Lauren Spooner
Director of Arts & Languages
Email Lauren Spooner
973-457-2505 x2077 

Confidence. Collaboration.  Perseverance.  Creativity. Focus. Dedication. And so much more. The Arts are an integral part of life; they enrich our lives, enhance school & community spirit, and are a necessary component of a complete education. They help us to understand and be positive contributors to the world we live in.

The Performing Arts programs in the SDOC synthesize principles of English Language Arts, History, Math, Science, and World Language while applying 21st Century skills (i.e., teamwork and collaboration) to create a valuable and memorable creative experience for learners.  Participation in the SDOC Arts programs also encourages students to experience physical and creative releases which assist in their overall well-being. 

Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation. By studying Music as part of their curricular program, students have the opportunity to build their skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from new perspectives. The study of Music encourages self-discipline, patience, and diligence - traits that carry over to other intellectual pursuits and lead to effective study/communication/cognitive skills and work habits. Scientific studies of the brain have mapped far more extensive neural connections in musicians than non-musicians. From a wellness perspective, listening to music can evoke emotion, and performing music the powerful personal experience of expressing emotion. 

Theater & Stagecraft Theater performance provides learners with opportunities to gain poise, self-confidence, and the ability to speak confidently in front of others.  In the rehearsal (re-hearing) process, students learn patience while they are waiting for their cues; they grow to be supportive when they have a small role, and grow to understand that they simply can't do it all alone when they have a larger role.  Actors learn to take their turn, cooperate, and to be positive contributors to behind-the-scenes technical support throughout the rehearsal and production processes.  

Dance The art of dance uses movement to communicate meaning about the human experience. It is far more than exercise or entertainment. It is a powerful medium to express one's values, thoughts, and aspirations about the lives we live and the world in which we live. An education in the art of dance can develop the knowledge and skills required to create, perform, and understand movement as a means of artistic communication. Exposure to dance history and cultures, kinesiology and anatomy, and movement theories further enriches the dance education experience. Education in the art of dance can also develop kinesthetic and spatial learning as well as intra and interpersonal knowledge of oneself and others. 

Milton Avenue/Washington Avenue/Southern Boulevard Schools

• General Music - grades 1, 2, and 3

Lafayette School

• General Music - grades 4 and 5

• Theater - grades 4 and 5

• Band, Chorus, Orchestra - grades 4 and 5

Chatham Middle School

• Music Technology Cycle - grade 6

• Band, Chorus, Orchestra - grades 6-7-8

• Theater Arts - grades 6-7-8

• Stagecraft - grades 7-8

Chatham High School

• Instrumental Music

• Symphonic Band - grades 9-12

• Wind Ensemble - grades 10-12

• Honors Wind Ensemble - grades 11-12

• Orchestra - grades 9-12

• Chamber Orchestra - grades 10-12

• Honors Chamber Orchestra - grades 11-12

Choral Music

• Concert Choir - grades 9-12

• Chatham Voices - grades 10-12

• Honors Chatham Voices - grades 11-12

• Select Choir - grades 10-12

• Honors Select Choir - grades 11-12

• Honors Piano Ensemble Accompanist - grades 11-12

General Music

• Piano Lab - grades 9-12

• Music Theory - grades 9-12

Theater

• Theater I - grades 9-12

• Theater II - grades 9-12

• Musical Theater 10-12

• Theater Studio 11-12

Dance

• Dance I - grades 9-12

• Dance II grades 9-12