McDonogh Community Arts - McDonogh School

McDonogh Community Arts

McDonogh Community Arts (MCA) is a unique program providing McDonogh families and the greater Baltimore community high-quality extracurricular visual and performing arts classes right here on our campus! MCA includes classes for children and adults, and each offering is designed to spark creativity, self-expression, and artistic abilities.

The upcoming fall session will feature classes taught by McDonogh faculty as well as teachers from the Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory Institute. 

 

Registration

To register for a course, click "Register Here" under the course description. Please note the deadline to withdraw from classes without penalty is August 28; no refunds will be processed after that time.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Kara Zimmerman at kzimmerman@mcdonogh.org


MCA MUSIC Courses

The Music Explorers (Ages 4-9)

Ages: 4-9
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 
Session: 8 weeks, September 13 to November 1 
Location: Edward St. John Student Center, Room 010 (LS Visual Art Room)
Instructor: Alex Lacquement
Cost: $200

Does your child love music and love the outdoors? If so, The Music Explorers is the perfect way to spend afternoons this fall. During this program, students will explore parts of McDonogh’s beautiful 800-acre campus while making music on the most transportable instrument, the harmonica. Students will learn how to play melodies and chords on the harmonica. They will hike to different locations on campus to play, sing, and dance outside. No prior musical experience is required. Students will be required to bring their own harmonica to every class.

REGISTER HERE

Individual Music Lessons (Ages 5+)

Ages: 5 and up
Day/Time: Lesson times to be determined by teacher and student availability
Session: 6-, 12-, or 30-week sessions offered, lessons begin the week of September 11
Location: Keelty Building
Instructor: MCA Music Faculty
Cost: $1710 (30 weeks, $57/lesson); $708 (12 weeks, $59/lesson); $354 (6 weeks, $59/lesson)

McDonogh proudly offers individual music lessons for students of all ages, experience levels, and musical interests. MCA Music Lessons emphasize the development of skills in creating and performing music on a specific instrument. Middle and Upper School lessons are 30 minutes and Lower School lessons are 25 minutes. Lessons are offered after school and in the evening. Lessons are also offered to McDonogh students during the school day; lessons scheduled during the day do not interfere with academic programs.

This year, lessons will be offered in 30-, 12-, or 6-week blocks of time. Students who sign up for the full 30-week block will receive a discounted lesson rate and will be given priority for daytime lessons. Daytime lessons cannot be guaranteed for those students who sign up for 12 or 6 weeks of lessons.

Music instruction is offered on the following instruments:

  • Drums and Percussion: Ages 5 and up
  • Brass (trumpet, trombone, and tuba): Ages 8 and up
  • Woodwinds (flute, clarinet, saxophone, and oboe): Ages 8 and up
  • Guitar: Ages 6 and up
  • Piano: Ages 5 and up
  • Strings (violin, viola, and cello): Ages 5 and up
  • Voice: Ages 10 and up
  • Ukulele: Ages 6 and up

If a lesson is missed due to sickness or other school-mandated conflicts, efforts will be made to make up the lesson at a separate time; three make-up lessons are built into the 30-week session to accommodate for these conflicts. One make-up lesson is built into the 6- and 12-week lessons for this same reason. Please note: 24 hours advance notice is required for missed lessons and no credits are given due to unexcused student absence. If you choose to withdraw your child from the program, no credit will be given for any remaining lessons.

REGISTER HERE

 

American Roots Band (Ages 9-14)

Ages: 9-14
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 5:00-6:30 p.m. 
Location: Edward St. John Student Center, Room 010 (LS Visual Art Room)
Session: 8 weeks, September 13 to November 1
Instructor: Alex Lacquement
Cost: $250 

Are you ready to jam and create music with your friends? The American Roots Music Band is designed for students who enjoy playing acoustic string instruments and who also might like to sing songs. Students will explore songs from the bluegrass, string band, and folk music genres while creating arrangements, playing melodies, and taking solos, all while learning to work together to make decisions in the same way a professional band does. Students should possess an ability to play a few simple melodies such as “Twinkle Twinkle” and “Hot Cross Buns” or a few chords such as G, C, D, & A. Students will perform a concert at the end of the session showcasing their creativity and collaboration.

