TAKING CENTER STAGE

The Ashley Hall Performing Arts program provides students with a curriculum that nurtures talent from a young age. Through intense study in vocal, dance, and theatrical programs, students learn an appreciation of performing arts and gain the ability and knowledge needed to continue performance arts study.

Explore how Performing Arts looks in each division:

Early School (Ages 2-5)

Music and Movement

Each week, students engage in varied music and movement experiences—singing, playing instruments, and exploring creative movement that supports strength, coordination, and expression. Dance parties are a favorite, and this class often becomes a space for dramatic play and imaginative storytelling. Through rhythm, melody, and motion, children develop auditory discrimination, body awareness, and emotional regulation. These sessions also foster a sense of community as students learn to listen, respond, and move together in harmony.

Learn more about Ashley Hall's Early School program

Lower School (Kindergarten - Grade 4)

All kindergarten and first grade students have small group strings instruction, and students in Kindergarten through fourth grades have the opportunity to participate in Ashley Hall’s Private Lesson Program offering individual instruction in piano, violin, viola, cello, and voice. Beginning in second grade, Lower School students also have a general music class and the opportunity to join Caroline’s Carolers, Ashley Hall’s choral group for students in grades 2-4, which provides the opportunity for vocal performance

Learn more about Ashley Hall's Lower School program

Middle School (Grades 5-8)

Students experience music, theater, and dance throughout the year. A strings course is available for girls at all levels, and all Intermediate Program students can participate in the Private Lessons Program that offers individual and group instruction in violin, cello, viola, piano, and voice.

Learn more about Ashley Hall's Middle School program

Upper School (Grades 9-12)

Students can study specific performing arts disciplines, which may culminate in performance opportunities. Classes include orchestra and chorus, and higher-level Honors coursework is available. Student artists perform in music assemblies and seasonal performing arts showcases. Each year, a large-scale theatrical production is scheduled and alternates between a musical and a play. Shows have ranged from a magical, musical theater production of The Wizard of Oz to Shakespeare’s King Lear, performed outside on the lawn.

Learn more about Ashley Hall's Upper School program

Art Programs at a Glance

PERFORMING ARTS
The Ashley Hall Performing Arts program provides students with a curriculum that nurtures talent from a young age. Through intense study in vocal, dance, and theatrical programs, students learn an appreciation of performing arts and gain the ability and knowledge needed to continue performance arts study.
VOCAL MUSIC
Vocal music at Ashley Hall begins in Kindergarten and finishes with the oldest established ensemble at Ashley Hall, the Red Choir. Young vocal students receive musical training encompassing a wide variety of genres and cultures.
THEATER
Drama at Ashley Hall, offered to students in grades six through twelve, begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of theater and culminates with each student’s conducting a thorough study and performance of a prominent American playwright. Through acting exercises, students learn reliable vocal control, increase body awareness and flexibility and improve concentration, attention and listening skills. Productions of Shakespeare and contemporary plays, as well as the rich humanities curriculum allow for a well-rounded and thorough introduction to theatrical performing arts.
DANCE
Dance at Ashley Hall promotes body awareness, coordination, core strength, and flexibility. The students strive to find a balance between hard work developing technique and the more playful activity of creating expressive movement. Students will experience movement, develop and nurture respect for theater decorum, and gain appreciation of performance art.
VISUAL ARTS
The Ashley Hall Visual Arts program provides every student with a firm foundation of artistic skills through a student-centered, sequential program of instruction that includes art production, history, and criticism. All visual arts students, from pre-school through twelfth grade, will explore a wide range of art production, process, and media exploration through drawing and both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. Activities are often selected to make an interdisciplinary connection with other subject areas.