Arlington Community Education

Dive into the history of rock music, explore iconic bands and legendary songs, and discover what makes music so powerful. You’ll form a band with your classmates and use the Wii “Rock Band” equipment to perform some of the greatest hits of all time. Everyone will get a chance to try out guitar, bass, drums, and vocals while developing essential musical skills. Collaboration and teamwork will be key as you work together to tackle challenges, get hands-on performance experience, and expand your appreciation for the true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.

Learn how to create characters, think on your feet, and bring your ideas to life in real time. Through fun improv games and exercises, you’ll sharpen your acting skills and practice reacting in the moment. Whether you’re an experienced actor or new to the stage, you’ll become a more dynamic performer, build confidence, work as a team, and have a blast doing it. No experience is required—just bring your energy, imagination, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected!

Rehearse and present a fully staged theater production in just two weeks! This full-day program for acting and singing enthusiasts will be led by the Arlington High School drama director and an Ottoson Middle School music and chorus director. We’ll be staging The Addams Family, a darkly comedic musical inspired by the classic cartoon characters created by Charles Addams. With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, this show chronicles the hilarious chaos that ensues when Wednesday Addams introduces her “normal” boyfriend to her eccentric, eerie family. Get a taste of performing or grow your talent and confidence in a supportive and creative environment. This program will culminate with an evening performance that will be open to the public on July 25. Workshop/Info Session: Learn how to put your best foot forward in an audition. Find out more about this program on Thursday, May 22, 3:30-5:00 pm. Parents are invited to join the information session at 4:45 pm. Auditions: All participants must perform both an acting and a singing audition.Auditions will be held on June 11 at AHS. All are welcome, regardless of experience.

Try out a different style of dance each day. Practice the poise and posture of a ballerina, groove to high-energy hip-hop beats, and embrace the sass and syncopation of jazz. Express your emotions with flowing contemporary and lyrical moves, and maybe even challenge yourself with the athleticism and exciting tricks of acro. As you explore the moves and history of each style, you’ll see how they all connect, helping you become a better dancer while discovering which styles you love the most. Dancers of all levels are welcome.

“You’re gonna be pop-u-lar!” Step into the magical world of Wicked as we listen to the hit Broadway soundtrack, explore the captivating storyline, and debate the ultimate question: Who is truly wicked—Elphaba or Glinda? We’ll talk about our favorite songs, share insights about the characters, and dive into the show’s powerful themes. Projects include designing costume sketches, singing karaoke hits, hosting a Glinda vs. Elphaba debate, and making friendship bracelets. Get ready for a musical adventure that will “defy gravity!”

Here is an excellent opportunity to continue playing your string instrument during the summer months. Together, we will learn new techniques and perform a variety of fun music. For musicians who have participated in the first year of the APS string program or who have had at least 10-12 lessons. Please note: You must bring your own instrument, please let us know if that is a problem!

We will form small chamber groups as well as play together as an orchestra to explore music from classical, pop, and jazz or create new compositions of our own. For musicians with more than two years of playing experience. Please note: You must bring your own instrument, please let us know if that is a problem!

Jeté your way through this week that’s all about dance. The primary focus will be on ballet, but we will also try modern, contemporary, and jazz, and do yoga stretches. We’ll also get inspired by famous dancers through listening to stories and doing crafts such as wire dancer sculptures and paper dolls with layered tutus. Learn short routines and collaborate with your classmates to choreograph your own.

Explore three styles of dance: jazz, tap, and hip hop. We’ll learn the key steps of each style and then put them together into short combos. Play dancing games and choreograph your own combo to teach to your friends. Discover the unique rhythms and energy of each style while expressing your creativity and having tons of fun. Please note: Wear sneakers for hip hop, socks or jazz shoes for jazz, and tap shoes if you have them.

Explore music through songs, games, rhythmic rhymes, dance, and instrument play. We’ll do fun vocal warm ups and sing songs incorporating body movement, funny tongue twisters, and silly sounds as we learn about basic music concepts. You’ll also make a new musical instrument each day. Come sing, dance, and play!

Discover what it takes to turn a story on the page into a play on the stage. Let’s explore what makes a good story and work together as an ensemble to bring some of our favorite stories to life. We’ll practice writing dialogue, create interesting characters with our bodies and voices, and play theater games. Then we’ll set the scene by making our own costumes, props, and set pieces.

Dream of dancing on Broadway? Learn the basics of jazz and musical theater dance while performing iconic moves from your favorite shows. Turn, leap, and shimmy your way through fun routines, improve your rhythm and coordination, and discover how to express emotion and tell a story through movement. Get ready to shine as you build your stage presence and experience the razzle dazzle of musical theater dance!

Explore the music that changed history as you form a band with your classmates to cover some of the Beatles’ greatest hits using the Wii “Rock Band” equipment. You’ll learn about the Fab Four’s rise to fame, iconic songs, and the melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and sounds that contributed to their success. Whether you’re a guitarist, drummer, or vocalist, you’ll collaborate on fun musical challenges, sharpen your performance and listening skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the Beatles’ legendary impact on music and how it shaped the world.

If you have been playing an instrument for at least a year, join us for some musical fun. Practice the basics of jazz improvisation while jamming with other musicians in combo and jazz band settings, and learn to read chords and jazz harmony. Open to woodwinds, brass, guitar, bass, piano, and drums. Please note: You must bring your own instrument, please let us know if that’s a problem!

Do you endeavor for the clever, have a knack for wisecracks, or possess a know-how for the lowbrow? Then join us to learn the basics of comedy, craft your own jokes, master storytelling, sharpen your puns, and create hilarious characters. Whether you’re a natural comedian or just love making people laugh, come experiment with your ideas, build your confidence, and develop your own comedy routine. Share your random thoughts and creative quirks in a supportive, inclusive atmosphere where everyone’s brand of comedy is welcome.

Explore the musical journeys and cultural impacts of some of today’s most influential pop princesses, from Taylor Swift’s storytelling prowess to Beyoncé’s powerhouse performances, Olivia Rodrigo’s raw emotional depth, and Britney Spears’ iconic legacy. We will also highlight rising stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande. Through engaging discussions, multimedia presentations, plenty of singing and dancing, and creative projects like designing album covers and creating fan art, we will unleash our inner pop stars as we celebrate the queens of contemporary music.

In this ensemble, we’ll play music from parts of the world with rich string traditions, including the Middle East, Mexico, the U.S., India, and the UK. We’ll discuss different techniques and styles, examining how these musical landscapes have evolved while uncovering the universal qualities that connect all string music. Together, we’ll create a harmonious blend of sounds that brings us closer through the shared language of music. For musicians with more than two years of playing experience.