A balanced life explores all facets of a liberal arts education. In addition to our courses, we offer extracurricular ways to explore art and to exercise creativity outside the classroom.
A Cappella Ensemble
(Full year, Grades 9-12)
An a cappella ensemble started by John Hiltonsmith in 1991, Beg To Differ® has roots in doo-wop and barbershop vocal harmony and has branched into more contemporary a cappella styles and approaches.
Students have opportunities to perform several times during the year, usually by request, at off-campus events.
Auditions are required.
Percussion Ensemble/Drumline
(Full year, Grades 6-12)
Under the direction of Instructor in Music Bryan Scott, students learn percussion fundamentals and have the opportunity to join various groups, including the Brazilian ensemble and the drumline.
The MUS drumline was founded in 2014 by alumnus Ahmed Latif ’15.
Music - Individual Lessons
(Extracurricular, Grades 6-12)
Individual lessons can be scheduled with qualified faculty or with local Memphis instructors, most of whom are members of Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Instruction is available on all orchestral and popular music instruments as well as for voice.
AP Music Theory
(Full year, Grades 11-12)
This course is a study of musicianship, musical materials and procedures, and how and why music sounds the way it does.
Students learn to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score.
They develop their aural and sight-singing skills through listening and performance exercises and their written and compositional skills through writing and creative exercises.
This course prepares students for the AP examination.
Orchestra
(Full year, Grades 6-12)
Orchestra is open to all woodwind, brass, percussion, and string players.
Orchestra instruction focuses on the foundational elements of music, including note and rhythm reading, instrument technique, and ensemble playing.
We offer a string orchestra and symphonic orchestra (with winds and percussion) and small ensembles. Directors are Mr. Chris Piecuch and Mr. Bryan Scott.
Guitar, bass, piano, and beginning-level players may join with permission of the instructor.
Concert Band
(Full year, Grades 6-12)
We offer Upper School and Lower School bands, and students have the opportunity to participate in the Pep Band, Jazz Band, and small ensembles. Directors are Mr. Chris Piecuch and Mr. Bryan Scott.
Recording Arts - Performance
(Full year, Grades 6-12)
In Studio Band, the rock/pop-style ensemble focuses on learning, practicing, and performing music as though in a professional studio environment.
Students learn about style, technique, differences in genre, and ensemble dynamics.
Auditions are required.
Recording Arts - Production
(Full year, Grades 9-12)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the process of modern recording.
Students learn about the recording industry from its early stages up through the present.
Topics include signal paths, microphone types and placements, analog recording, and digital recording, editing, mixing, and general production.
Speech Communications
(One semester, Grades 11-12)
This is an introductory course in public speaking that stresses the organization and presentation of speeches in a variety of settings.
Students completing this course are able to incorporate public speaking into situations they will face in their personal and professional lives.
Theater Arts
(Extracurricular, all Grades 6-12)
Theater offers students an excellent outlet for self-expression and development. We produce at least two shows each year – one comedy or drama and one musical.
Musicals frequently compete in local or regional competitions, where students have received top honors for set design, acting, ensemble performance, and overall production, among others.
Auditions are open to all MUS students and female students from local schools.
There are opportunities to participate in all areas of theater, including acting, singing, dancing, directing, writing, public relations, lighting and sound design, stagecraft, and stage management.
Seniors may direct a play, which is added to the regular season. For consideration, seniors must pass an interview and proposal process conducted by the director of theater.
Theater Production
(One or two semesters, Grades 9-12)
A hands-on experience in the technical production of plays and musicals, this course expands students' understanding and appreciation of the dramatic arts through practical exercises and script analysis.
Projects in lighting, sound, and scenic design offer an introduction to enduring design principles through immersion in multiple aspects of stagecraft.