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McDonogh Community Arts (MCA) is a unique program providing McDonogh families and the greater Baltimore community with high-quality extracurricular 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 courses feature McDonogh faculty as well as teachers from the Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory Institute and The Moving Company Dance Center.
Questions? Email communityarts@mcdonogh.org.
Spring sessions begin the week of March 24 and run for eight weeks, except Monday classes which will run for seven weeks due to holidays. Registration is now open. Programs with rolling admission can be found at the bottom of this page.
Grades: 2nd-4th Grade
Time: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Amy Stanziale and Patty Welch
Cost: $225
You know that Eagles can fly, but did you also know they can dance? Come join the Lower School Dance Troupe on Wednesdays after school with Ms. Stanziale and Ms. Welch! We will learn different dance routines together to popular songs. Let’s get our Eagle wings flapping and toes tapping!
Grades: Prekindergarten-1st Grade
Time: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $225
Step into the magical world of dance with our Introduction to Dance class designed specifically for energetic and creative minds! In this engaging program, students will embark on a journey of self-expression and movement exploration and be led through the basics of dance, fostering coordination, rhythm, and a love for creative expression. Through imaginative play and age-appropriate choreography, your child will develop confidence and grace in a supportive and fun-filled environment. Join us as we twirl, leap, and dance our way into a world of creativity and joy!
Grades: 2nd-5th Grade
Time: Monday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $195
*Due to holidays that fall on Mondays (March 31 and April 21), this is a 7-week class.
Get ready to move and groove with our exciting Jazz & Hip-Hop Dance class! Designed for kids in 2nd to 5th grade, this class blends the energetic and rhythmic styles of Jazz and Hip-Hop dance. Our friendly and experienced instructors will guide students through fun and easy-to-follow routines, encouraging creativity and self-expression. Students will learn basic dance techniques, explore new moves, develop coordination and balance, and work toward a fun end-of-session presentation to showcase their new skills. Whether your child is a beginner or has some dance experience, our Jazz & Hip-Hop class provides a positive and supportive environment for all levels. Join us for an unforgettable dance adventure filled with music, movement, and lots of fun!
Age: Kindergarten-4th Grade
Time: Tuesday, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Holly Thompson
Cost: $275
Dive into the colorful world of painting! In this fun and engaging class, students will explore different painting techniques, tools, and styles to create their own masterpieces. From vibrant watercolors to bold acrylics, young artists will experiment with color mixing, brushwork, and texture to bring their imaginations to life. Projects will include nature-inspired artwork, whimsical abstracts, and even storytelling through painting. This class encourages creativity and self-expression while building foundational art skills. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is needed. Sign-up and let your artistic journey begin!
Age: Prekindergarten-4th Grade
Time: Wedensday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Shanita Scott and Tracey Hill
Cost: $250
It’s time to become a sewing master! This class is designed to introduce our young learners to the fascinating world of sewing, aiming to enhance their creativity, fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork.
Grades: 4-8
Time: Thursday, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Holly Thompson
Cost: $275
Are you ready to design, build, and create in a whole new way? In this exciting Digital Art & Makerspace class, students will explore the intersection of art and technology to bring their creative ideas to life! Using tools such as digital drawing tablets, 3D printing, laser cutting, and other digital fabrication technologies, students will work on projects that combine innovation with artistic expression. Whether designing custom keychains, creating digital illustrations, or prototyping imaginative inventions, this class is perfect for aspiring artists, designers, and engineers. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and creativity! All materials are included.
Grades: Second-Seventh Grade
Time: Monday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Scherz
Cost: $225
*Due to holidays that fall on Mondays (March 31 and April 21), this is a 7-week class.
This program combines storytelling, mythology, and creative puppet-making to immerse students in the enchanting world of myths and legends. Students will explore stories from different cultures, design their own puppets, and perform their own myth-inspired skits.
Ages: 2nd-4th Grade
Day: Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Common Tone
Cost: $240
Dive into group music-making using authentic instruments! Students will continue to refine music skills, techniques, and knowledge through the joy and excitement of group music-making. Together they will experience learning and playing music in an ensemble setting. Students will learn a collection of songs on different instrumental parts (guitar, piano, and percussion). At the end of the session, students will play an assortment of songs together for an end-of-session performance. Join us and Try-Out for the band!
Ages: Prekindergarten-1st Grade
Day: Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Common Tone
Cost: $240
Try-Tones is a community of students who celebrate confidence and build essential skills through singing, movement, and playing authentic musical instruments in an ensemble setting. Every student will have the opportunity to explore engaging musical concepts on the guitar, piano, and various percussion instruments. These concepts will be applied in class as students learn how to play a collection of captivating songs for a culminating performance at the end of the session.
Age: (18+)
Day: Monday, 4:00-4:45 p.m.
Instructor: Nina Pongratz (Monday)
Cost: $87.50 (7-weeks), $15/Drop-In Class
Location: McDonogh Dance Studio, Edward St. John Student Center
Join MCA Adult Yoga to enhance your focus, reduce stress, and begin or end your workday with renewed energy and balance. Whether your goals are to cultivate a clear mind, boost physical activity, or set a positive intention for the week ahead, yoga is the perfect way to find balance and wellness within our community. This is an adult-only class, no previous experience is necessary. Sign up now to experience the transformative benefits of yoga!
Age: 5-6
Time: Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Peabody Preparatory
Cost: $968 (yearlong)
Our 5-6-year-old students are introduced to performing the fundamentals of beginner ballet training (placement, port de bras, footwork, and simple vocabulary) in an integrative and creative learning environment — practicing body alignment, non-verbal storytelling, studio etiquette, and team-building skills.; memorizing choreographed combinations through ensemble work; and utilizing ballet technique and training as a vehicle of imagination, creativity, and mindfulness.
Age: 6
Time: Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Peabody Preparatory
Cost: $968 (yearlong)
Our 5-6-year-old students are introduced to performing the fundamentals of beginner ballet training (placement, port de bras, footwork, and simple vocabulary) in an integrative and creative learning environment — practicing body alignment, non-verbal storytelling, studio etiquette, and team-building skills.; memorizing choreographed combinations through ensemble work; and utilizing ballet technique and training as a vehicle of imagination, creativity, and mindfulness.
Ages: 7-12
Day: Thursday, 5:00-6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 12;00-1:00 p.m.
Instructor: Peabody Preparatory
Cost: $968 (yearlong)
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 who are working on the same concepts, the student must attend 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.
Ages: 5+
Day: Varies
Session: 6-, or 12-week sessions offered; lessons begin the week of 9/16/24
Instructor: MCA Dance Faculty
Cost: $732 (12 weeks, $61/lesson), $366 (6 weeks, $61/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 various genres. The lessons are 30 minutes. If lessons are 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 these conflicts. Please note: 24-hour advance notice is required for missed lessons, and no credits are given due to unexcused student absences. If you choose to withdraw your child from the program, no credit will be given for any remaining lessons.
Ages: 5+
Day: Varies
Session: 6-, or 12-week sessions offered; lessons begin the week of 9/16/24
Instructor: MCA Visual Art Faculty
Cost: $732 (12 weeks, $61/lesson), $366 (6 weeks, $61/lesson)
McDonogh proudly offers individual art lessons for students of all ages, experience levels, and art interests. MCA Art Lessons emphasize developing skills in creating visual art in various mediums. The lessons are 30 minutes. If lessons are 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-hour 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.
Ages: Five 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 16
Instructor: MCA Music Faculty
Cost: $1770 (30 weeks, $59/lesson); $732 (12 weeks, $61/lesson); $366 (6 weeks, $61/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:
If lessons are 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-hour 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.