The primary string instruments for the American Roots Music Band are acoustic guitar, mandolin, violin/fiddle, banjo, and upright bass (that being said, all acoustic string instruments such as cello, viola, dulcimer, and piano are welcome to sign up as well)! Students must bring their instruments with them to every meeting. The band will be led by Alex Lacquement who has eight years of experience touring and performing across America with a variety of bands that play bluegrass, early jazz, Appalachian string-band music, and folk music.

REGISTER HERE

 

 

Rock Shop Community (Ages 19+)

Ages: 19 and up
Day/Time: Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Session: 10 weeks, October 5 to December 14
Location: Keelty Building
Instructor: Steve Martel
Cost: $200

Rock Shop Community is a music program designed for adults ranging from age 19 to infinity! The goal of this program is to provide a collaborative, creative music space for adults who would love to play music with others. We are mindful of the reality that finding band members, musical equipment,  and a regular rehearsal space can be a real challenge for busy adults who are balancing career and family commitments. This program provides that space and community with the hope that participants will be inspired to continue their musical journey through relationships made in this program.

We will also be offering other future programs and music events for a growing community of folks who are interested in developing their musical talents and aspirations. Band coaches and instructors will be on hand to help with instrument instruction and songwriting guidance. We will meet once a week for this session which will culminate with a digital recording and an optional live performance. Beginners and experienced musicians are welcome. 

REGISTER HERE

 

MCA Dance Courses

Creative Dance 1 (Age 3)

Presented in partnership with Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory

Age: 3
Day/Time: Saturdays, 9:00-10:00 a.m. 
Session: 32 weeks, September 9, 2023 - May 18, 2024
Location: Edward St. John Student Center Dance Studio
Instructor: Adrienne Duckett
Cost: $942 plus a $50 registration fee

*AGE 3 BY FIRST DAY OF FALL SEMESTER*

Creative Dance 1 sets a strong foundation for more formal dance study by introducing basic movement/locomotive skills, increasing flexibility, and stimulating rhythmic awareness and expressiveness. The curriculum is designed to capitalize on the increasing strength coordination and cognitive abilities of 3-year-old students; therefore, all students must be at least 3 years old by the first day of the spring semester. For a detailed description of the Young Children's Program class offerings and levels visit www.peabody.jhu.edu/dance. The first class of the session will be used as placement to ascertain readiness for group dance instruction.

Dress code and uniform requirements for this level can be found at Peabody Prep Dance Dress Code or contact Preparatory Dance for more details: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648. Tuition fees are listed for the complete 32-week  semester. Payment plan available. Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 12 students.

REGISTER HERE

Creative Dance 2 (Age 4) 

Presented in partnership with Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory

Age: 4
Time: Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Session: 32 weeks, September 9, 2023 - May 18, 2024
Location: Edward St. John Student Center Dance Studio
Instructor: Adrienne Duckett
Cost: $942 plus a $50 registration fee

*AGE 4 BY FIRST DAY OF FALL SEMESTER*

Creative Dance 2 sets a strong foundation for more formal dance study by strengthening movement/locomotive skills, increasing flexibility, developing awareness of the body, and stimulating rhythmic awareness and expressiveness. The curriculum is designed to capitalize on the increasing strength coordination and cognitive abilities of 4-year-old students; therefore, all students must be at least 4 years old by the first day of the spring semester. For a detailed description of the Young Children's Program class offerings and levels visit www.peabody.jhu.edu/dance. No previous experience or placement class required.

Dress code and uniform requirements for this level can be found at Peabody Prep Dance Dress Code or contact Preparatory Dance for more details: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648. Tuition fees are listed for the complete 32-week  semester. Payment plan available. Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 12 students.

REGISTER HERE

Introduction to Ballet 1 (Ages 5-6)

Presented in partnership with Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory

Ages: 5-6
Day/Time: Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Session: 32 weeks, September 9, 2023 - May 18, 2024
Location: Edward St. John Student Center Dance Studio
Instructor: Adrienne Duckett
Cost: $942 plus a $50 registration fee

Introduction to Ballet 1 for 5- and 6-year-olds accommodates beginning students and those who have previously taken creative dance and/or pre-ballet classes. The curriculum approaches the fundamentals of ballet training (body placement, arm movements, footwork, and simple vocabulary) while continuing to develop students' body awareness and build their locomotive and expressive skills. No previous experience or placement class is required for 5-year-old students. Some 6-year-olds may be placed in Introduction to Ballet 1 to build fundamental skills and learn ballet vocabulary before taking Introduction to Ballet 2. Students must be at least 5 years old by the first day of the fall semester.

