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Page 4. I CAN SING! Performing Arts
I Can Sing! (ICS!) is HMDT’s Music Theatre School, which offers students aged 5 – 16 an opportunity to experience the excitement of musical theatre training and performance. During ICS!, students train in a variety of stage disciplines to become musical performers. They meet new friends and, together with leading professional artists, gain the skills and confidence necessary to perform to a high level. Unlike similar schemes, ICS! reinforces the ensemble performing tradition and focuses upon repertoire ranging from classic Broadway to original HMDT commissions, emphasising an appreciation of the rich American Broadway tradition.
a. ICS! MINIS
(Ages 5 – 7, Years 1-2, Key Stage 1)
Vocal Training introduces students to the joy of performing and expressing their emotions through song, focusing on developing singing skills in a healthy way, breathing, posture, intonation, timbre and learning to sing as part of a large group of performers. Students work with a variety of musical genres with a focus on musical theatre and dramatic singing.
Musicianship develops musical literacy and understanding through students’ very own musical instrument – their voice. They develop their understanding of pitch, rhythm, dynamics and tempo through interactive vocal and physical exercises and aural skills.
Sessions last for 1 hour and 50 minutes
b. ICS! JUNIORS 1 and 2
(Ages 7+, Years 3+)
Vocal Training introduces students to the joy of performing and expressing their emotions through song, focusing on developing singing skills in a healthy way, breathing, posture, intonation, timbre and learning to sing as part of a large group of performers. Students work with a variety of musical genres with a focus on musical theatre and dramatic singing and are given plenty of scope for solo work.
Dance Training teaches students dance steps and routines based on a fusion of the dance styles that make up theatre dance performance, whilst encouraging them to be active and healthy. They also learn how to use movement to express emotion and action as part of musical performance. Dance technique sessions offer a chance to consolidate steps and styles out of the context of a routine.
Stagecraft helps to build skills in music theatre so as to convey the emotional power of music and movement on stage. Students will learn a variety of dramatic techniques, including improvisation, characterisation, storytelling and theatrical stunts, and explore group and individual talents to help them build confidence and develop their communication skills.
Full Sessions bring all the performance elements together
Performances give everyone the opportunity to showcase musical theatre repertoire, take to the stage in HMDT Music commissions, or work with writers and composers to create new work.
Instrumental – Guitar
Students in their first year of the Juniors programme may opt for an additional Guitar group lesson (at an additional cost of £57 per term). This session helps to develop musicianship and to learn playing an instrument, providing students with transferable skills should they choose to go on to learn another instrument.
Junior 1 sessions last for 2 hours and 45 minutes
Junior 2 sessions last for 3 hours and 40 minutes
c. ICS! SENIORS
(Ages 10+)
Vocal Training introduces students to the joy of performing and expressing their emotions through song, focusing on developing singing skills in a healthy way, breathing, posture, intonation, timbre and learning to sing as part of a large group of performers. Students work with a variety of musical genres with a focus on musical theatre and dramatic singing and are given plenty of scope for solo work.
Dance Training teaches students dance steps and routines based on a fusion of the dance styles that make up theatre dance performance, whilst encouraging them to be active and healthy. They also learn how to use movement to express emotion and action as part of musical performance. Dance technique sessions offer a chance to consolidate steps and styles out of the context of a routine.
Stagecraft helps to build skills in music theatre so as to convey the emotional power of music and movement on stage. Students will learn a variety of dramatic techniques, including improvisation, characterisation, storytelling and theatrical stunts, and explore group and individual talents to help them build confidence and develop their communication skills. Performances give everyone the opportunity to showcase musical theatre repertoire, take to the stage in HMDT Music commissions, or work with writers and composers to create new work.
Full Sessions bring all the performance elements together
Performances give everyone the opportunity to showcase musical theatre repertoire, take to the stage in HMDT Music commissions, or work with writers and composers to create new work.
Sessions last for 3 hours 40 minutes
Additional Lessons
Additional instrumental, vocal or theory lessons are sometimes available and offered to students who are part of the Saturday Programme. These lessons are subject to availability. If you have an additional lesson the following fees will apply:
- £66 additional group vocal/theory/instrumental lessons (30 minutes)
- £96 per term for a two-to-one vocal/instrumental/theory lesson (30 minutes)
- £129.00 per term for a one-to-one vocal/instrumental/theory lesson (20 minutes)
ICS! Juniors and Seniors Dress Code
Beginning at the ICS! Juniors level, students will be engaged in a rigorous programme of singing, dance and stagecraft. Due to the physical demands this presents for students, our health and safety policy requires the following dress code for all students:
- “Movement clothes” – this means loose clothing like tracksuits or leggings and a t-shirt, but no jeans, “jeggings”, or short skirts, as these can greatly restrict movement.
- Flat shoes – this includes trainers and dance shoes, but NO heels. Students from Junior 2 upwards are expected to wear dance shoes. Please ask us if you would like a recommendation.
- Long hair should be tied back BEFORE beginning sessions.
- No jewellery, especially necklaces, as these present the greatest hazard.
Tutors will enforce this dress code, so please adhere to it during all sessions.
