(North Bergen, NJ—December 5, 2017) Dance, Drama, and Musical Theatre majors at High Tech High School took part in the Performing Arts December Showcase, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.
The Dance Department showcased four pieces this year. The Dance I and II majors created an original piece, Elements, a project based on twenty-one solos from a classroom assignment. Over the course of one month, they collaborated with each other, under the direction of veteran instructor Trista DeFilippis, to amalgamate two larger sections. An original score by Scott Killian, former High Tech music instructor and composer, accompanied the piece. Not to be outdone, Dance IV majors presented Suite of Solos I and Suite of Solos II, seven original solos created for their upcoming college auditions. Along with Dance III major, they performed their piece, originally for the Hudson County Schools of Technology Gala, to a suite of songs by Madonna.
“[These originals] gave the dancers the opportunity to perform them before a live audience prior to attending their auditions,” notes DeFilippis, Head of the Performing Arts Department.
Also on display, the Drama Department, under the direction of veteran instructor Deborah Arters, featured performances that emphasized physical expression, storytelling to music, improvisation, and comic and dramatic scenes. Students acted out scenes from Performance Ensemble 2012, Improv 3, My Big Fat Gay Italian Wedding, and A Hatful of Rain.
Last, but by no means least, the Musical Theatre performed material according to each class's grade level, with all classes collaborating on all performances in the December Showcase. Rehearsals began in October, and students diligently rehearsed every Friday during their class time. Theatrical pieces included material from Hairspray, Bring It On, Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, and Rent.
Last, but by no means least, the Musical Theatre performed material according to each class's grade level, with all classes collaborating on all performances in the December Showcase. Rehearsals began in October, and students diligently rehearsed every Friday during their class time. Theatrical pieces included material from Hairspray, Bring It On, Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, and Rent.
