Performing Arts

List of 5 items.

• Bands

  The St. Paul's Concert Band program is a strong and active instrumental music curriculum dedicated to supporting and representing St. Paul's Episcopal School. The Band program is comprised of students in grades 5-12 participating in Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Band. Each level presents opportunities for public performances such as school concerts, and church and civic club performances.
  

  • The Beginning Band is primarily made up of Grade 5 students, but any student, regardless of grade level, who wishes to learn a musical instrument is encouraged to do so. The students are taught entry level skills and progress to the intermediate level. Students perform two formal concerts each school year as well as performances related to school activities.
  • The Intermediate Band is comprised of students in grade 6 and grade 7. Each grade meets separately to learn the skills necessary to be perform age-appropriate literature and to successfully participate at the advanced level. Students perform two formal concerts each school year as well as numerous performances related to school activities.
  • The Advanced Band performs at Winter and Spring Concerts, District and State Level concert competitions, and numerous special performances. Students meet daily after marching season to prepare performance literature. Students also compete individually for the Alabama All-State Band, Solo and Ensemble Festival, and various other honor bands throughout the Southeast.

  The St. Paul's Marching Band is comprised of students in grades 8-12. The Marching Band performs at various venues throughout the area and region. In 2008-2009 the “Marching Saints” made their international debut in the Lord Mayors’ New Year’s Day Parade in London, England. In 2014 they performed, along with the Chamber Singers, in the New Year's Festivities in Rome, Italy. The Marching Band meets daily to develop and improve all aspects of the field show. Students attend evening rehearsals during the summer (July) and a Band Camp during August to learn the music and field performance for the upcoming season.

• Choir

  St. Paul’s students participate in choral activities throughout their school years, beginning with “Singing on the Red Steps” in Prek and culminating in gorgeous Upper School choral performances. The choral program is devoted to the cultivation of the art of choral music in the lives of its students; teaching techniques of musical expression and providing a curriculum which allows each student an opportunity to build musical skills and understanding through a variety of quality musical experiences. In addition to being exposed to various genres and styles of choral literature, students are provided with an enriching experience in music education. The choral faculty strives to instill self-discipline, performance conduct, teamwork and responsibility in our students while inspiring them to discover their connection with singing.

• String Orchestras

  Founded in 1990, St. Paul’s Episcopal School’s Strings Program is composed of two performing ensembles: The Middle School Strings Ensemble and the Upper School Chamber Strings Orchestra.

  
  
  Chamber Strings
  

  Chamber Strings perform extensively throughout Mobile, AL and surrounding areas, but also nationally and internationally. In the past 20 years, the Chamber Strings has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York; St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland; Westminster Central Hall and St. John’s Smith Square in London, England; and in Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic!
  
  The Chamber Strings is comprised primarily of students ranging from age 14 – 18. Daily classes provide students with a thorough and challenging curriculum emphasizing preparation, concentration, imagination, and teamwork as part of the highest level of music making.
  
  Members of the group compete annually for positions with other groups such as Mobile Symphony's Youth Orchestra and the Alabama Allstate Orchestra Festival.

  
  
  Middle School Strings Ensemble
  

  The Middle School Strings Ensemble emphasizes teamwork, active listening skills, communication skills, and leadership as students work together to perform in a more individual context. Rehearsals give students a valuable context and framework for all the skills they develop while in the program. Featuring sectional rehearsals, technique classes, performance practice, music history and theory, students learn how every aspect of music frames their experiences as performers and interpreters of the music they play. Students meet in daily rehearsals of standard orchestral literature and new works. Students perform two formal concerts each school year as well as numerous performances related to school activities.

• Theater

  Students participate in theatrical productions and other activities throughout their years at St. Paul’s. Lower School and Middle School students participate in full musical productions, while Upper School students may participate in several stage productions each year. These are heavily immersive and holistic – the students adapt scripts, design and build their sets, operate lighting, create their costumes and makeup, and sing, dance, and act. They invest deeply and the outcomes are some of the finest student performances one will ever see.
  
  St. Paul's Upper School theatre students also participate in the Walter Trumbauer Festival, a long-established and highly respected theatre festival that showcases some of the best acting talent in the state. Categories include such events as pantomime, reader's theatre, monologues, duet scenes, musical performances, one acts, ensemble shows, and technical theatre presentations. Senior students can also audition for in-state scholarships.

• Private Instruction

  Private Strings, Piano, Guitar, and Percussion Lessons
  
  Private instruction is offered to grades K-12 for violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, and percussion. Lessons are available in 30 minute, 45 minute, or 1 hour time slots. Group Guitar and Percussion classes are also available. Lessons are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.