The Arts
Drama
The purpose of Drama at Schaeffer is to teach our students truth, beauty and goodness through the medium of dramatic performance, whether as actors, crew members, or audience members. We strive to give students experience with multiple genres, from tragedy to comedy, from realism to farce, and from classic works like Shakespeare to modern literary adaptations like A Secret Garden.
Our Drama program began in 1996 under the direction of faculty member Mr. Jim Kluth. The program is currently being led by Schaeffer alumna and parent Mrs. AJ Bradshaw, who holds a BFA in Theater Performance.
Schaeffer Academy Drama 28th Season 2024-2025
Our Town by Thornton Wilder - November 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, & 10 in the Commons
Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw - March 14, 15, & 16 in the Gymnasium
Band
The Schaeffer Academy Instrumental Program is directed by faculty member Mrs. Jody Pederson. Instrumental Music starts in fourth grade with Beginning Band, progressing to Advanced Elementary Band, and continuing through the senior year with the Middle/Upper School Academy Band. For students who are interested, there is also an Upper School Jazz Band which meets outside of class time.
Stringed instrument players have their own ensemble and practices. In both band and strings, students learn and play a wide variety of musical styles including classical, marches, sacred band literature, and folk music, as well as modern music in jazz band and pep band. The seven different ensembles perform at concerts 2-4 times per year. Academy Band members can also play in the Pep Band at home basketball games.
The Academy Band participates in MSHSL large group and small group contests and many different honor bands and festival bands throughout the year.
Choir
Under the direction of Schaeffer faculty member Mrs. Mary Vogel, Middle and Upper School Choirs have become a popular elective. The Upper School Choir includes 40-50 students who perform selections from both classical and modern repertoires at the Christmas and Spring Concerts.
Choir students learn technique and musical history, as well as stage presentation. Choir students typically travel to the ACSI music festival in Chicago every other year in addition to competing in MSHSL choral ensemble events.
Strings
The Schaeffer Academy Strings, directed by faculty member Mrs. Jody Pederson, begin in fourth grade when students may choose to learn violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Various string ensembles are offered from that point continuing through the Upper School. The students are exposed to many genres, including classical, sacred, modern, folk, jazz and fiddle music. The Upper School Academy Strings perform at school concerts and also participate in MSHSL large group and small group contests as well as many different honor and festival orchestras throughout the year.