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 spring session features 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 contact Kara Zimmerman, Director of Arts, at kzimmerman@mcdonogh.org with questions.

 


MCA MUSIC Courses

The Music Explorers (Ages 5-9)

Ages: 5-9
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 
Session: February 22 to May 3 (10 weeks; no class March 15)
Location: St. John 103
Instructor: Alex Lacquement
Cost: $250

Does your child love music and love the outdoors? If so, The Music Explorers,  is the perfect way to spend afternoons this spring. 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 required. Students will be required to bring their own harmonica to every class.

REGISTER HERE

Music Lessons (Ages 5+)

Ages: 5 and up
Day/Time: Lesson times to be determined by teacher and student availability
Session: 10-, 12-, or 14-week sessions available
Location: Keelty Building
Instructor: Music Lessons Faculty
Cost: $55 per weekly lesson

Students enrolled in individual music lessons will develop skills in creating and performing music with a specific instrument. Teachers cater their lessons to the prior experience of each student - all skill levels and abilities are welcome. Private music instructors will conduct lessons on campus, and 30-minute lessons will be scheduled based on the availability of both teacher and student. Students will be required to provide their own instruments, except for piano. 

Lessons will be offered on the following instruments:

  • Drums and Percussion: Grades 2-12
  • Brass (trumpet, trombone and tuba): Grades 4-12
  • Woodwinds (flute, clarinet, saxophone, and oboe): Grades 4-12
  • Guitar: Grades 1-12
  • Piano: Grades K-12
  • Strings (violin, viola, and cello): Grades 1-12
  • Voice: Grades 5-12
  • Ukulele: Grades K-12

REGISTER HERE

American Roots Band (Ages 9-14)

Ages: 9-14
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. 
Location: St. John 103
Session: February 22 to May 3 (10 weeks; no class March 15)
Instructor: Alex Lacquement
Cost: $250 

Are you ready to jam and create music with your friends? The American Roots 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, stringband, and folk music genres while creating arrangements, playing melodies, and taking solos 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", "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 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 instrument with them to every meeting. The ensemble 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 stringband music, and folk music.

REGISTER HERE

 

Rock Shop High School (Ages 13-19)

Ages: 13-19
Day/Time: Sundays, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Session: February 9 to April 30 (10 weeks; no class 3/12)
Location: Keelty Building
Instructor: Craig Copeland
Cost: $300

In the grand old days of Rock and Roll, there was the garage band--an incubator for teen bands and musical dreams. At Rock Shop High School, we endeavor to provide just such a setting for teenagers interested in musical exploration and collaboration. Students will be given guidance on learning instruments, rehearsing songs, and writing original compositions. This Winter/Spring Rock Shop session will be for current McDonogh Upper Schoolers as well as for middle and high school students from other area schools.

Rock Shop High will meet once a week, and the program will culminate with an outdoor performance in May or June. Bands will be given coaching and instrument instruction based on their level of experience. Electric and acoustic instruments, drums, pianos, and audio systems will be made available for all.

REGISTER HERE

Rock Shop Community (Ages 19+)

Ages: 19 and up
Day/Time: Thursdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Session: Spring dates TBD
Location: Keelty Building
Instructor: Steve Martel
Cost: $300

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 January 21 to May 6 (14 weeks, no class on March 15 and April 6) 
Location: Edward St. John Dance Studio
Instructor: Adrienne Duckett
Cost: $400 plus registration fee

*AGE 3 BY FIRST DAY OF SPRING SEMESTER*

The Young Children’s Program is designed to spark innate creativity and joy in moving and to begin to build a foundation for more in-depth technical training. Students are grouped by age and by readiness for structured classroom instruction. Creative Dance 1 sets a strong foundation for more formal dance study by introducing basic movement/locomotive skills increasing flexibility and by 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 students must be at least 3 years old by the first day of the 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. 

