TAKING CENTER STAGE

The Ashley Hall Performing Arts program provides students with a curriculum that nurtures talent from a young age. Through intense study in vocal, dance, theatrical, and instrumental programs, students learn an appreciation of performing arts and gain the ability and knowledge needed to continue performance arts study.

Explore how Performing Arts looks in each division:

Early School (Ages 2-5)

Music and Movement

Each week, students engage in varied music and movement experiences—singing, playing instruments, and exploring creative movement that supports strength, coordination, and expression. Dance parties are a favorite, and this class often becomes a space for dramatic play and imaginative storytelling. Through rhythm, melody, and motion, children develop auditory discrimination, body awareness, and emotional regulation. These sessions also foster a sense of community as students learn to listen, respond, and move together in harmony.

Learn more about Ashley Hall's Early School program

Lower School (Kindergarten - Grade 4)

All kindergarten and first grade students have small group strings instruction, and students in Kindergarten through fourth grades have the opportunity to participate in Ashley Hall’s Private Lesson Program offering individual instruction in piano, violin, viola, cello, and voice. Beginning in second grade, Lower School students also have a general music class and the opportunity to join Caroline’s Carolers, Ashley Hall’s choral group for students in grades 2-4, which provides the opportunity for vocal performance

Learn more about Ashley Hall's Lower School program

Middle School (Grades 5-8)

Students may participate in orchestra, theatre, dance, and vocal arts group classes throughout the year. Private lessons are also available through the after-school private lesson program.

Learn more about Ashley Hall's Middle School program

Upper School (Grades 9-12)

Students can study specific performing arts disciplines, which may culminate in performance opportunities. Classes include Upper School Orchestra as well as the Red Choir, the longest established vocal ensemble at Ashley Hall. These ensemble classes are also offered at the higher Honors level. Students participate in the annual Ashley Hall Christmas Play, which the school first performed over one hundred years ago, and may perform in concerts and assemblies on campus throughout the year.

Learn more about Ashley Hall's Upper School program

Performing Art Programs at a Glance

Instrumental Music Study
Our Instrumental Program Progression Grades K–1: All students take group violin as a foundational, core curricular course. Grades 2–4: Students may continue their instrumental study through our private lesson program, which features one individual lesson and one after-school group class each week. Grades 5–12: Students can choose orchestra as a performing arts elective, with options to study violin, viola, or cello. (Note: 5th and 6th-grade orchestra is open to complete beginners!) Private Lesson Program: Private lessons are open to all students in Kindergarten-12th Grade regardless of their participation in the elective orchestra classes. Instrumental offerings for private lessons include violin, viola, cello, and piano. Performance and Curriculum Highlights Diverse Repertoire: Students at all levels explore a wide variety of musical genres. Performance Opportunities and Community Engagement: Our musicians perform throughout the year for both the AH campus and the greater Charleston community. 6th-12th Grade orchestra students have the opportunity to audition and participate in Region and All-State Orchestras as well as local youth orchestras. Upper School orchestra students are featured in the annual Ashley Hall Christmas Play. Benefits of Instrumental Music Study The benefits of instrumental music study extend far beyond the classroom. By learning to play an instrument, students cultivate essential life skills: critical thinking, active listening, creativity, collaboration, self-discipline, and perseverance. In orchestra, students don't just learn notes—they build these vital skills through joyful, shared music-making.
VOCAL Arts
Vocal music at Ashley Hall begins in Kindergarten and finishes with the oldest established ensemble at Ashley Hall, the Red Choir. Young vocal students receive musical training encompassing a wide variety of genres and cultures.
THEATER
Drama at Ashley Hall, offered to students in grades six through twelve, begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of theater and culminates with each student’s conducting a thorough study and performance of a prominent American playwright. Through acting exercises, students learn reliable vocal control, increase body awareness and flexibility and improve concentration, attention and listening skills. Productions of Shakespeare and contemporary plays, as well as the rich humanities curriculum allow for a well-rounded and thorough introduction to theatrical performing arts.
DANCE
Dance at Ashley Hall promotes body awareness, coordination, core strength, and flexibility. The students strive to find a balance between hard work developing technique and the more playful activity of creating expressive movement. Students will experience movement, develop and nurture respect for theater decorum, and gain appreciation of performance art.