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Curriculum Detail



Our Curriculum

Performing Arts

We encourage students to take 6 courses a year. The majority of students elect to take Visual Arts and Performing Arts courses as their 6th course, especially in the first 2 years. Students are required to take a minimum of 1/2 credit in Visual Arts and 1/2 credit in Performing Arts in order to graduate but are encouraged to take more VAPA courses beyond the requirement. 
 
 

  • Dance Ensemble

    Dance Ensemble is for students interested in exploring dance through a creative, physical, and inquiry-based approach. In this class, students will learn movement technique, make dances, and actively participate in the class dance ensemble. This is a great class for both students who have never studied dance before and students who are interested in studying dance in college. (Note: In order to maximize enrollment, this course will be listed as an option for both Semester 1 and Semester 2 but will only run in one semester.)
    OFFERED: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2

  • Electronic Music

    This hands-on course introduces students to music production, audio engineering, and podcasting using industry-standard digital audio workstations (DAWs) and recording equipment. Students will learn to record, mix, and edit audio for music, film, and multimedia while exploring sound design, beat making, and live sound engineering. By the end of the semester, students will create original projects showcasing their ability to produce and enhance audio across various platforms. This course is ideal for students interested in music, media, and digital content creation.
    Available Levels: I, II
    OFFERED: Semester 2

  • Guitar Skills

    Guitar Skills is a course for students of all levels who want to learn or review the fundamentals of playing guitar, bass guitar, or ukulele. In addition to completing a series of weekly lessons covering a variety of styles, techniques, and concepts, students have the opportunity to learn their favorite songs independently or in small groups, as well as create collaborative performances with the entire class. 
    Available Levels: I, II
    OFFERED: Semester 1, Semester 2

  • Jazz Ensemble

    This year-long course develops musicianship, creativity, and collaboration through Jazz, Blues, and Contemporary Music. Open to woodwinds, brass, guitar, bass, piano/keyboard, and drum set, the ensemble performs throughout the year. Students will build skills in improvisation, composition, and music theory, while exploring jazz’s harmony, rhythm, and history. Emphasizing listening, expression, and ensemble communication, this course helps musicians refine their artistry in a supportive, interactive setting. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to prepare for auditions, including All-State and District 1 Ensembles.

    Students interested in joining as a guitarist, bassist, pianist, or drummer must obtain department chair approval before enrolling.

  • Jazz Ensemble*

    This advanced, Pinnacle* year-long course is for musicians on woodwinds, brass, guitar, bass, piano/keyboard, and drum set. Students will refine their musicianship, creativity, and collaboration through performance, improvisation, composition, and arranging. The course covers advanced jazz theory, transcription, and historical context, while also developing leadership skills through leading sectionals and rehearsals. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to prepare for auditions, including All-State and District 1 Ensembles.

    Grade 12 only
    Department Chair approval required

  • Keyboard Skills

    Keyboard Skills is a course for students of all levels who want to learn or review the fundamentals of playing keyboard instruments. In addition to completing a series of weekly lessons covering a variety of styles, techniques, and concepts, students have the opportunity to learn their favorite songs independently or in small groups, as well as create collaborative performances with the entire class.
    Available Levels I, II
    OFFERED: Semester 1, Semester 2

  • Modern Band

    Modern Band is a course for students who have completed Guitar and/or Keyboard Skills (or have equivalent training) who want to continue developing their musicianship as individuals and in the context of an active pop/rock cover band. Unlike Guitar and Keyboard Skills, students in Modern Band are expected to practice their weekly lessons at home to allow for maximum ensemble rehearsal time during class.
    Available Levels: I, II, III, IV
    OFFERED: Semester 2

  • Modern Vocal Ensemble

    Vocal Skills is open to singers of all abilities that are looking to develop strong, confident singing techniques while collaborating in a group setting. This course explores a cappella, R&B, pop, and jazz, with a focus on breath control, tone production, diction, resonance, sight-singing, harmonization, and vocal independence. Emphasis is placed on expanding vocal range and building confidence in performance. Balancing technical training with artistic expression, this class provides a supportive yet challenging environment for students to refine their skills and deepen their musical understanding. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to prepare for auditions, including All-State and District 1 Ensembles.
    Available levels: I, II, III, IV
    OFFERED: Semester 1



  • String Ensemble

    This year-long course is open to students who play violin, viola, cello, and bass and focuses on studying and performing folk, Celtic, classical, and contemporary music. Students will develop ensemble skills, musical interpretation, creativity, and collaboration, strengthening their independent musicianship while working within a group. They will also explore music theory and musical structure, gaining a deeper understanding of the forms and concepts that shape music. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to prepare for auditions, including All-State and District 1 Ensembles.

  • String Ensemble*

    This advanced, year-long Pinnacle* course challenges students to refine their performance skills, creativity, collaboration, leadership, and artistic expression while deepening their overall musicianship. Students will gain experience performing solo and small group repertoire, developing their ability to interpret and express music independently and within an ensemble. Students also develop leadership skills through leading sectionals and rehearsals. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to prepare for auditions, including All-State and District 1 Ensembles.

    Grade 12 Only
    Department Chair approval required

Our Faculty

Berwick Academy

31 Academy Street
South Berwick, Maine 03908

Contact:
Admission | 207.384.6300
Main Office | 207.384.2164
Berwick Academy, situated on an 80-acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 520 students, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Postgraduates. Berwick students are from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and several countries. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves.

Find Your Path to Berwick Academy