About Performing Arts
Most schools in the Savannah – Chatham County Public School System offer instruction in music.
Many of our elementary schools have Yamaha Music in Education Piano Labs. Elementary school music teachers often combine techniques of teaching drawing from Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze to develop well-rounded young musicians. Most middle schools and high schools offer extended musical experiences in Band and Chorus.
Students who are interested in Drama or Theatre will find offerings in several of the schools in the SCCPSS.
Students who profess a serious interest in performing arts can apply for admission to the Esther F. Garrison School for Visual and Performing Arts (K-8) and/or Savannah Arts Academy (9-12). Students at Garrison Arts or Savannah Arts can concentrate in one of several areas of study:
- Band - experiences in Concert Band and Jazz Band; extensive opportunities for performances in small and large ensembles.
- Chorus – opportunities include Chorale, Women’s Chorus, and Men’s Chorus; extensive opportunities for performances in small and large ensembles.
- Communication Arts - intensive courses related to interactive media and broadcast/video production.
- Dance - technical training in ballet and modern, plus additional training in jazz, if interested.
- Orchestra – experiences in String Orchestra and Full Orchestra; extensive opportunities for performances in small and large ensembles.
- Piano – group and individual instruction offered as well as coaching and actual experience in accompanying other performing ensembles.
- Theatre – courses offered in Fundamentals of Drama, Acting, Technical Theatre, Theatre History, and Musical Theatre. Students have the opportunity to practice the skills learned in the classroom through after school productions, competitions and festivals.
The Savannah – Chatham County Public Schools offer award-winning programs in performing arts on all levels. Arts education is an important part of the total curriculum in all of our schools, and students are encouraged to participate in these programs throughout their years in our school system.