Performing Arts

The Thrill of Self-Expression

To experience the energy of the Performing Arts at MBS, step inside Founders Hall. From music and dance studios to our 630-seat, professional-caliber theater, the building is always buzzing with creativity. Students fill the spaces as dancers, actors, and musicians, learning alongside faculty who bring their own passion and expertise to the stage and studio.
MBS students have opportunities to explore the performing arts in countless ways. They take the stage in spectacular musicals, dive into theater technology, study instrumental and vocal music, and explore a variety of dance styles. They perform with ensembles including jazz band, percussion, and strings, and even gain hands-on experience recording and mixing music through our Studio Recording class.
At MBS, the performing arts are about more than the final performance. Students discover the confidence to express themselves, the discipline to hone their craft, and the teamwork and problem-solving skills that come from creating something together.

Performing Arts Courses and Programs

Performing Arts gives students the opportunity to discover their creative voices across a range of disciplines. Whether performing vocally, playing an instrument, dancing, acting, or exploring Media Studies, students are encouraged to take creative risks, collaborate, and find joy in the arts. Through hands-on experiences, students build artistic skills while strengthening creativity, confidence, and problem-solving. Most importantly, they develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts, both as creators and engaged audience members.

Music

Vocal and Instrumental Courses and Programs

The development of well-rounded musicians, with an awareness of world music and the role music plays in society, forms the basis of vocal and instrumental music offerings at MBS.

Middle School

Middle School Band students engage with music in a wide variety of styles. This class provides young musicians with the opportunity to increase their individual musical ability while also working in an ensemble.

Middle School String Ensemble offers beginning students an introduction to basic string technique. Students will gain dexterity and develop tone as they study and perform music of varying periods.

Upper School

Music Ensembles and Programs

  • Chorus
  • String Ensemble
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Contemporary Percussion Ensemble
  • Piano Skills
  • Foundations: Music
  • Music Theory
  • Fundamentals of Studio Recording
  • Electronic Music Composition

Theater

Theater Courses and Programs

Theater courses allow students with previous experience to enhance existing skills, while also encouraging students without training to explore the world through the unique prism of the performing arts. Theater education stimulates creativity, problem solving ability, and critical thinking skills, while also challenging student perceptions about the themselves and the world around them. With an emphasis on live performance styles, theater classes at MBS also remind students about the importance of engaging in unmediated human communication.

Middle School

The Middle School Musical gives students the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the American musical theater, while pursuing specialized performance training in acting, singing, and dancing. Through the production of an hour-long musical, they will develop musicality, spatial awareness, and collaborative skills, and also learn to create sustainable and motivated characters for the stage.

Upper School

Sample Course Offerings

  • Acting
  • Technical Theater
  • Stagecraft

Dance

Dance Courses and Programs

These full-year courses include extensive warm-up, as well as exercises to develop proper alignment, flexibility, coordination and strength. Various styles are explored throughout the sequence, including Jazz, Modern, and Lyrical.

Middle School

Middle School Dance is for students interested in modern dance technique and performance. Students will gain an increased understanding of their individual range of movement, and develop balance and coordination. 

Middle School Tap Attack combines traditional tap dance technique found in 42nd Street and Singing in the Rain with the energetic contemporary style of STOMP and TAP DOGS, to provide students with the opportunity to raise the roof and make some noise! They develop focus and rhythmic intelligence, while also increasing physical stamina and coordination.

Upper School

Sample Course Offerings

  • Dance
  • Intermediate Dance
  • Advanced Dance
  • Morristown Beard Dance Ensemble
  • Tap