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
Spartan Theatre Company
25/26 Start Date - August 22 Auditions
25/26 LOWER SCHOOL PRODUCTION
Alice in Wonderland
We are excited to announce that this year's Lower School Spartan Theatre Company will be doing a production of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll!
Sign-ups for both the Actors’ Guild and Production will be released Tuesday, Aug. 19. Auditions will be Friday, Aug. 22. Sign ups will include audition packets and meeting details.
Spartan Actors Guild
Directors: Mrs. Cauthen & Mrs Kinnett
Eligible grades: 4 - 6
Cast size: based on auditions
Meeting time: Friday, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Flexible Scheduling on a Needs Basis
Fee: $100
Program Description:
The Spartan Actors Guild offers students an exciting opportunity to step into the world of performance and storytelling. Students who audition for the Actors Guild will be thoughtfully cast in roles that best highlight their strengths and potential as young performers.
Once cast, students are expected to fully commit to the rehearsal process, where they will:
Learn stage presence and performance skills, building confidence and expression on stage.
Develop teamwork and responsibility, as theatre relies on every cast member working together toward a common goal.
Grow in creativity and imagination, exploring characters, emotions, and storytelling through movement and voice.
Prepare for live performance, gaining firsthand experience of the excitement and discipline of putting on a production.
Participation requires dedication, as rehearsals are essential for learning lines, blocking, and ensemble work. In the end, students will proudly showcase their hard work in a fully staged production, celebrating both their growth as performers and the joy of bringing a story to life.
Spartan Production Crew
Moderator: Mrs. McEver
Eligible grades: 4 - 6
Meeting time: Monday, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $100
Program Description:
The Lower School Theatre Company isn’t just about being on stage—it’s also about the creative work that happens behind the scenes. Students selected for the Production Crew will play an important role in bringing the performance to life, supporting the actors and helping shape the final production.
As part of the crew, students will:
Learn the fundamentals of stagecraft, including props, costumes, sets, and scene changes.
Build teamwork and problem-solving skills, since a successful performance depends on everyone working together.
Gain hands-on experience with the technical side of theatre, such as lighting, sound, and stage management (as appropriate for Lower School).
Take ownership of production elements, understanding how behind-the-scenes contributions make the show possible.
Crew members are expected to attend rehearsals, especially as the performance approaches, to ensure smooth transitions and coordination with the cast. By participating, students develop responsibility, creativity, and confidence—all while discovering the essential magic that happens offstage.