The music program at TBS is rooted in the Orff-Schulwerk, an approach to music instruction that celebrates children’s inherently playful nature through movement, rhythmic speech, singing, pitched percussion (xylophones, metallophones and glockenspiels), and unpitched percussion (body percussion and drums). Students have the opportunity to sing, dance, play instruments, improvise, and compose every time they come to music class. They explore traditional and contemporary music as well as pieces drawn from the Orff-Schulwerk primary source volumes. Students typically enjoy 40-minute music classes twice a week in half-classes.

The Middle School drama program is based on two main ideas: that make-believe as a form of expression and storytelling are natural human endeavors, and that every Middle School student can benefit being exposed to the rigor, and clear expectations of drama training. Beginning in 6th grade, students work with basic improv games and activities. These basics are continued and built upon throughout 7th and 8th grade. The students focus on developing skills in movement, body awareness, observation, concentration, sensory awareness, and imitation. They learn to tell stories using tableaus and pantomime. They also work with basic characterization and role-playing skills, as well as giving and receiving offers in the pair and group improvs. Simple dramatic texts, such as monologues and poems, and small group scenes are introduced as they become more advanced. In December and March, Middle School give a performance on stage for our community.