Music & Theatre

Students at Grier participate in a variety of performing arts that includes Music, Musical Theatre, Dramatic Arts, and Dance. The instructors at Grier are top-notch and our facilities include a Dance Building, Instrumental Music Building, a Vocal Music Suite, Auditorium, several sound-insulated practice rooms, instrument and costume storage.

In addition to academic courses, Grier students have many other opportunities to participate in the performing arts, specific to each department.

Courses

List of 12 items.

AP® Music Theory

This intensive course is designed to develop musical skills that will lead to a thorough understanding of music composition and theory. Students will be required to read, notate, write, sing and listen to music to develop their aural, composition, analytical and performance skills. Upon completing the course, students will be prepared and are required to take the AP® Music Theory Exam. Students going to college will be able to apply for credit or placement into advanced theory classes, depending on the individual colleges’ AP® policies. This course is for students in grades 10-12 (9th grade with private music teacher recommendation). Prerequisites: Some prior knowledge of music theory is recommended though not required. Must have experience on an instrument or voice.
Beginning Piano

A class for any student who has never had piano before or wants a beginning refresher course. Small groups each have their own keyboard equipped with headphones which are removed for ensemble playing. There is some homework, but the majority of the work is done in class. A second semester class is offered for those who wish to continue.
Introduction to Music Theory

Grade: 9, 10, 11, or 12
Music Appreciation

This is a non-performance class designed to give students a basic understanding of music and to inspire an appreciation for music from a variety of genres and cultures. We will apply the elements of music to our favorite music, learn how to read basic notation, use music terminology, and investigate how music has changed throughout history. We will also discuss instruments and ensembles, the differences in various styles and genres of music, and the creative process of writing and arranging music. The main focus in this course will be “Western” music (from ancient Greek to current American popular music). However, students will be encouraged to explore music from other cultures in individual projects. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through various hands-on activities, projects, and presentations. Grade: 7, 8, or 9
Music Lessons Intensive

This course is designed for the serious music student who wishes to focus on music as a possible career choice. Students will take three or more private music lessons per week.
Musical Theatre I

Students work with our vocal teacher in small groups to perform short scenes from Broadway musicals. Students will learn to develop characters through class activities and performing group and individual pieces. Students will be evaluated on written work, performances and class participation. This class is scheduled after school two days per week. Prerequisites: All students must audition.
Musical Theatre II

Students will study musical theatre genres and styles through reading, lectures and performing. Topics included in the course will include (but are not limited to) musical theatre history, audition preparation, and rehearsal strategies. Students will perform studied pieces individually and in ensembles. Students will be evaluated on written work, performances and class participation. This class is scheduled after school two days per week. Prerequisites: All students must audition. Necessary skills include tap, jazz, voice lessons, and the ability to match pitch and sing harmonies.
Women in Music

Women in Music is an investigation into and celebration of women’s musical activities in a variety of capacities and musical traditions. Students will learn to describe women’s experiences and accomplishments in several music-related fields and genres. Musical genres may include but are not limited to classical (past and present), popular, jazz, rock, stage (musical theatre and opera), and film music. We will consider the musical and cultural influence of women from the roles of creators and performers. Students will be expected to participate in regular class discussions, class presentations, and a final creative project. Grade: 9-12
Acting I
Acting II
Stagecraft
Improve and Sketch Comedy

Faculty

List of 5 members.

