Performing Arts
At Holderness, students explore their own identities and culture – and those of others – through theater, music, and dance.
The philosophy of our program is one of inclusion, not only with student participation but also in the representation of different social and ethnic backgrounds through dramatic works, music, and genres of dance. Our programs are open not only to seasoned performing arts students, but also to students who are new to performing and want to see what they can do. Throughout our program, more experienced students become leaders as they develop their craft and shepherd those who have not had the same opportunities.
Visit our Curriculum Guide for a full list of academic requirements and course descriptions.
Featured Course
ART 103 | GUITAR 1
Learn to play the guitar or further develop your current guitar skills. Guitar 1 provides a framework for
students to learn a wide range of musical genres including songs by The White Stripes and The Beatles, while learning or mastering the fundamentals. This semester-long course was developed primarily with beginners in mind, but whether you are new to the guitar or have been playing for years, all are welcome.
Learning in Action
Plays & Musicals
All students are welcome and encouraged to try out for the annual fall play and spring musical. In recent years, students have staged well-known productions such as Blood Brothers and Mama Mia, as well as fun and original dramatic works.
Student Band
Students in band play as an ensemble, practice solo and improvisational work, and perform throughout the year at many school events. Band musicians also have regular access to our in-house recording studio.
Arts At Holderness
Whether they're sculpting, singing in the school musical, or learning from professional artists during Artward Bound, our Holderness student-artists continue to amaze and inspire!
Arts News
![Holderness School's Director of Music Receives Rutgers University Jazz Fellowship]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1712163723/holdernessorg/iv56l7mhdn9d1elqaxhe/Theas2022-23Bestof-81.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1712163723/holdernessorg/iv56l7mhdn9d1elqaxhe/Theas2022-23Bestof-81.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1712163723/holdernessorg/iv56l7mhdn9d1elqaxhe/Theas2022-23Bestof-81.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1712163723/holdernessorg/iv56l7mhdn9d1elqaxhe/Theas2022-23Bestof-81.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1712163723/holdernessorg/iv56l7mhdn9d1elqaxhe/Theas2022-23Bestof-81.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1712163723/holdernessorg/iv56l7mhdn9d1elqaxhe/Theas2022-23Bestof-81.jpg","width":2200}])
![Holderness Students Recognized by Scholastic Art Awards of New Hampshire]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706639050/holdernessorg/wdjcrim1cwpnhrbyhznl/Zhang.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706639050/holdernessorg/wdjcrim1cwpnhrbyhznl/Zhang.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1706639050/holdernessorg/wdjcrim1cwpnhrbyhznl/Zhang.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1706639050/holdernessorg/wdjcrim1cwpnhrbyhznl/Zhang.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1706639050/holdernessorg/wdjcrim1cwpnhrbyhznl/Zhang.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1706639050/holdernessorg/wdjcrim1cwpnhrbyhznl/Zhang.jpg","width":2200}])
![Samantha Zhang ’25 Nominated for Best Young Filmmaker at Indie Short Fest]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1699452591/holdernessorg/xwim3wthr3noq7utxuk8/102023-Samantha-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1699452591/holdernessorg/xwim3wthr3noq7utxuk8/102023-Samantha-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1699452591/holdernessorg/xwim3wthr3noq7utxuk8/102023-Samantha-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1699452591/holdernessorg/xwim3wthr3noq7utxuk8/102023-Samantha-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1699452591/holdernessorg/xwim3wthr3noq7utxuk8/102023-Samantha-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1699452591/holdernessorg/xwim3wthr3noq7utxuk8/102023-Samantha-2.jpg","width":2200}])
![Gallery Opening: Li Hongwei "Sublime" Opens April 20]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1681396412/holdernessorg/xtq9lbmtv9fs05cnrn3i/ScreenShot2023-04-12at83610AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1681396412/holdernessorg/xtq9lbmtv9fs05cnrn3i/ScreenShot2023-04-12at83610AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1681396412/holdernessorg/xtq9lbmtv9fs05cnrn3i/ScreenShot2023-04-12at83610AM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1681396412/holdernessorg/xtq9lbmtv9fs05cnrn3i/ScreenShot2023-04-12at83610AM.png","width":811}])
Calling All Artists!
Do you like to sing, act, play music, or make art? Then use this form to contact the Holderness School Arts Department to introduce yourself. We love to meet student-artists and share what our program can do for you.
Required
Meet Our Performing Arts Faculty
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Take the Next Step
Is Holderness right for you? The best way to find the right boarding school is to reach out. Check us out in person in New Hampshire or virtually. See why Holderness is more than a school, it's an elevated experience.