Lower School

In Lower School students in kindergarten through grade five participate in music classes twice a week to develop an appreciation and understanding of all kinds of music and to stimulate their creative expression. Children also develop performance skills as fifth graders participate in the Fifth Grade Chorus, fourth and fifth graders perform in the Lower School Ensemble, and third graders play recorders. Individual students play in concerts and Lower School assemblies, and all Lower School students perform vocally and instrumentally for the annual Winter and Spring Lower School Concerts. In addition to the many music classes and public music performances, drama is an important part of the general curriculum as classes stage productions of stories and plays which they are studying in their language arts and social studies classes.

Middle School

During the regular school day Middle School students are offered opportunities to participate in the chorus and ensemble, and many take instrumental instruction at school. Two concerts each year feature these groups as they perform works from various periods and in various styles. The music groups also perform either at the State Capital or at an adjudicated festival each spring, and a few students also participate at the District level in chorus and/or band.

Middle School students produce one play each fall. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders are encouraged to participate in these original productions that feature between 10 and 20 students. In theatre classes eighth graders for a trimester study the craft of theatre by playing theatre games, learning and reciting poetry, and writing and performing scenes individually and as an ensemble piece. Frequent class presentations are made in front of a Middle School assembly.

Upper School

There are many performance opportunities in Upper School. The music department’s vocal and instrumental groups perform twice each year in the winter and the spring, including the full chorus and ensemble, small singing groups, and string, jazz, and horn quartets. Vocal and instrumental selections include a cross-section of musical styles, genres, and periods. Every other year a musical revue is produced with selections from Broadway shows. Students also participate in District Chorus and Band.

Lancaster Country Day’s upper school theatre program is committed to helping students learn in the classroom and on the stage the art of acting. In theatre classes students take beginning and advanced acting classes as well as specialized electives in Shakespeare Production, Scene Study, Greek Theatre, and Playwriting. Students from the classes give small performances in Upper School morning meetings. Two full upper school theatrical shows are produced in the winter and spring, with usually a Shakespearean play performed in the winter and a comedy in the spring. LCDS theatrical productions are admired within the local community for the excellent acting and high production values.