Julie Hanlon

Music Dept Chair & Musical Theatre Director
Anita Krupa

Music Appreciation & Vocal Music
Mark Minnich

Orchestra Director

Bio
Teacher, arranger, performer, and arts entrepreneur, Mark takes joy in creating thrilling musical endeavors and growing passionate young artists. An enthusiast of diverse musical styles, Mark thrives in jazz combos, Latin rock bands, new music ensembles, string quartets, and more. He has performed with the Mannheim Steamroller orchestra, the world tour of Chicago: The Musical, and Grammy award winning pianist Billy Childs. Mark is concertmaster of the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, associate concertmaster of the Penn's Woods Music Festival Orchestra, and a member of the Allegria Ensemble. Mark and his wife Sally perform together as Revamped; described as daring and innovative, this vivacious husband and wife violin duo fuses pop, jazz, classical, rock, and folk styles in a way entirely their own. They create concert experiences with artistically profound and impossibly complex arrangements, electronic and altered instruments, vibrant color coordination, theatrics, and signature stunts- all done with mind-boggling precision- to awe and inspire audiences around the world. Through extended techniques of their own invention, these two performers become the stride pianists of the string world, evoking the sonic landscapes of large ensembles of diverse instrumentation to impress audiences of all ages. Integration with live-streaming and social media places viewers in the center of the action, while a touch of humor and their personable interactions round out every unforgettable show. The duo has arranged dozens of signature works, available for viewing on their website.

Mark holds a B.M. in Violin Performance from Bowling Green State University, as well as an M.M. in Violin Performance and an M.A. in Music Theory and History from Penn State. Mark has performed in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Poland, China, Greece, and Tanzania, and has played as soloist with the Firelands Symphony, the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra, the Altoona Symphony, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and the Williamsport Symphony. Mark's teaching combines influences from the Suzuki Method and Eastern European methodology, integrated with a variety of genres to enhance student engagement. Mark strives for balanced development of musicality, precision, and natural motions. He coaches students through carefully layered practice methodology, and emphasizes pragmatic audience engagement in performances. He teaches violin, viola, chamber ensembles, group classes, composition, music theory, music history, and orchestra at the Grier School, the State College Music Academy, and the State College Suzuki Program. As an arts entrepreneur, Mark's work emphasizes the role of social media and technology in audience engagement and growth, and encourages innovation in concert design and presentation. Mark was president of the Penn's Woods Music Festival advisory council, and has worked with boards for the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra, the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, and the SAVVY Arts Venture Challenge.
Agatha Wang

Flute Choir Director & Piano

Bio
Music Department Chair, Flute Choir Director & Flute/Piano

Agatha J. Wang has been a resident of State College, PA since the fall of 2001. A native of the Province of Taiwan, her formal training includes the Taiwan’s special musical education program for gifted students (grades 3-12), a BA in Music from Fu-Jen Catholic University (which selected her to represent the school with a performance at Taiwan’s National Recital Hall), and an MA in Flute Performance from New York University, where she studied with Keith Underwood. Since high school, Agatha has been the principal flutist for both the Tainan City opera orchestra and Tainan youth symphony orchestra, and worked as a professional accompanist. As a soloist, she has performed in Taiwan, China, Italy, Ireland and the USA for recitals and music festivals.

Agatha has performed with the Kaohsiung City Symphony Orchestra (Taiwan), the National Symphony Orchestra (Taiwan), the Nan-Yeen Symphony Orchestra (Taiwan), the Seoul Symphony Orchestra (NY), the Nittany Valley Symphony Orchestra, and as the principal flutist in the State College Summer Orchestra since 2012. She taught flute extensively in Taiwan, and now teaches flute and piano at the Grier School in Tyrone and has a private flute/piano studio in State College. In addition to being a flutist, Agatha is also a piano accompanist for performers at the Penn State School of Music as well as local professional musicians.
Cathy Scafidi

Piano Teacher

Music News

Meet Grier: Charlotte M. '22
3/15/2021
At Grier School, we are proud of our diverse student community and culture. This year it is our goal to highlight our Grier Girls in their own words. Our series, Meet Grier, introduces our students to our extended community while showcasing their achievements and stories.
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Virtual Tour
3/4/2021
Now, you can experience the Grier Campus from wherever you are. Our Virtual Tour allows visitors to tour the vibrant and engaging campus where girls from many nations and academic backgrounds thrive, learn, and succeed.

Virtual Tour
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Grier Earns A+ and #1 Best High School for Arts
10/16/2020
For the second year running, Grier received a grade of A+ in the annual Niche Best Schools in America rankings! This overall A+ rating indicates that Grier is one of the very best schools in the nation.

