08/31/2026
Our Fall 2026 Performance Program show theme sign ups are live!!!
This season we are proud to offer:
NEW WAVE - Like most ‘80s themes, this show is easily scalable to the experience level of the cast and is a great opportunity to incorporate songs with juicy parts for your keyboard players. This show kind of bridges the gap between Best of the ‘80s and CBGBs, with a focus on some great bands (The Police, The Cars, Eurythmics, The Bangles, Duran Duran, INXS) that don’t quite fit in any other show. “New Wave” was a catch-all term at the time (like “alternative” or “indie rock”), but directors will want to be careful to save bands like S*x Pistols and Ramones for the Punk show. This show should sound ‘80s, and is a good opportunity to include some female artist representation - Blondie, The Bangles, The Go-Go’s, Pretenders, Cyndi Lauper, Bow Wow Wow, etc.
SOUTHERN ROCK - Southern Rock encompasses more than just music generated by bands south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
It’s a vibe and emotion that stems from a long painful history of racism, oppression, economic hardship, and classism. However the very spirit of Southern Rock is one of healing and reconciliation.
Rock and Roll has deep roots in the South, and this show will feature bluesy ‘70s southern rockers like The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and Molly Hatchet, along with modern practitioners like Gary Clark Jr., Tedeschi-Trucks Band, The Black Crowes, and Larkin Poe. The Southern Rock show will thrust guitar players to the forefront with guitar harmonies and advanced soloing that often goes beyond the pentatonic scale. Bass players will dig deep into groove playing. Drummers will learn to play through different feels like shuffles, boogies, and half-time and double-time transitions.
Keyboardists will be challenged with new styles as they utilize diverse sounds ranging from piano to Hammond organ to Rhodes electric piano. Vocalists will gain an understanding of Southern-style harmony and emotive singing. This show offers many challenges for ambitious and experienced players!