Students provide their own dress code dance attire; visit www.peabody.jhu.edu/dance or contact Preparatory Dance for details: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648. Tuition fees are listed for the complete 14-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: January 21 to May 6 (14 weeks; no class on March 15 and April 6)
Location: Edward St. John Dance Studio
Instructor: Adrienne Duckett
Cost: $400 plus registration fee

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 by 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 by the first day of the fall 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. 

Students provide their own dress code dance attire; visit www.peabody.jhu.edu/dance or contact Preparatory Dance for details: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648. Tuition fees are listed for the complete 14-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: January 19 to May 4 (14 weeks; no class on March 18 and April 8)
Location: Edward St. John Dance Studio
Instructor: Adrienne Duckett
Cost: $400 plus 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 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 by the first day of the fall semester. 

Students provide their own dress code dance attire. Visit peabody.jhu.edu/dance or contact the Preparatory Dance Office for details: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648. Tuition fees are listed for the complete 14-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: January 19 to May 4 (14 weeks; no class on March 16 and April 6)
Location: Edward St. John Dance Studio
Instructor: Adrienne Duckett
Cost: $400 plus 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. For a detailed description of the Young Children's Program class offerings and levels visit http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/dance.

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 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. Contact Preparatory Dance to schedule a placement class: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648

Students provide their own dress code dance attire; visit www.peabody.jhu.edu/dance or contact Preparatory Dance for details: prepdance@jhu.edu, 667-208-6648. Tuition fees are listed for the complete 14-week semester. Payment plan available. Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 12 students.

REGISTER HERE

Lower School Dance Troupe (Ages 6-10)

Ages: 6-10
Time: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 pm 
Session: February 22 to May 3 (10 weeks, no class March 15)
Location: Greenebaum Dance Studio
Instructor: Sierra Waldman 
Cost: $275

You know that Eagles can fly, but did you also know they can dance? Come join the brand new Lower School 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

Jazz 1 (Ages 9-13)

Ages: 9-13
Day/Time: Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 
Session: February 23 to May 4 (10 weeks, no class on March 16)
Location: Allan Dance Studio
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $275

Jazz 1 focuses on advancing fundamental jazz technique; this class is best for upper elementary and middle school aged dancers with at least one year of dance experience. Young dancers will learn basic dance terminology, develop strength and flexibility,  and learn the fundamental skills needed for jumps, turns, and leaps. Dancers will also execute choreographic phrases by combining these learned skills together to develop rhythm and form.

REGISTER HERE

Jazz 2 (Ages 13-19)

Ages: 13-19
Time: Tuesdays, 5:30-7:00 p.m. 
Session: February 21 to May 2 (10 weeks; no class March 14)
Location: Allan Dance Studio
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $325

Jazz 2 is catered to dancers with at least two or more years of experience with jazz dance. This class will focus on intermediate jazz concepts and vocabulary and will build upon formerly learned jazz technique and vocabulary. Dancers will explore a variety of jazz choreography including musical theatre repertory, weight changing, complex jumps, turns and leaps, and storytelling through movement.

REGISTER HERE

Modern & Contemporary 1 (Ages 9-13)

Ages: 9-13
Time: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 
Session: February 22 to May 3 (10 weeks; no class March 15)
Location: Allan Dance Studio
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $275

Are you a dancer that enjoys watching Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Pilobolus, and other concert dance styles? If so, Modern & Contemporary 1 is for you! In this class, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of Horton, Graham, Dunham, and release modern dance techniques. Additionally, they will begin to establish an understanding of various Contemporary dance styles. The class will consist of movements aimed to stretch and strengthen different areas of the body.

REGISTER HERE

Modern & Contemporary 2 (Ages 13-19)

Ages: 13-19
Time: Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00 pm
Session: February 22 to May 3 (10 weeks; no class March 15)
Location: Allan Dance Studio
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $325

Modern & Contemporary 2 is catered to dancers with at least two or more years of experience with modern & contemporary dance. This class will focus on intermediate concepts and skills within the many genres of modern and contemporary dance. Dancers will continue to build on the fundamental skills and concepts learned in previous years of training and will be exposed to more advanced choreographic themes including repertory from some of the world’s most well-known dance companies. 

