Performing Arts

Act, Play, Sing...We've Got It All

Our Performing Arts program offers students a dynamic space to develop their talents, build confidence, and express themselves in meaningful ways. Through concert band, chorus, choir, and clubs like student pep band, students engage in collaborative, joy-filled experiences that celebrate both individual growth and community spirit. Students can participate in a wide range of opportunities including concert band, chorus, jazz ensemble, and clubs like our popular student-led pep band. Whether performing on stage, leading school liturgies, or energizing students before an SGA forum, our student musicians bring joy and spirit to the Loyola community — using their gifts Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, for the greater glory of God.

Each of our instrumental and choral ensembles are offered as courses through our curriculum and many require auditions before joining. See a full list of our offerings below.

Instrumental

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Advanced Concert Band (Grades 6 - 8)

The Middle School Advanced Band class is part of the larger Middle School Concert Band. This class is designed for students that are at an advanced level in their musical development. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, bass guitar, tuba, percussion and mallet percussion. Opportunity does exist for advanced players that play piano, guitar, bass guitar or drum set to play in the Upper School Jazz Ensemble. All students interested in entering the Middle School Advanced Band class must audition. The Band Director will be in contact to schedule your son’s audition that takes place mid-May.
AP Music Theory

This advanced course is designed to prepare students for the AP Music Theory Exam while deepening their understanding of the language of music. Building on the foundations of Music Theory I, students explore harmony through in-depth analysis, ear training, and composition. Key topics include functional triadic harmony, non-harmonic tones, seventh chords, secondary dominants, cadences, modulation, phrase structure, and small forms. Through listening, writing, and performance-based activities, students develop the skills to analyze and create music with clarity and confidence.
Chamber Orchestra

Open to students in grades 6–12, Chamber Orchestra welcomes musicians who play violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, or percussion. String players with at least intermediate-level proficiency may enroll without restriction. Enrollment for woodwind and brass players is limited to two per instrument and requires concurrent participation in either Middle School Advanced Band or Symphonic Band Honors. This ensemble offers students the opportunity to explore diverse repertoire, strengthen ensemble skills, and perform in a collaborative, high-level musical environment.
Concert Band (Grades 6 - 12)

The Middle School Concert Band follows the traditional concert band model, featuring instruments such as flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, trumpet, trombone, baritone, bass guitar, tuba, percussion, and mallet percussion. Advanced players on piano, guitar, bass guitar, or drum set may have the opportunity to join the Upper School Jazz Ensemble. All students interested in joining the Middle School Concert Band are required to audition. The Band Director will reach out to schedule auditions, which take place in mid-May.
Concert Band (Grades 9 - 12)

The Upper School Concert Band is a traditional ensemble open to students in grades 9–12 who play flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, bass guitar, percussion, or mallet percussion.

Concert Band I is designed for freshmen building foundational skills, focusing on tone, technique, articulation, dynamics, phrasing, music theory, and ensemble skills such as listening and following a conductor. Students also learn effective practice habits and proper instrument care, with opportunities to explore advanced equipment.

Concert Band II is for sophomores, juniors, and seniors who continue to develop musicianship with added emphasis on leadership within their sections.

Concert Band III is for upperclassmen dedicated to refining their skills further and taking on expanded leadership roles.
Throughout all levels, students engage deeply with their instruments and the ensemble, progressing toward confident, expressive, and collaborative musicianship.
Intermediate Concert Band (Grades 6 - 8)

The Middle School Intermediate Band class is part of the larger Middle School Concert Band.This class is designed for students at an intermediate level in their musical development. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, bass guitar, tuba, percussion and mallet percussion. Students interested in entering the Middle School Intermediate Band class must audition. The Band Director will be in contact to schedule your sons audition that takes place mid-May.
Jazz Ensemble (Grades 7 - 12)

The Loyola Jazz Ensemble is dedicated to performing jazz in a traditional “Big Band” format, featuring jazz standards and diverse arrangements across multiple styles. Designed for students in grades 7 through 12, the Ensemble provides rigorous training in scale and chord studies, jazz notation, and improvisation techniques.

Enrollment is by annual audition. Except for guitarists, all members must also be enrolled in Symphonic Band Honors. Students who cannot participate in Symphonic Band Honors due to scheduling conflicts are required to take weekly private lessons to maintain their musicianship at the ensemble’s level.
Music Appreciation

This course is designed to provide the student with a solid foundation for understanding, appreciation and enjoying music from the earliest times through modern day. The course consists of three interrelated aspects: (1) the elements of music; (2) the aesthetics of music; and (3) the history of music. The development of student proficiency in each of these aspects represents the goal of the course. This is a 1/2 credit course.
Music Theory

This course provides students with a technical professional understanding of the basic building blocks from which music is constructed. Students are expected to develop fluency with the musical concepts of meter, rhythm, pitches, intervals, scales and keys, and chords, through the use of aural, performance, and written exercises, including melodic and rhythmic dictation and sight-singing.
Symphonic Band Honors I, II, III & IV (Grades 9–12)

Symphonic Band Honors is a high-level ensemble for freshmen through seniors, designed for skilled musicians ready to perform advanced concert band repertoire. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, bass guitar, percussion, and mallet percussion.

Admission is by audition. Students focus on technical mastery, scale memorization, tone consistency, articulation, and ensemble blend. The course demands self-motivated practice and features a fast-paced curriculum with opportunities for performances and competitions beyond the school. Leadership and independence increase from Symphonic Band Honors I through III.

Choral Arts

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Chorus (Grades 6 - 12)

This course provides students in grades 6 through 12 with the opportunity to cultivate proficiency in music reading, foundational music theory, and choral performance through comprehensive written and aural exercises. The curriculum focuses on the study, rehearsal, and interpretation of choral repertoire specifically composed for men’s voices.

