McDonogh Community Arts

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.

2024 Fall Registration

Registration for individual music lessons and group classes (music, dance, and visual arts) is open! To register, click the link in the class description below.

Group sessions start the week of September 16. Be sure to register before classes fill up!

Questions? Email communityarts@mcdonogh.org.

Dance

Creative Dance 1 (Age 3)

Age: 3*
Time: Saturday, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Instructor: Peabody Preparatory
Cost: $968 + $50 registration fee (yearlong)

*Age 3 by the first day of the fall semester.

Our 3-4-year-old students are introduced to independently dancing in a collaborative and welcoming learning environment. This includes fundamental movement/locomotive activities that build vocabulary, physical strength, flexibility, and coordination. They will also practice rhythmic awareness, social engagement, and self-expression through group activities.

Creative Dance 2 (Age 4)

Age: 4
Time: Saturday, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Instructor: Peabody Preparatory
Cost: $968 (yearlong)

Our 3-4-year-old students are introduced to Independently dancing in a collaborative and welcoming learning environment. This includes fundamental movement/locomotive activities that build vocabulary, physical strength, flexibility, and coordination. They will also practice rhythmic awareness, social engagement, and self-expression through group activities.

Introduction to Ballet 1 (Ages 5-6)

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.

Introduction to Ballet 2 (Age 6)

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.

McDonogh Level 1 Ballet (Ages 7-12 by placement)

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.

Introduction to Dance (PK-1st Grade)

THIS CLASS IS FULL. Visit the REGISTER HERE link to be placed on the waitlist.
Day: 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 aged 4-5! In this engaging program, students will embark on a journey of self-expression and movement exploration and will 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!

Dance Troupe (2nd-4th Grade)

Ages: Second-Fourth Grade
Day: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Amy Stanziale & 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! We will learn different dance routines together to popular songs. Let’s get our Eagle wings flapping and toes tapping!

Jazz & Hip-Hop (2nd-5th Grade)

Ages: Second-Fifth Grade
Day: Friday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $225

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!

Individual Dance Lessons (Ages 5+)

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.

Visual Art

Clay for Kids (2nd-6th Grade)

Ages: Second-Sixth Grade
Day: Monday, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Holly Thompson
Cost: $275

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 ever! In this 10-week course, students will learn hand-building techniques 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.

Exploring Embroidery (3rd-6th Grade)

Ages: Third-Sixth Grade
Day: Tuesday, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Allison Bacher
Cost: $275

In this hands-on course, tradition and innovation collide. We'll kick things off by delving into the world of embroidery with foundational stitches and skills. Once students have acquired a solid understanding and confidence in the basics, they can set their creativity free by stitching their imaginative touch onto fabric to craft a unique embroidery design. Throughout the course, we'll sprinkle in lessons on art history. No prior experience is necessary and supplies included in the class can be taken home at the end for students to continue their creative journey.

From Trash into Treasure (1st-3rd Grade)

Ages: First-Third Grade
Day: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Evelyn Hoffmann
Cost: $225

Join Ms. Hoffmann and turn recycled materials into unique and creative pieces of art. Students will learn how to upcycle materials such as cardboard, CDs, crayons, bottle caps, and plastic to create individual projects. They will be shown multiple images as inspiration each week and learn how to manipulate the materials to make their ideas a reality. Students will go home with a variety of upcycled projects ranging from decorative lanterns, cardboard animal portraits, water bottle fish mobiles, and much more! All materials will be provided.

Individual Art Lessons (Ages 5+)

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.

Music

Commonplay (6 months-3 years)

Ages: Six months-three years
Day, Four Sessions: Wednesday, 10:00-10:45 a.m.; Wednesday, 4:00-4:45 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00-10:45 a.m.; Saturday, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Instructor: Common Tone*
Cost: $240

Commonplay provides interactive moments for caregivers to sing, play instruments, dance, and connect with their children as they develop confidence and music appreciation through playful exploration. In every class, you will experience live music that is dynamic and imaginative and will encourage everyone to move, sing, and create together. Grab a scarf and play with us!

