Fine Arts Programs

NCA Ensembles


Vocal Programs - Vocalis & Cantemus

Spartan Vocalis:

Moderators: Mrs. Cauthen / Mr. Pagnozzi
Eligible grades: 3 - 6
Capacity: 45 students
Meeting time: Monday, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $125

Program Description:
The Spartan Vocalis is an inclusive and exciting choir opportunity for students in grades 3 through 6, welcoming both new and experienced singers. Whether your child is just discovering their singing voice or has been singing for years, this ensemble offers a supportive and enriching environment for musical growth.

Through regular rehearsals and performances, students will build a strong foundation in vocal technique and develop essential skills such as:

  • Sight-reading music helps them learn to follow musical notation and sing new pieces more confidently and independently.

  • Singing as part of a group fosters teamwork, listening skills, and a sense of community.

  • Learning to harmonize allows students to understand how different vocal parts work together to create a fuller, more complex sound.

Participation in Spartan Vocalis not only nurtures musical talent but also builds confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for music. We encourage all interested students to join and experience the joy of singing together!

25/26 Start Date - August 18

Spartan Cantemus:

Moderator: Mrs. Cauthen / Mr. Pagnozzi
Eligible grades: 7 - 11
Capacity: 45 students
Meeting time: Monday, 6:50 - 7:50 a.m.
Fee: $125

Program Description:
Join the vibrant and inspiring Northwest Classical Academy Upper School Choir—a musical community open to all students in grades 7 through 10, regardless of prior singing experience. Whether you're a seasoned vocalist or new to choral music, this ensemble offers a welcoming space for students to grow as musicians and performers.

Through engaging rehearsals, collaborative learning, and exciting performance opportunities, students will:

  • Strengthen vocal technique and develop healthy, confident singing habits.

  • Build sight-reading skills, learning to interpret and perform music directly from written notation.

  • Experience ensemble singing, which teaches students how to blend their voices, follow a conductor, and contribute to a unified sound.

  • Explore harmonization, discovering how different vocal lines work together to create rich, expressive music.

Participation in the Upper School Choir not only enhances musical ability but also fosters personal growth in areas like discipline, teamwork, confidence, and artistic expression. From classical works to contemporary pieces, students will engage with a diverse and exciting repertoire.

Come be a part of something bigger than yourself—raise your voice and make music with us!

String Programs - Sinfonietta & Collegium

Spartan Sinfonietta:

Moderator: Mr. Pagnozzi
Eligible grades: 5 - 11
Capacity: 20 students
Meeting time: Wednesday, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $125

25/26 Start Date - August 20

Spartan Collegium:

Moderator: Mr. Pagnozzi
Eligible grades: 5 - 11
Capacity: 20 students
Meeting time: Wednesday, 6:50 - 7:50 a.m.
Fee: $125

Program Description:  
All students interested in string orchestra are invited to sign up and become part of our vibrant string community!  Upon signing up, students will be automatically enrolled in Sinfonietta, our beginner-friendly novice ensemble designed to build foundational skills and ensemble experience.  

Students who already have playing experience and wish to join Collegium - our intermediate ensemble - may request an audition, which will take place on the week before the first rehearsal.  Auditions are open to any student who feels ready for the next level of challenge and performance.  

Audition Requirements:
 Students will be asked to perform the following scales and one sightreading excerpt.

  • Violin G Major - 2 Octaves / A Major - 1 Octave (2 if possible)

  • Viola C Major - 2 Octaves / D Major - 1 Octave (2 if possible)

  • Cello C Major - 2 Octaves / D Major - 1 Octave (2 if possible)

All scales should be played at 100 bpm.

Audition time slots will be made available upon registration to the string orchestra program. Additional auditions will also be offered between the 1st and 2nd semesters.

Whether you're picking up a bow for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, there’s a place for you in our string program!

Band Programs - Harmonia, Aquilo & Jazz!

