Performing Arts

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 7:30am to 8:10am in the Orchestra Room in Hilltop, with additional rehearsal times scheduled as needed. Orchestra is a curricular offering and grades are issued.

Woodlands’ Orchestra performs a variety of small and large ensemble works from the entire Classical genre and from more popular styles, including 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 Orchestra 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.

Woodlands also offers an AP Music Theory course. This Advanced Placement class is available to seniors who are 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 aspiring to a music career or who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in this area. Some universities require this course for admission into their music major/minor programs.

It's all about sound!  This project-based survey course develops skills in music production & software, audio editing, and exploring concepts in contemporary sound art.  Students will be able to create, record, and produce basic audio for music, film, podcasts, and other recorded media.  No formal music theory knowledge is required.

Kaleidoscope is Woodlands’ premiere choir and closest artistic team. This choir sings the widest range of music from gospel to classical to pop. Each year, Kaleidoscope travels and competes during a spring Music Trip that is the highlight of many students’ time at Woodlands. Singers interested in travelling with friends, strengthening their vocal skills, and deepening their roots in our musical community are invited to audition.

Kaleidoscope meets on Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:10pm - 4:30pm after school, and Thursdays during lunch.

By Audition

Sophie’s Singers is a fun, welcoming choir open to all students and musical backgrounds. Named after Madeleine Sophie Barat, this choir sings everything from Disney to Bruno Mars and is the perfect group to strengthen vocal foundations.

Sophie’s meets on Mondays and Tuesdays during the lunch period.

Open to All

Music Ministers are the leaders of music at Woodlands’ many prayer services, and get to perform most often. This choir is open to students of all musical backgrounds, faiths, and identities. Music Ministers is the place to connect to something deeper in themselves and their community through music.

Music Ministers meets on Wednesdays during lunch.

Open to All

Microscope is Woodlands’ student-run ensemble, and is a musical home for some of our most advanced singers. This ensemble specializes in small-ensemble music ranging from pop accapella to classical chamber music. Membership in Microscope is by audition only for highly motivated singers who have shown dedication and achievement in Woodlands’ music program.

Microscope meets Wednesdays before and after school.

By Invitation