*Founded in 2024 by Baltimore-based teachers Mike Feathers and Beth Rausch, Common Tone encourages students of all levels to develop a love for music and a shared desire to explore its boundless possibilities. Through thoughtful curricula, original music, and interactive learning experiences, students explore their creativity and express themselves authentically. Common Tone believes in cultivating a community of dedicated educators and musicians who engage and inspire students by implementing the use of authentic instruments and encouraging self-discovery through music.

commontonemusic.com
Instagram: @commontonemusic

Try-Tones (PK-1st Grade)

Ages: PK-First 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.

*Founded in 2024 by Baltimore-based teachers Mike Feathers and Beth Rausch, Common Tone encourages students of all levels to develop a love for music and a shared desire to explore its boundless possibilities. Through thoughtful curricula, original music, and interactive learning experiences, students explore their creativity and express themselves authentically. Common Tone believes in cultivating a community of dedicated educators and musicians who engage and inspire students by implementing the use of authentic instruments and encouraging self-discovery through music.

commontonemusic.com
Instagram: @commontonemusic

ToneLab (5th-8th Grade)

Ages: Fifth-Eighth Grade
Day: Thursday, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Common Tone*
Cost: $275

Students in ToneLab will get to experience the thrill of making music with their own band! From choosing a band name to playing a set list in front of a live audience, each musician will be fully immersed in the process of creating, promoting, rehearsing, and performing in a band. With the guidance of Common Tone teachers, students will be given artistic control over their band’s musical genre, image, and sound which will encourage collaboration, communication, active listening, and problem-solving. Bring old friends, make new ones, and tune up the band!

*Founded in 2024 by Baltimore-based teachers Mike Feathers and Beth Rausch, Common Tone encourages students of all levels to develop a love for music and a shared desire to explore its boundless possibilities. Through thoughtful curricula, original music, and interactive learning experiences, students explore their creativity and express themselves authentically. Common Tone believes in cultivating a community of dedicated educators and musicians who engage and inspire students by implementing the use of authentic instruments and encouraging self-discovery through music.

commontonemusic.com
Instagram: @commontonemusic

Try-Outs (2nd-4th Grade)

Ages: Second-Fourth Grade
Day: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Common Tone*
Cost: $240

Students in ToneLab will get to experience the thrill of making music with their own band! From choosing a band name to playing a set list in front of a live audience, each musician will be fully immersed in the process of creating, promoting, rehearsing, and performing in a band. With the guidance of Common Tone teachers, students will be given artistic control over their band’s musical genre, image, and sound which will encourage collaboration, communication, active listening, and problem-solving. Bring old friends, make new ones, and tune up the band!

*Founded in 2024 by Baltimore-based teachers Mike Feathers and Beth Rausch, Common Tone encourages students of all levels to develop a love for music and a shared desire to explore its boundless possibilities. Through thoughtful curricula, original music, and interactive learning experiences, students explore their creativity and express themselves authentically. Common Tone believes in cultivating a community of dedicated educators and musicians who engage and inspire students by implementing the use of authentic instruments and encouraging self-discovery through music.

commontonemusic.com
Instagram: @commontonemusic

Individual Music Lessons (Ages 5+)

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:

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 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.

Theatre

Introduction to Drama (PK-1st Grade)

Ages: PK-First Grade
Day: Monday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Maya Richard
Cost: $225

Spark your child’s imagination with our Intro to Drama class! Tailored for young performers in Prekindergarten through 1st grade, this class introduces the magical world of theater through playful and engaging activities. Our nurturing and enthusiastic instructors will guide students as they explore basic acting skills, express themselves through creative storytelling, and build confidence in a fun, supportive environment. Kids will learn to work together.

Drama Explorers (2nd-5th Grade)

Ages: Second-Fifth Grade
Day: Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dan Wagner
Cost: $225

Students will participate in fun theater activities and games that teach skills for the stage including improvisation, character development, script reading, scene work, and unarmed stage combat. Students will gain confidence and self-esteem as they learn and improve their skills in a supportive, ensemble-building, and teamwork-focused environment.

Showbot (2nd-8th Grade)

Ages: Second-Eighth Grade
Day: Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Cal Davis
Cost: $225

In an 8-week frenzy, a diverse group of Lower School and Middle School students will devise and develop an original 10-minute show, complete with music, sets, a story, and hopefully very little sense. In the final session, we will share (and record) a live outdoor performance.