Spartan Harmonia:

Moderator: Mr. Paige
Eligible grades: 5 - 11
Capacity: 20 students
Meeting time: Thurday, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $125

25/26 Start Date - August 21

Spartan Aquilo:

Moderator: Mr. Paige
Eligible grades: 5 - 11
Capacity: 20 students
Meeting time: Thursday, 6:50 - 7:50 a.m.
Fee: $125

Program Description:  
All students interested in concert band are invited to sign up and become part of our dynamic musical community! Upon signing up, students will be automatically enrolled in Harmonia, our beginner-friendly novice ensemble designed to build foundational skills and ensemble experience.

Students who already have playing experience and wish to join Aquilo - our intermediate ensemble - may request an audition, which will take place on the week before the first rehearsal. Auditions are open to any student who feels ready for the next level of challenge and performance.

Audition Requirements:
 Students will be asked to perform the following scales and one sightreading excerpt.

  • Flute/Oboe/Clarinet/Saxophone:
     Concert Bb Major – 1 Octave / Concert Eb Major – 1 Octave (2 if possible)

  • Trumpet/French Horn/Trombone/Baritone/Tuba:
     Concert Bb Major – 1 Octave / Concert F Major – 1 Octave (2 if possible)

    All scales should be played at 100 bpm.

Audition time slots will be made available upon registration to the concert band program. Additional auditions will also be offered between the 1st and 2nd semesters.

Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or looking to take your playing to the next level, there’s a place for you in our concert band program!

Spartan Jazz: Jazz Band

Moderator: Mr Paige
Eligible grades: 7 - 11
Capacity: 15 students
Meeting time: Friday, 6:50 - 7:50 a.m.
Fee: $125

Program Description:
Calling all experienced musicians! If you have at least two years of experience on your instrument and a solid foundation in music, the Jazz Band might be the perfect fit for you. We’re looking for students who play the following instruments to bring the swing, soul, and style to our school’s jazz ensemble!

Trumpet

Trombone

Saxophone

Drum Set

Guitar

Bass

Piano

  • Sign-ups for Piano and Drum Set will require an audition 
    More information will be given after signing up

25/26 Start Date - August 22

Photography Program

Spartan Photography

Moderator: Ms. Janad
Eligible grades: 9 - 11
Capacity: 15 students
Meeting time: Friday, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $125

Program Description:
The photography program invites Upper School students (Grades 9-11) to explore photography as both a technical craft and a powerful form of expression. Open to all experience levels, the program introduces students to the fundamentals of digital photography, including composition, lighting, manual camera settings, and photo editing.

Through student-led projects, students will practice capturing images that tell stories and develop their unique artistic voice. All cameras and equipment are provided.

Students in this program are also invited to photograph school events, such as Athletic and Fine Arts events and NCA socials, for use in the yearbook & to be shared on NCA social media accounts. 

25/26 Start Date - August 22

Spartan Theatre Company


25/26 Start Date - TBD

24/25 UPPER SCHOOL PRODUCTION OF “DEADLINE”
BY DAN ZOLIDIS

When eight mystery writers arrive at a legendary writer’s fog-shrouded island mansion in the North Atlantic, they think they’re ready for the Deadline Challenge—twenty-four restful hours to write as much of their new novel as possible. But the Deadline Challenge is anything but restful. In reality, the writers are brought together to solve a murder—the victim yet be determined, and the killer yet to strike. If a writer can design and execute a perfect murder and get away with it, they’ll win a million dollars (which is a lot of money for a writer). Who will live? Who will die? Who will survive the Deadline?

DEADLINE Cast

Director: Mrs. Mitchell
Eligible grades: 7 - 10
Cast size: based on auditions
Meeting time: Monday and Thursdays, 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Auditions: January 22
Start date: January 27
End date: April 26
Fee: $100

Program Description: Cast members selected after auditions will be placed in roles and expected to attend rehearsal to participate. This semester, they will focus on The Spartan Theatre Company’s production of Deadline by Dan Zolidis.

DEADLINE Production Crew

Moderator: Mrs. Mitchell
Eligible grades: 7 - 10
Meeting time: Thursday, 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Start date: January 30
End date: April 26
Fee: $100

Program Description: Production is where students who are interested in set design, props, and costumes create. This semester, they will focus on The Spartan Theatre Company’s production of Deadline by Dan Zolidis.