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Summer Performing Arts and Music Students Showcase Their Skills

After just two weeks of all-day workshops at Ranney School’s Summer Music Conservatory and Performing Arts Academy, students entering grades 3-8 took to the stage to perform before their families, friends and the school community. Students gave a two-hour performance in the school’s RSPA Panther Hall on Friday, July 5. You can watch a video clip of the performance.

The Summer Music Conservatory, led by Dr. Dorothy Sobieski, Ranney School’s All-Division Orchestra Director, and assisted by guest teaching-artist Katherine Roselli, includes 37 young instrumentalists. They were joined on stage by Upper School Honors Orchestra students Anthony Dennis (’14) and Sophia Jackman (’16), with Liam Fitzmaurice on piano (’17), accompanied by guest musician Dr. Scott Woska. The student orchestra played a variety of light selections, including hits by the Beatles, Katy Perry, Broadway tunes and age-appropriate classical repertoire.

The Orchestra Insights course, which falls under the Summer Music Conservatory, features two levels of string orchestras (advanced beginner and intermediate) for musicians between the 3rd and 8th grades. The focus is on violin, viola and cello and double bass. Repertoire is carefully chosen based upon the educational needs of each ensemble. Basic ensemble skills coupled with string pedagogy are stressed in daily rehearsals and sectionals. The daily schedule includes an organized warm-up for musicians to begin their practice followed by a group lesson and repertoire session. Class time is devoted to special topics such as sight reading, rhythmic reading, bowing techniques and additional rehearsal. Participants also have the opportunity to work on new and traditional string ensemble repertoire. A special feature is contemporary, pop and Broadway music.

The Performing Arts Academy, taught by Tess Nielsen, Ranney Performing Arts Director, features a music theater troupe of 12 young theater artists. The theme of this summer’s workshop is “When Wishes Come True” and includes pieces from famous works of literature that have been adapted for the stage. Students are spending the summer learning Broadway Hits from Matilda, A Christmas Story, Cinderella, and 13: The Musical, with several segments featured in the July 5 performance. Upper School teacher Leslie Patient provides the sound and light design, assisted by Upper School assistant stage manager Krishawna Goins (’15).

The Drama Insights course, which falls under the Performing Arts Academy, is for young theater students who wish to sharpen their drama skills in a non-competitive workshop environment. Working with a team of specialist teachers and with theater peers, students explore the distinctive challenges and rewards of the theater. Students explore acting technique, vocal production, and spontaneous expression. The sessions consist of group training followed by scene study. Using theater games, scenes and monologues, students discover how action and behavior shape characterization. Problem-solving improvisations sharpen the students’ sensory, physical, vocal and creative abilities. Students also learn to create a distinct physical and emotional personality for their character, with emphasis on sub-text and character development. Each student is assigned two monologues and one role in a partner scene. Additional topics of study for the summer course include audition techniques and relaxation exercises, cold readings, working with dialects and building a portfolio of distinctive repertoire.

Overall, Ranney’s Summer Performing Arts Insights courses provide students with rigorous and innovative daily instruction, nurtured by highly qualified faculty. “Children are able to hone their musical and creative skills within a supportive community of like-minded peers and mentors,” says Mrs. Nielsen. She adds that the summer music experience is unique because it offers the opportunity to perform in culminating ensemble at the conclusion of each specialty session. Small groups allow each student to receive individualized attention. In all insights programs, instructors employ basic musicianship skills, individualized practice habits, goal-setting and ensemble performance and presentation techniques as the primary tools in teaching at various levels of musicianship and drama study.

Read about more Ranney Summer Programs on our blog!

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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.