Performing Arts

The Performing Arts Department offers a wide range of courses in music, theatre, and dance, providing students with opportunities to develop their artistic talents, explore creative expression, and build performance and production skills. From instrumental and vocal music to acting, musical theatre, dance, music technology, and technical theatre, students can pursue their interests at all experience levels. Beyond the classroom, students can participate in a variety of clubs, honor societies, ensembles, and performance groups that foster creativity, leadership, and community.

SHS also invites qualifying students into the Tri M Music Honor Society, the Thespian Honor Society and offers after school opportunities through Chorus Club, Jazz Club, Ukulele Club, SHS Dance Company, and the Highlander Theatre Company.

Theatre Arts

The Theatre Arts Program provides students with opportunities to explore storytelling, performance, and creative expression through the study of theatre. Students develop communication, collaboration, and artistic skills while gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. In addition to a comprehensive theatre curriculum, students can participate in fully produced after-school performances through the Highlander Theatre Company, Somerville High School’s resident theatre program.

SHS Chorus

The Choral Program offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students can explore their passion for singing and develop their musical talents. Through curricular ensembles, students build vocal skills, collaborate with peers, and perform a diverse range of music. Opportunities are available for both beginning and advanced singers, ensuring that every student can grow and thrive through music. Students can also participate in extracurricular vocal groups, providing additional opportunities for performance, creativity, and community building.

SHS Band

The Band Program brings together students to perform a diverse repertoire of contemporary and traditional music while preparing for performances at athletic events, community celebrations, festivals, and concerts. Through rehearsals and performances, students develop both individual musicianship and ensemble skills in a collaborative and supportive environment. The program encourages artistic growth, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for music while fostering a strong sense of community among its members.

SHS Jazz Band

The Jazz Band is open to all students interested in playing different styles of jazz (Latin, fusion, rock, blues, funk, and more). Explore the exciting art of improvisation while working in an ensemble setting. Multiple performance opportunities including annual shows at a local venue! Jazz Club is also offered after school for students who can’t fit the class into their schedule or just want to play more music.

SHS Orchestra

The Orchestra Program brings together string musicians of all experience levels in a collaborative and creative learning environment. Students explore a diverse repertoire that includes classical works as well as jazz, Latin, rock, and music traditions from around the world, helping them develop both technical skills and artistic versatility. Through a combination of ensemble rehearsal, individualized instruction, and peer collaboration, students strengthen their musicianship, music literacy, improvisation, and performance abilities. The program provides meaningful opportunities to perform in school concerts and community events while fostering a lifelong appreciation for music and ensemble participation.

SHS Dance

The Dance Program offers students a creative and supportive environment to explore self-expression through movement. Through the study of styles such as hip hop, contemporary, and ballet, students develop dance technique, strength, flexibility, coordination, and performance skills. In addition to learning choreography, students have opportunities to create and perform their own original works, building confidence, creativity, and collaboration. The program emphasizes artistic growth, teamwork, and personal expression while fostering a positive and inclusive community. Students can further expand their experience through performances and extracurricular opportunities that celebrate dance and showcase student talent.

Courses

Course offerings may include: 

Music

Band
Band Honors
Chorus
Chorus Honors
Orchestra
Orchestra Honors
Music Theory – Advanced Piano
AP Music Theory
Jazz Band
Drum Set Lab
Drum Line
Advanced Drum Line
World Percussion Ensemble
Introduction to Guitar
Guitar Lab
Advanced Guitar Ensemble
Introduction to Piano
Music Technology and Production I
Music Technology and Production II
Hip Hop Lab

Theatre

Theatre I: Foundations
El Theater Arts Seminar
Musical Theater Workshop
Theatre and Society
Theatre Production & Design
Playwriting and Composition

Staff

Beverly Mosby,BMosby@k12.somerville.ma.us K-12 Performing Arts Supervisor
Ashton Bowles, abowles@k12.somerville.ma.us SHS Band Director & District Band
Patrick Charles, pcharles@k12.somerville.ma.us District Percussion
Max Evrard, mevrard@k12.somerville.ma.us Choral Director
Jake Gabriszeski, ​jgabriszeski@k12.somerville.ma.us District Percussion
Phillip Grannan, pgrannan@k12.somerville.ma.us Guitar
Charles Jabour, cjabour@k12.somerville.ma.us Theatre Arts Instructor
Hilary Lewis, hlewis@k12.somerville.ma.us String Instruments
Ava Majumder, auntermyer@k12.somerville.ma.us Dance Educator
Joanne Sadler, jsadler@k12.somerville.ma.us String Instruments
Marcos Santos, msantos@k12.somerville.ma.us World Percussion
Rosemary Sears, rsears@k12.somerville.ma.us District Band
Megan Van Wie, mvanwie@k12.somerville.ma.us String Instruments