THOMASVILLE — An abundance of opportunity proves high engagement for Brookwood’s Performing Arts programs.

Brookwood students are fostering growth and deepening their appreciation for the arts with recent chorus groups, after school lessons, and the school-wide musical.

In the Lower School, Junior Kindergarten through fifth grades, students attend two general music classes each week with the recent addition of music teacher Andrew Busenlener. The curriculum encourages active participation and the freedom to move, sing and create. Students join in presenting individual classroom stage productions throughout the year. During which, every student has a speaking role.

Middle and Upper chool students join Sean Landeta in elective performative arts activities. 15 ninth through twelfth grade students learn to read music and prepare for community wide performances and concerts in the mornings before class. New to the program, the performance based 0 Period chorus class provides the opportunity for earnest Upper School students to showcase their continued passion for music.

“Students are provided with the opportunity to continue their passion for music beyond their elementary years” Landetta says.

The Literary team selects students in grades eighth through twelfth to take part in a multitude of competitions each spring: Girls Solo, Girls Trio, Boys Solo, Boys Quartet, Piano, Humorous Oral Interpretation, Dramatic Oral Interpretation, Dual Oral Interpretation, Argumentative Essay, Personal Essay, Rhetorical Essay, Spelling, International Extemporaneous Speaking, and National Extemporaneous Speaking. Performers’ individual scores make up the school’s total. Beginning at a regional level, first and second place schools advance to the state competition.

During the fall semester, a one-act play is performed as a part of the regional and state literary competition.

Students are invited to contribute as both actors and crew to produce a show stopping performance.

Additionally, the Brookwood Drama Guild announces their annual musical, Seussical, as an opportunity inclusive to all students. The musical incorporates characters from Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!, The Cat in the Hat, and Horton Hatches the Egg. The troupe is enthusiastic to render the importance of dependable friendships, honesty, and loyalty to the community. Auditions and rehearsals begin this fall, and Landeta expects a large turnout.

“The cast will have more rehearsals this year than in previous years,” he says, “allowing for additional stage time for younger participants.”

Among others, music director Sean Landetta and vocal coach Andrew Busenlener welcome Tara Lynn Steel for the production. Steel is a professional performer and dance instructor from New York. The seasoned team of leaders and increased production time attests to the magnificent expectations of this year’s musical.

The expansion of the arts contributes to the involvement in each student enrolled at the school. Brookwood is proud to provide all students with the opportunity to participate in the visual and performing arts each year.

Brookwood School is an independent, co-educational, college-preparatory day school that offers superior educational opportunities to qualified students from Junior Kindergarten through the 12th grade. Founded in 1970, Brookwood’s 43-acre campus is located south of Thomasville.

The purpose of Brookwood School is to provide an exceptional college-preparatory educational experience to students from four years of age through the twelfth grade. Brookwood is committed to developing the whole child: academically, physically, spiritually, and socially.