During the chilly, short December days everyone welcomes the Winter Concerts, a treasured tradition at Milton. Orchestras and vocal groups practice in the Kellner Performing Arts Center.
Performing is the Key
Students come to Milton with a broad range of musical experience, interest, and talent. Regardless of level or prior exposure, Milton students learn to love and appreciate music— and to become skilled in the art—through performance. Whether in orchestra or jazz, Glee Club or a capella, Milton faculty understand that music is meant to be heard. Students develop the skills of making music through learning a wide variety of pieces and sharing them with an audience. Exposure to many different composers and artists and practicing those pieces not only strengthens technical skills like chord progressions, but it helps students build a greater appreciation for the music, deeper interest, and remarkable skill over time.
Music is all around at Milton—in morning assembly performances by one of Milton’s many a capella groups; at the annual spirit rally, where the talented jazz combos lead us off; at the favorite Gospel Choir assembly each spring, which gets everyone out of their chairs. Opportunities beyond campus are rich, and many students take advantage of spring break tours—to South Africa with the jazz program, or on a European tour with the Chamber Singers and Chamber Orchestra.On those trips, students often perform music in the very place it was composed—a particularly meaningful way of connecting with the art. Talented Milton musicians also take advantage of nearby resources of Boston—the New England Conservatory and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras—to further their skills and expand their cultural experience. Whatever your interest, whatever your groove, you can make it happen at Milton.
Milton’s comedic actors show their talents at Improv Night in King Theatre. Taught by performing arts faculty member Peter Parisi, Improvisation is an advanced drama class that challenges students to think quickly on their feet and create believable characters in surprising situations.
Click here to view photos from last year’s Improv Night, and watch this short clip of Mr. Parisi describing the art of Improv.
Milton’s 1212 Plays began over 35 years ago in Room 1212 of Warren Hall. The performances evolved from simple play readings to fully staged productions under the direction of former faculty member Nina Seidenman. When renovation changed Room 1212, the 1212 productions relocated to Wigg Hall, and when renovation changed Wigg Hall, the performances moved to the Studio Theatre in the Kellner Performing Arts Center. And, while the space has changed, the philosophy continues: intimate productions with small casts, minimal technical demands, and challenging material for both actors and audience.
View photos from the 1212 Play, Lobby Hero.
Opportunities in Performing Arts
Performing arts faculty at Milton help students tap into their own creativity and imagination. Courses in performance, theory, and design are much like laboratories where students can experiment, take risks, and explore their own abilities. Classes include students from all grades with varying degrees of experience. The hands-on, group-centered environment of the classroom prepares students for success in the varied extracurricular opportunities here. Four main stage productions, two dance concerts, and three studio plays give students an opportunity to hone their skills in performance, direction, choreography, design, and technical theatre in a dynamic production environment.
The popular Beatnik Café—an evening of live entertainment, for and by the students—has grown since 1996. Eagerly anticipated by students, and fondly remembered by grads, Beatnik always draws a full house.
Three times a year, students pack Straus Library, lounging on couches and beanbag chairs, feet dangling between rails of the second floor balcony, to see their classmates’ artistic talents. Music of all kinds—classic guitar, rap, rock, hip hop, acoustic—along with original poetry readings and improv comedy round out the night’s performances. Though most of the acts are by students, faculty members occasionally get in on the action, delighting with skills on the guitar, the piano or vocals.
Beatnik shares the music and mood of a coffee house; it’s hosted by the board of Magus/Mabus, Milton’s literary magazine. One former Magus board member says, “Any event that taps into the vast supply of talent among Milton’s students is going to be great, but Beatnik is unique because of its relaxed atmosphere. The emphasis is on having a good time, not putting on the best performance. There is always plenty of food, couches and friends to go around.”
View photos from the Beatnik Café.
