Music
The Woodlands Academy Music Department offers all students class and studio options in both the vocal and instrumental areas. We pride ourselves on the fact that we provide many opportunities to participate in our music program, either in the Music Department or in conjunction with other Department activities. Annual competitions, performances, recitals and a spring musical are available to all students. Currently, there are five faculty members: a vocal music director, an instrumental music director/private flute and piano teacher, a private voice teacher, a private guitar teacher and an organ teacher.
AP Music Theory
This Advanced Placement class meets five times a week and is offered to seniors preparing to take the AP Music Theory test. The class is open to any student who wishes to explore the theory and technique involved in writing music. It is also valuable for students who are planning on a music career. Some universities require this course for admission into their music major/minor programs.
Introduction to Music
This course is required for all freshmen. The objective is to give students an overview of our music program and offerings and to expose them to the world of music outside the classroom.
Performing Arts Chorus
The Performing Arts Chorus is a curricular elective. It meets four times a week and is open to all students and grade levels. Students have the opportunity to develop their voices and to perform a varied musical repertoire. Sight-reading and ear-training activities are emphasized. The group performs at three different scheduled concerts and for numerous independent requests. One year of Performing Arts Chorus participation is strongly recommended for students who wish to audition for Kaleidoscope. All members have the opportunity to compete in the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) District Festival. Members also have the opportunity to compete in the Illinois High School Association’s (IHSA) Solo and Ensemble Contests.
Performing Arts Orchestra
The Performing Arts Orchestra is open to string and wind players at the intermediate and advanced levels. (Beginners can sign up for private lessons through our instructor.) Auditions for new members are held the first Friday of each school year. We meet daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. in the Orchestra Room in Hilltop, with additional rehearsal times scheduled as needed. Orchestra is a curricular offering and grades are issued.
The Orchestra performs a variety of small and large ensemble works from the entire Classical genre and from more popular styles, and includes works for strings, winds, and combined groups. Opportunities also exist for percussionists, pianists, and guitarists. Original compositions and arrangements are introduced yearly to meet the Orchestra Ensemble’s instrumentation needs.
All members have the opportunity to compete in the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) District Festival. Members also have the opportunity to compete in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and the North Shore/Northwestern University Solo and Ensemble Contests, both held in March. Woodlands’ participation in solo and ensemble events has earned us numerous superior ratings. We perform in major school concerts in December and May, as well as at various liturgies and special occasions.
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is our award-winning select choir, open by audition only. Students selected for this group have advanced training in both sight-reading and ear-training activities. Kaleidoscope practices three times a week and performs high school and college level repertoire. Group members compete in the Illinois Music Educators (IMEA) District Contest and Festival and the Illinois High School Associations (IHSA) Organizational Competition. Each year, Kaleidoscope travels to a national competition. Previous trips have been to St. Louis, Boston, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, New Orleans, Montreal and Washington D.C. This year’s destination is New York.
Microscope
Microscope is a student-directed a capella choral group for Kaleidoscope singers who have above-average vocal ability, are proficient in advanced vocal repertoire, are committed to their musical studies, and who possess the needed maturity to function in a group of this nature. Woodlands’ Choral Director selects the group’s ten members, including the director, at the beginning of the academic year.
WA Beat
This is a percussion ensemble open to ALL students, whether experienced or not. A variety of percussion instruments are introduced and students explore rhythms and music of different cultures. Students also perform with the Orchestra. We meet on Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. and on Fridays with the Orchestra.
Liturgical Choir
This choral group meets once a week and is open to all students. The Liturgical Choir is responsible for music at Woodlands’ liturgies and prayer services.
Show Choir
Show Choir meets three times a week during the second half of our lunch period and is open to all students. This group offers the opportunity to perform choral music to students who are unable to include the Performing Arts Chorus elective in their schedules.
Private Lesson Program
The Private Lesson Music Program is offered to students of all abilities who want to take lessons in voice, guitar, flute, clarinet, piano or organ. Lessons in other areas, including strings, are available if interest is indicated.
Theater
Woodlands’ drama program strives to develop the total person. "Theater as Education" is the program’s philosophy. Participation in dramatic productions provides students a forum for artistic expression and an opportunity to work creatively in an ensemble. Each year, Woodlands stages a play and a musical offering students a choice of venues to showcase their talents in acting and musical theater. Recent productions include You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Nunsense, Quilters, Babes in Arms, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Mousetrap, Ten Little Indians, The Good Doctor, Blithe Spirit, and Steel Magnolias.
