Performing Arts at SHS

The Performing Arts are an essential part of the Somerville High school experience!

Somerville High School students are encouraged to engage with programming in music, dance, and theatre arts through a rich menu of classes or afterschool clubs. The Department is run by Music/Theatre Supervisor Beverly Mosby Learn more about Ms. Mosby.

Somerville High School Programs

Theatre Arts

The Theatre Arts program at Somerville High School provides students with the opportunity to engage in humanity’s most enduring form of storytelling. Through the study of theatre, students become better communicators, storytellers, and artists while deepening their understanding of the world around them. Led by Mr. Charles Jabour, the Theatre Arts program at Somerville High School offers a comprehensive in-school theatre curriculum as well as a fully produced after-school theatrical season presented by its resident theatre company: The Highlander Theatre Company. Visit the Highlander Theatre Company (HTC) website to learn about this season's productions. Visit the Theatre Arts webpage to learn more about the program.

Charles Jabour, Theatre Teacher. Learn more about Mr. Jabour.

Student looks at screens for theater production

SHS Chorus

The SHS Choral Program, under the direction of Maxwell Evrard, is a vibrant, inclusive community where all students, including those in the Multilingual Learner (MLL) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, are welcomed to explore their passion for singing. With a commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration, the program offers two curricular ensembles: the SHS Chorus and the Honors Chorus. The SHS Chorus is a non-auditioned group open to all students, providing a supportive space to develop vocal skills and explore diverse musical styles. For advanced singers, the Honors Chorus offers a more challenging experience, featuring complex repertoire and expanded performance opportunities. Both ensembles are dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to participate, grow, and thrive through music. Additionally, students can join the Chorus Club, an A Cappella group that meets after school on Tuesdays. Open to anyone who loves to sing, this extracurricular ensemble allows students to experiment with vocal harmony, build friendships, and enjoy the fun of singing in a relaxed, after-school setting.

Max Evrard, Choral Director. Learn more about Mr. Evrard and view important dates.

SHS Band

SHS Band is a dynamic group of students who play a wide variety of contemporary and time-honored music to prepare for our performances at sports games, city events, festivals, and concerts. Through our engaging rehearsals and performances, we work on both individual and ensemble skills to help achieve our potential. This course is all about growing as musicians while having fun together in a supportive community.

Meet the Band Educators and find important dates.

SHS band plays on bleachers

SHS Jazz Ensemble

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.

Meet the Guitar / Jazz educator

SHS Orchestra

The SHS Orchestra is a dynamic instrumental ensemble (violin, viola, cello, bass) which fosters community through collaboration and creativity. Open to musicians of all levels, from beginning to advanced, we explore traditional orchestral music while pushing stylistic boundaries into jazz, Latin, R&B, heavy metal, rock, & punk, as well as traditions from around the world. Student recommendations are welcome, and help to inform the orchestra’s music selections each year. Directed by Ms. Joanne Sadler and Ms. Immei Wong, in partnership with the Boston Chamber Music Society and the Longy School of Music, classes are led and facilitated by a team of professionally-active performers and educators who are well-versed in a variety of music styles, dedicated to help musicians at all levels grow, create, and explore. Students may enroll in Honors or CP Orchestra. Both meet and collaborate concurrently during the same class period. Through a combination of large group instruction, peer-mentoring, and individualized attention, musicians will build on existing skills and develop instrumental technique, improvisation, music literacy, and ensemble performance skills to meaningfully participate in school concerts, field trips, as well as support active music making beyond high school and into their future.

Meet the String Instrument Educators and find important dates.

SHS orchestra cellists

SHS Dance

Under the direction of Ava Majumder, Dance is an opportunity for students to express themselves through movement. We explore a variety of dance styles, including Hip Hop, Contemporary and Ballet. Students practice dance technique to improve their overall strength, flexibility and coordination. Students learn choreography and create their own routines. Dance is a joyful environment, supporting self confidence and teamwork. This course applies towards the Physical Education requirement. SHS Dance presents evening-length performances that celebrate students’ artistic expression. The concert features dance pieces from classes, after-school activities and student choreographed works. The SHS Dance Concert is May 8th and 9th in the Auditorium. SHS Dance Co. is an after school dance program that welcomes all students with a passion and interest in dance. We practice Contemporary dance technique, create choreography and develop dance leadership skills. The SHS Dance Company performs at the SHS Dance Concert as well as at other SHS events. Students of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to join (beginner - advanced). We meet January – May, on Tuesday’s, Thursday’s, and select Friday’s from 3:30 – 5PM. The SHS Dance Company offers a positive community to move, take risks, and express yourself.

Ava Majumder, Dance Educator. Learn more about Ms. Majumder.

student dancers on stage

SHS World Percussion

Learn about the educator, Marcus Santos, and the program.

Classes and Clubs

Music, Theatre & Dance Classes

Band, Honors Band, Chorus, Honors Chorus, Orchestra, Honors Orchestra, Comprehensive Music Theory, 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 Dance, Introduction to Piano, Advanced Piano Studies, Musical Theatre Workshop, Fundamentals of Acting, Introduction to Theatre, Music Technology and Production, Hip Hop Lab, Music 1, EL Theater Arts Seminar, Theatre & Society , Performing Arts/Social Studies Department, Theatre Production and Management, Technical Theatre and Design, Playwriting & Composition.

Find a full list of SHS classes in the current SHS Program of Studies.

Clubs and Organizations

Tri M Music Honor Society, Thespian Honor Society, Chorus Club, Jazz Club, Ukulele Club, SHS Dance Company, Highlander Theatre Company