We are extremely proud also to have received top state rankings, especially the honor of #1 Best High School for the Arts in Pennsylvania! This nomination speaks to Grier’s excellent signature programs in Dance, Fine Art, and Music.
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Gnothi Safton: a Concert Choir Final Production
6/24/2020
Grier's Concert Choir worked hard on a final project to make up for not having their concert in person this spring. This wonderful montage features them singing Gnothi Safton (Know Thyself) along with photos from the school year. We are so proud of them!

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A Grier Ashokan Farewell
5/18/2020
Members of Grier’s Chamber Orchestra, along with Director Mr. Mark Minnich, performed the piece “Ashokan Farewell” by Jay Unger against a backdrop of photos featuring Grier musicians and seniors. The music was performed, recorded, and compiled during the school closure and while many were in quarantine or under stay-at-home orders. It is dedicated to the Grier Class of 2020.
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Winter Concert Closes Out First Semester
12/16/2019
Grier musicians and vocalists came together for a fantastic winter concert following the first of seven midterms that end the semester before Winter Break. The program featured a variety of chamber ensembles, choirs, a jazz band, flute choir, and an orchestra. A team of dedicated music teachers and technitions ensured that the show ran smoothly, allowing the students to shine!

To celebrate the holiday season, the later portion of the show included a series of Hebrew love songs before finishing with some Christmas favorites, including a tune popularized by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and the classic song about Dr. Seuss character, the Grinch. The concert was full of collaborations and suprises. Mr. Minnich handed the jingle bells off to Mrs. Borst during the Christmas Festival orchestra medley,and Mrs. Reinhardt's son made a cameo as he took over Honors Choir who sang a holiday parody about the stresses of midterms.
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Musical Theatre Showcases Entertains
12/12/2019
Students in Musical Theatre I and Musical Theatre II classes performed for the Grier audience on Wednesday evening in the Dance Building, accompanied by pianist and junior student Carolyn B. The program included a variety of solos from classic and contemporary musical theatre, along with a few monologues. Whether sweet, moving, or hilarious, the performances were wonderful!
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Musicians and Vocalists Perform Individual Recitals
12/10/2019
As the first semester came to a close, many student musicians and vocalists gave individual music recitals in the Music Building for the Grier community audience of the course of two days. Performances help motivate musicians to persevere through challenging pieces and the applause of an audience is a wonderful reward!

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Guest Voice Instructor Workshop for Grier Singers
12/3/2019
Grier's most enthusiastic voice students attended an afternoon workshop presented by Gwendolyn Walker, a voice instructor at Penn State’s School of Theatre where she trains musical theatre students who often perform on Broadway in their postgraduate years. In this workshop, Grier singers developed their contemporary singing techniques.
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Grier Competes in National Singing Competition Student Auditions
11/8/2019
Each year, Grier’s Vocal Music Department competes in the National Association of Teachers Singing (NATS) Student Auditions. This year, Grace A., Clara G., Alex H., and Ashley S. competed in the Allegheny Mountain Chapter Student Auditions at The Pennsylvania State University’s School of Music in University Park, PA

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Concert is Music to Parents' Ears
10/15/2019
Student musicians and vocalists performed in the Parents’ Weekend Concert on Friday at 7:30pm in the Dance Building. The concert began with pieces by the Orchestra, followed by small Chamber Orchestra groups, Flute Choir, and then the vocal numbers, leading with Trebles, then Select Singers, Honors Choir, and Concert Choir. Families enjoyed hearing their daughters perform in these ensembles.

