Newbury Park High School - Performing Arts

Performing Arts

NPHS features several programs in the Performing Arts. They include an instrumental music program, a colorguard associated with the band program, a well-developed choral department.

The choral department features a large Concert Choir, a smaller Chamber Choir, and a Womens' Ensemble. All choirs consistently rank highly at Heritage Music Festivals, most recently winning gold awards in New York City.

The instrumental music department features a first level Concert Band, a higher level Wind Emsemble, and an addition of Marching Band and two Jazz Bands. The department is currently directed by Mr. Dennis Crystal.

The NPHS performing arts department was given a boost with the construction of a new performing arts center. The performing arts center, or PAC, is used for both performing arts events and school assemblies.

The school prides itself of their top-ranked Band and Pageantry which have won WBA California State Championships in 2003, 2005, and 2006. (In addition winning the WBA awards of first place Percussion in 2003 and 2006, and first place Colorguard in 2003 and 2006 at the WBA State Championships) From 2003 through 2006 the marching band only lost one competition within their division (2004 WBA Championships they placed 3rd to two northern California bands) At the WGASC Regional AA Championships they received: silver in 2005, gold in 2006, and bronze in 2007. In 2004 and 2005 the Drumline was also a finalist and placed in the top 10 both years at the WGI World Championships in the Scholastic A division. In a four year period, the marching band, colorguard, and drumline earned 3 State Marching Band Championships, 2 Fall Colorguard Championships, 2 Fall Percussion Championships, Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for the Winterguard, and 2 time finalist at the WGI World Championships.

The NPHS drama program, also known as the "Panther Players", is known for its high quality productions. Recently, productions of Aida, Damn Yankees, Bye Bye Birdie, and The Sound of Music have been put on by the Panther Players at the school's Performing Arts Center.

Recently in 2008, NPHS choral department traveled to Seattle for the Heritage Festival of Gold and brought home seven awards: Gold first to Concert Choir, gold first to Chamber Singers, Boys tenors and bass group, Most spirit of Seattle, Adjudicator's Choice, Best Representatives of their Community, and Invitation to participate in any Gold Festival in the nation. Gold ratings are 90% and higher.

The NPHS Dance Department produces two dance concerts each year in the PAC: one in winter (usually December), and one in spring (usually April). The programs are themed and often include stage decorations, hand props, and elaborate costumes. The shows feature dance numbers from all components of the Dance Department, including the competitive dance team, the all-male dance team, the P.E. Dance Class, and the International Baccalaureate World Studies Dance Class. The show also features comedic skits by student actors between many dance numbers. It is generally a high-tech show, with extravagant lighting and fog effects, microphones, and a powerful sound system.

NPHS also offers a Technical Theatre course designed to expose students to the many jobs and activities of a production team. Students enrolled in the class serve as the technical crew for the school's major events and performances in the PAC.