REGISTER HERE

Dance Fitness (Age 20+)

Ages: 20 and up
Time: Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. 
Session: February 21 to May 2 (10 weeks; no class March 14)
Location: Allan Dance Studio
Instructor: Shalyce Hemby
Cost: $275

Are you looking to have fun, get fit, and learn some dance choreography? Dance Fitness is a class for adults who want to incorporate various elements of a traditional dance class into their workout routine. Participants will be introduced to basic dance terminology that will work all of the major muscle groups. Simple cardio-based choreography will also be incorporated throughout each 60-minute class. Dance Fitness is open to participants of all skill and fitness levels. 

REGISTER HERE

Beginner Tap (Ages 20+)

Ages: 20 and up
Time: Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 P.M.
Session: February 23 to May 4 (10 weeks, no class March 16)
Location: Greenebaum Dance Studio
Instructor: Ilona Kessell
Cost: $275

This course is entry level into the world of theatrical tap dancing. The focus will be on the technical skills needed to perform basic tap steps in the style of Broadway (show-style) tap dancing. Participants will learn and practice single steps which become short combinations of steps and extended tap routines. Emphasis is placed on learning rhythmic patterns, developing physical dexterity and speed, and producing clear, articulated sound. Various musical forms will be used, including: ragtime, big band/swing, pop, rock and roll, and classical jazz.

Beginner Tap is open to participants at all skill levels. Tap shoes are required. We will make a lot of noise.

REGISTER HERE

MCA Visual Art

Making with Mosaics (Ages 6-10)

Ages: 6-10
Time: Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 
Session: February 23 to May 4 (10 weeks, no class on March 16)
Location: St. John Lower School Art Room (Room 103)
Instructor: Evelyn Hoffmann
Cost: $275

Students will learn how to create beautiful glass mosaics! Students will begin this program by learning mosaic techniques and planning personalized ideas. Once students are happy with their designs, they will begin using glass tiles to create their masterpieces. These beautifully crafted artworks will truly be one of a kind and will last a lifetime!

REGISTER HERE

Clay for Kids (Ages 6-12)

Ages: 6-12
Time: Tuesdays, 4:00-6:00 p.m. 
Session: February 21 to May 2 (10 weeks; no class March 14)
Location: Greenebaum 106
Instructor: Holly Thompson
Cost: $325

Are you ready to get dirty? The ceramic process has been around for thousands of years and is one of the oldest art forms known to humankind, but ceramics is more popular today than it has ever been! In this 10-week course, students will learn hand-building techniques in order to create unique sculptural and functional artwork. From creative animal sculptures to your very own ice cream bowl, students will pinch, pull, press, and squeeze their ideas into existence!

This class includes all materials and firings. No prior experience is required. All functional pieces are microwave and dishwasher-safe.

REGISTER HERE

Exploring Soft Sculpture (Ages 8-12)

Ages: 8-12
Time: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 
Session: February 22 to May 3 (10 weeks; no class on March 15)
Location: Elderkin Lower School Art Room 
Instructor: Allison Bacher
Cost: $275

Young artists will explore the world of soft sculpture and be able to create their own fun and imaginative fabric sculptures. Students can expect to learn and practice a few basic stitches with needle and thread and be inspired by whimsical artists such as Lucy Sparrow, Claes Oldenburg, Nick Cave, and Yayoi Kusama. Using felt and fabric as their main material, artists will design and create up to three soft sculptures during the workshop that are inspired by basic forms, creatures, people, animals, or foods. Students are encouraged to build upon the basic steps and use their personal creativity to add details and special touches to their sculptures. Materials will be provided.

REGISTER HERE

Pottery: Beginning Wheel Throwing (Ages 12+)

Ages: 12 and up
Time: Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Session: February 22-May 3 (10 weeks, no class on March 15)
Location: Greenebaum 106 
Instructor: Holly Thompson
Cost: $400

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