Dress code and uniform requirements for this level can be found at Peabody Prep Dance Dress Code or contact Preparatory Dance for more details: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648. Tuition fees are listed for the complete 32-week  semester. Payment plan available. Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 12 students.

REGISTER HERE

Introduction to Ballet 2 (Ages 6-8)

Presented in partnership with Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory

Ages: 6-8
Day/Time: Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Session: 32 weeks, September 7, 2023 - May 16, 2024
Location: Edward St. John Student Center Dance Studio
Instructor: Adrienne Duckett
Cost: $942 plus a $50 registration fee

Introduction to Ballet 2 prepares students for more formal ballet study with an increased emphasis on ballet vocabulary and terminology, ballet barre exercises, and a basic awareness of technique along with continued work on more complex locomotive skills and expressive skills. Introduction to Ballet 2 is designed to capitalize on the increasing strength coordination and cognitive abilities of 6-year-old students; therefore, students must be at least 6 years old by the first day of the fall semester. All new 6-year-olds must take a placement class prior to registration in order to determine whether Introduction to Ballet 1 or Introduction to Ballet 2 is appropriate. For a detailed description of the Young Children's Program class offerings and levels visit http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/dance. Contact Preparatory Dance to schedule a placement class: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648.

Dress code and uniform requirements for this level can be found at Peabody Prep Dance Dress Code or contact Preparatory Dance for more details: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648. Tuition fees are listed for the complete 32-week  semester. Payment plan available. Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 12 students.

REGISTER HERE

Primary Ballet Level I (Ages 7-12)

Presented in partnership with Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory

Ages: 7-12
Time: Thursdays, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Session: 32 weeks, September 7, 2023 - May 18, 2024
Location: Edward St. John Student Center Dance Studio
Instructor: Adrienne Duckett
Cost: $1,748.00 plus a $50 registration fee

Level 1 is the introductory level to the Primary Ballet Program and provides an important foundation for students who wish to progress to higher levels. All students are required to take two 60-minute Level 1 ballet classes per week for at least one year before moving forward in the program, even those with previous training as a young child. To maintain classroom consistency and build a cohort of students that are working on the same concepts, it is important that the student attends both of their classes at the same campus. Students work on fundamental vocabulary at the barre and begin to concentrate on body alignment, rotation from the hip sockets, traveling across the floor with coordination, and expressive port de bras with the arms. They continue to build on exercises and activities designed to increase flexibility, develop core strength, and improve rhythmic awareness.

In the spring, Level 1 class material will be transformed into choreography for a performance opportunity at the end of the school year. Additional production fee required; eligible students will be notified in February of casting and rehearsal dates and will receive instructions to pay the production fee and sign the commitment contract. CONSISTENT ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PERFORM. Although performing is strongly encouraged, it is not required. Any student who chooses not to perform will continue to take two classes per week and practice choreography with their classmates.

For a detailed description of the Primary Program class offerings and levels, visit http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/dance. Contact Preparatory Dance to schedule a placement class: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648.

Dress code and uniform requirements for this level can be found at Peabody Prep Dance Dress Code or contact Preparatory Dance for more details: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648. Tuition fees are listed for the complete 32-week  semester. Payment plan available. Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 12 students.

REGISTER HERE

Open Teen Beginner/Intermediate Ballet (Ages 11-15)

Presented in partnership with Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory

Ages: 11-15
Time: Saturdays, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Session: 32 weeks, September 9, 2023 - May 18, 2024
Location: Edward St. John Student Center Dance Studio
Instructor: Adrienne Duckett
Cost: $942 plus a $50 registration fee

The Open Program is perfect for students who want to supplement their weekly training schedule and/or attend Peabody Preparatory Dance classes once a week without the increased time commitment of the Primary or Pre-Professional programs of study.

The Teen Beginner/Intermediate Ballet class accommodates those who want to try ballet class for the very first time as well as those who have experience in ballet class. Focus is placed on fundamental ballet vocabulary at the barre and in the center, with an emphasis placed on correct body alignment, building strength, increasing flexibility, and developing coordination.

