FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS

Art Through Experience

Students will explore artistic possibilities by focusing on problems, issues and themes that can be addressed through multi-media experiments. Each week, the class will focus on a different medium, period of art history, and conceptual framework. Participants are expected to be punctual but attendance will not be taken. The classroom environment will be informal, and students are encouraged to have fun, experiment, and take risks.

Band

The Band is made up of students who have studied and continued to study instruments privately and can pass an audition. The group plays at The Ramaz Dinner Dance, Chagigot and on the float in the Salute to Israel Parade. Wind players needed!

Chamber Chorus

Veteran singers in grades nine through twelve have the option of auditioning for the Chamber Chorus. This group of advanced singers performs with the Chorus as well as throughout the school year (and even beyond!) at various community and cultural events. They sing accompanied as well as a cappella and learn to sight sing. Performances the Chamber Chorus has done in the past include: singing for the Mayor at Gracie Mansion, traveling to Boston for the New England Jewish Choral Festival, singing in honor of the dedication of the new sifrei Torah at Ramaz and at Kehilath Jeshurun, and entertaining the sick and elderly at local hospitals and nursing homes.

Rehearsals take place immediately after the full chorus rehearses. Participation in Chamber Chorus means that one must find transportation home other than late vans. Members realize that being part of this special singing group is a major commitment. Competition for the few open slots is fierce but well worth the effort. While it requires a tremendous amount of zeal and devotion, participation is extremely rewarding and a lot of fun.

Chorus

The Chorus is the largest cocurricular activity that meets on a regular basis, consisting of over 100 students from grades ten through twelve. They are the premier performing group in school and are widely acclaimed for their talent, spirit, and professionalism. They sing in Hebrew, English, Ladino, and even Yiddish, in styles ranging from modern Israeli pop to old time Broadway. It is vital that members not miss more than two rehearsals. The climax of the year is their performance at the Dinner Dance. However, the singing continues even after this spectacular extravaganza.

Dance

The Dance Ensemble learns various dance techniques including Modern, Jazz, Ballet, Israeli Folk Dance, Ballroom and others. Students also have opportunities to create their own dances. The ensemble performs at the annual Dinner Dance and at other school functions. This past year, the dancers performed at the New York Law School Multicultural Event. Auditions are held at the beginning of the school year.

Drumaz
Every April/May, a troupe of hand-drummers from each grade assembles to learn a series of drum rhythms to be performed at the Salute to Israel Day Parade. A unique and dynamic sound in the parade, the Drumaz group lead each grade's marchers in the Upper School contingency. Rehearsals take place during school hours, (with only a minimal number of classes missed). A festive and energetic time for all! The Drumaz groups are open to all students (on a first-come basis).

Graphic Arts
Graphic Art involves the making of art work that commemorates the holidays and festivals that occur throughout each year. Much of the work is created in groups while it is overseen by the teacher and often displayed throughout the school.

Percussion Ensemble
The Ramaz Percussion Ensamble is a creative performing group focusing on rhythmic music played on a variety of instruments, some struck, some shaken, stirred, and tapped, with hands, feet, sticks, mallets, and mouths. From the Drumset to the woodblock, students develop and compose original pieces to be performed in various contexts. Ensemble members are expected to attend weekly sessions, along with some additional rehearsals when necessary. With space extremely limited, auditions for the few open slots are held in the spring of the previous year. Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are admitted.

Photography Club
In the history of art, photography as a medium is comparatively young. In the attempt to define the role of photography in the world of images, it is interesting to explore the attraction we have to the camera. This club allows individuals a chance to uncover the reasons for this fascination.

The club is open to all students who are interested in learning the art of black and white photography. Students work on individual projects and may ultimately create a comprehensive portfolio.

Project-Oriented Art Club
This club will allow students to pursue long-term projects assigned by the instructor. Projects will be intensive and the instructor will expect a firm commitment from all participants. The purpose of this club is two fold: to provide an opportunity to develop a comprehensive portfolio and to serve as a prerequisite for students preparing for the Advanced Placement art class. Furthermore, the club will be an environment conducive to independent development of artistic goals. We plan to complete a minimum of six projects over the course of the academic year. Attendance is mandatory for the duration of each individual project.

Stage Crew
Stage Crew gives students experience creating scenery, organizing costumes and working backstage for the school's theatrical productions. We paint, draw and build props and scenery. This work requires energy and enthusiasm, but all levels of creativity and ability are welcome (any previous experience is always appreciated). It has been said that Stage Crew is a great stress reliever at the end of a hard day.

Theatre
Theatre consists of a musical, a drama, and senior show. Catapulting the cast into a fantastical world, Theatre allows its participants to explore various characters and settings. For those interested, it is a unique experience thrusting the upperclassmen and underclassmen together, melding the group into more than just a cast. While the products are magnificent, the shows entail a certain amount of devotion, rehearsing approximately three times a week. The commitment, however, only lasts for a month and a half, still allowing students to pursue other interests.