Throughout the academic year, students participate in multiple concerts, including performances at school functions and community events. Evaluation is based on individual musical development, as well as consistent attendance and active participation in rehearsals and performances.

Prerequisites: Audition and permission of the instructor.
Vocal Ensemble Honors (Grades 9 - 12)

This course provides upper school students the opportunity to further develop their choral singing talents through the study, rehearsal, and performance of a diverse repertoire written for men’s voices. Throughout the academic year, the Blakefield Singers prepare and present numerous performances both on campus and in the broader community.

Students are assessed on their individual musical progress as well as their consistent attendance and participation in rehearsals and performances. Members are expected to possess strong music reading skills and to prepare their parts independently outside of class.

Prerequisites: Audition and permission of the instructor.

Drama / Theater

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Drama & Stagecraft I

This class, available to 7th and 8th graders, offers a general background in acting and theatre through monologues, short scenes, and theatre exercises and games. Students will have the opportunity to improve their public speaking skills and to build confidence when performing or presenting in front of an audience. We will also explore character development through an in-class production of a full show at the end of the school year.
Drama & Stagecraft II

This class, available to 8th grade students, is for students who would like to explore basic training in theatre technology. The class will focus on building scenery and props as well as learning theatre lighting and sound system beginning concepts. Students will be using power tools in this class!
Drama 6

Students will work on monologues and scenes for two or more actors along with acting games designed to improve character development, improvisation skill and a greater appreciate of theatrical performances as well as public speaking and confidence. There will be two public performances for the student to showcase what they have learned. No audition is required.
Theater Arts & Chorus

An introductory class in theater and choral music, this course provides students the opportunity to develop skills in acting, singing, and basic music reading. Students will work on monologues and scenes, as well as perform in several choral concerts during the school year, including opportunities to sing at school functions and off-campus. Students are evaluated on their individual progress, as well as attendance at rehearsals and performances.
Theater Arts I

An introductory class for the theatre, exploring both acting as well as the technical aspects of theatrical productions, but with an emphasis on the technical side of theatre. The class will focus on building scenery and props as well as learning theatre lighting and sound system beginning concepts. Students will be using power tools in this class! Students will also work on monologues, and acting scenes. No pre-requisite required.
Theater Arts II

This course, in collaboration with Theatre Arts III and Theater Arts IV, will allow students the opportunity to take theater arts for each of the four years of enrollment in the Upper School. Students will develop a better understanding of the great works of literature through experiential learning. Students will also be able to critically analyze and portray character motivations and development. This class will be performing the Blakefield Players spring show. Teacher approval required.
Theater Arts III

This course, in collaboration with Theatre Arts II and Theater Arts IV will allow students the opportunity to take theater arts for each of the four years of enrollment in the Upper School. Students will develop a better understanding of the great works of literature through experiential learning. Students will also be able to critically analyze and portray character motivations and development. Students will be involved with lighting and sound operation as well as set construction and design that is based on and tailored to meet student interest and experience.
Theater Arts IV

This course, in collaboration with Theatre Arts II and Theater Arts III will allow students the opportunity to take theater arts for each of the four years of enrollment in the Upper School. Students will develop a better understanding of the great works of literature through experiential learning. Students will also be able to critically analyze and portray character motivations and development. Students will be able to focus on period styles, age portrayal, cultural understanding, and vocal health.

Are you a prospective student interested in learning more about our Performing Arts program? Fill out our online form here and a member of our Admissions team will be in touch!

Band & Chorus Audition Requirements

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Requirements for Placement into Band
Woodwinds and brass:
- A scale of your choice.
- A piece of music that demonstrates your ability level. This can be a band piece or solo piece.
Percussionists:
- Demonstration of the following rudiments:
- - flam
  - paradiddle
  - closed roll
- A piece of music that demonstrates your ability level. This can be a band piece or solo piece.
Requirements for Placement into Choral Music
- Pitch-matching (singing back a single note that is played on the piano or sung)
- Vocalizing (singing back short musical patterns) to help determine the top and bottom of your range

Scholarships Available

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O'Neil Dramatics Scholarship

This scholarship is designed to attract the best and brightest to our dramatics program. Awarded to an incoming 9^th grade student who shows potential for excellence in the dramatic arts, the scholarship amount is $1,000 for each year of high school that the student maintains good academic standing and involvement in the arts.

Apply Here
Performing Arts Scholarship in Music

The Performing Arts Scholarship in Music is a scholarship that is designed to attract the best and brightest to our music program (band and chorus). A limited number of these scholarships will be awarded to incoming 9th grade students who show potential for excellence in the musical arts. The scholarship amount is $2,500 for each year of high school that the student maintains good academic standing and involvement in the arts.

Apply Here

Contact

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Dr. Richard Skirpan

Choral Director

(410) 823-0601 Ext 225
Mrs. Mary Thielen

Band Director

(410) 823-0601 Ext 232
Mr. John Babcock

Jazz Director

(410) 823-0601 Ext 689
Mr. Ric Chiapetta

Drama Director

(410) 823-0601 Ext 224

The Blakefield Players

The Blakefield Players is Loyola Blakefield’s acclaimed theatre troupe, renowned for its vibrant and engaging productions. Each academic year, the ensemble presents three mainstage performances for the school community and the public—a drama, a musical, and a comedy.

Students audition for each production and commit to an intensive rehearsal schedule of six to eight weeks after school. Performances take place over two consecutive weekends, showcasing the talents of our student actors, singers, and crew members.

Behind the scenes, the Stage Crew designs and constructs sets and serves as the technical team, managing sound, lighting, and backstage operations to ensure each production runs smoothly. The Blakefield Players offer students a comprehensive theatre experience that fosters creativity, teamwork, and leadership.