annual plays and performances give children the opportunity to showcase their talents and develop as confident individuals. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about other theater arts, such as lighting, sound, and set design.