For a detailed description of Open Program class offerings and levels visit http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/dance. Contact Preparatory Dance to schedule a placement class: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648.

Dress code and uniform requirements for this level can be found at Peabody Prep Dance Dress Code or contact Preparatory Dance for more details: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648. Tuition fees are listed for the complete 32-week  semester. Payment plan available. Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 12 students.

REGISTER HERE

Dance Troupe (Ages 6-10)

Ages: 6-10
Time: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 
Session: 8 weeks, September 13 to November 1
Location: Greenebaum Building Dance Studio
Instructor: Sierra Waldman 
Cost: $220

You know that Eagles can fly, but did you also know they can dance? Come join the Dance Troupe on Wednesdays after school with Ms. Waldman! We will learn different dance routines together to popular songs. Let’s get our Eagle wings flapping and toes tapping!

REGISTER HERE

Individual Dance Lessons (Age 5+)

Ages: 5 and up
Time: Varies
Session: 6- or 12-week sessions offered; lessons begin the week of September 11
Location: Allan Building and Greenebaum Building Dance Studios
Instructor: MCA Dance Faculty
Cost: $708 (12 weeks, $59/lesson), $354 (6 weeks, $59/lesson)

McDonogh proudly offers individual dance lessons for students of all ages, experience levels, and dance interests. MCA Dance Lessons emphasize the development of skills in creating and performing dance in a variety of genres. Middle and Upper School lessons are 30 minutes and Lower School lessons are 25 minutes. Lessons are offered after school and on weekends.

If a lesson is missed due to sickness or other school-imposed conflicts, efforts will be made to make up the lesson at a separate time; one make-up lesson is built into the fall session to accommodate for these conflicts. Please note: 24 hours advance notice is required for missed lessons and no credits are given due to unexcused student absence. If you choose to withdraw your child from the program, no credit will be given for any remaining lessons.

REGISTER HERE

MCA Visual Art

Artworks in 3D (Ages 7-12)

Ages: 7-12
Time: Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 
Session: 8 weeks, September 14 to November 2
Location: Edward St. John Student Center, Room 010 (LS Visual Art Room) 
Instructor: Evelyn Hoffmann
Cost: $220

In this program, students will experience how to take a two-dimensional idea and make it a three-dimensional sculpture! Students will learn how to manipulate cardboard and use paper mache and painting techniques to make their vision come to life. This class includes all materials. No prior experience is required.

REGISTER HERE

Pottery Wheel Throwing (Ages 16+)

Ages: 16 and up
Time: Thursdays, 4:00-6:00 p.m. 
Session: 8 weeks, September 14 to November 2
Location: Edward St. John Student Center, Room 309
Instructor: Holly Thompson
Cost: $300

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make wheel-thrown pottery? In this 10-week course, students will gain experience centering and shaping on the wheel, as well as throwing and alteration techniques. Students will create sculptural and functional artwork and choose from a variety of food-safe glazes to create one-of-a-kind surface designs.

This class includes all materials and firings. No prior experience is required. All functional pieces are microwave and dishwasher-safe. This class is available to both teens and adults!

REGISTER HERE

Individual Art Lessons (Ages 5+)

Ages: 5 and up
Time: Varies
Session: 6- or 12-week sessions offered; lessons begin the week of September 11
Location: Edward St. John Student Center Visual Art Room
Instructor: MCA Visual Art Faculty
Cost: $708 (12 weeks, $59/lesson), $354 (6 weeks, $59/lesson)

McDonogh proudly offers individual art lessons for students of all ages, experience levels, and art interests. MCA Art Lessons emphasize the development of skills in creating visual art in a variety of mediums. Middle and Upper School lessons are 30 minutes and Lower School lessons are 25 minutes. Lessons are offered after school and on weekends.

If a lesson is missed due to sickness or other school-imposed conflicts, efforts will be made to make up the lesson at a separate time; one make-up lesson is built into the fall session to accommodate for these conflicts. Please note: 24 hours advance notice is required for missed lessons and no credits are given due to unexcused student absence. If you choose to withdraw your child from the program, no credit will be given for any remaining lessons.

REGISTER HERE