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Senior Musicians, Dancers Perform
5/31/2019
Following dinner the evening before Grier's Commencement Ceremony, parents and families gathered in Grier's Dance Building for an evening of performances. Mrs. Barbara Neumuller, Grier's retiring Music Department Chair, opened the show by conducting her last concert at Grier. Next, Grier's choirs performed, with some of the senior singers performing solos. The Dance Department closed out the night with several performances featuring Grier's Pre-Professional Dancers and senior dancer solos.
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Grier Receives 9 Nominations, 4 Wins at ISAAC Awards!
5/30/2019
Grier is pleased to report that Tuck Everlasting took home three wins the Altoona Community Theatre's (ACT) 14th Annual Isaacs Awards. The awards recognize excellence in high school musical theatre. For the spring musical Tuck Everlasting, Grier received nine nominations across seven different categories and received wins for Best Featured Dance, Best Actor or Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor or Actress in a Supporting Role, and Achievement in Choreography.
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Choir at the Curve
5/27/2019
Grier’s Select Singers Choir sang before a huge audience when they performed the National Anthem at a baseball game in Altoona this month. The choir performed on the field, singing before the first pitch of the minor league game where the Altoona Curve faced the Erie Seawolves. The choir members stayed to enjoy the game along with their director Mrs. Ginger Reinhardt and her family. The game ended with a 2-1 win for the home team.
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Alexander Technique Workshop Benefits Musicians, Vocalists
5/22/2019
In May, Grier invited a guest instructor to provide a workshop to Grier voice and music students in the Alexander Technique. The presenter, Gwendolyn Walker, is a voice instructor at Penn State’s School of Theatre where she trains musical theatre students who often perform on Broadway in their post-graduate years. The Alexander Technique is about reducing tension and stress, both mental and physical, to allow the body to perform its best.
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Student Musicians Demonstrate Talent and Dedication
5/17/2019
Last week, student musicians and vocalists gave individual music recitals in the Music Building. While the performances were not mandatory, many music students opted to participate, much to the delight of the Grier community audience who enjoyed the shows. Working towards a performance goal can be a great motivation to persevere through difficult practice sessions and performing before an audience if often a rewarding learning experience as well.
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Incredible Grier Talent Executes Fantastic Musical Production!
4/30/2019
Grier presented a fantastic two-night run of Tuck Everlasting: the Musical. The show included a talented cast, numerous dancers, live orchestra, and fabulous costumes and sets. Based on the classic children's novel, Tuck Everlasting is the story of eleven-year-old Winnie Foster who wishes for adventure, but gets more than she anticipates when she meets the Tuck Family and learns of the magic of their never-ending youth. The musical asks the question, "What would you do if you had all eternity?"
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Concert Features Amazing Talented Student Musicians
4/12/2019
Grier’s Music Department organized a special mini-concert on Sunday, April 7^th in the Instrumental Music Building. The concert included three pieces that featured soloists accompanied by an 18-piece orchestra of student and faculty musicians.

Michelle S., Anna S., Melissa K. formed a string quartet with music teacher Mark Minnich to perform Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K521, mov.1 “Allegro.”

Next, Grier senior Michelle S. performed a violin solo of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, Mov. 2 “Canzonetta,” while accompanied by an 18-piece orchestra.

For the final piece, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op.15, Mov.1 “Allegro co brio,” Clara G. performed a piano solo accompanied by the orchestra.
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A Sneak Peek of Tuck Everlasting
4/3/2019
Performers from Grier's upcoming musical Tuck Everlasting, took time out of their busy rehearsal schedules to visit the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library and give the local community a sneak peek.

Based on the classic children's novel, Tuck Everlasting is the story of eleven-year-old Winnie Foster who wishes for adventure, but gets more than she anticipates when she meets the Tuck Family and learns of the magic of their neverending youth. The musical asks the question, "What would you do if you had all eternity?"
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Student Musicians Rock!
4/2/2019
Grier musicians and vocalists took to the Auditorium stage Friday evening for Grier's wildest music concert of the year: Rock Fest! The student-faculty Rock Band performed new and classic pop and rock songs. The musicians thank everyone who came out to Rock Fest and partied down the with Rock Band! The students did great and there was a great energy. Thanks also to everyone who helped put it together behind the scenes. Rock on!
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