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DIRECTED ENSEMBLES ARE DESIGNED FOR ARTISTS DEDICATED TO BEING PART OF A PERFORMING ENSEMBLE, AND EXTEND ACROSS MULTIPLE TRIMESTERS OR MEET 4 DAYS/WEEK WITHIN ONE TRIMSTER. THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT TIME COMMITMENT.
Student participation in a directed ensemble emphasizes continued skill development and refinement through a variety of higher-level skills, techniques, and performance qualities. There is an emphasis on performance in these ensembles.
The following Directed Ensembles require students to AUDITION and sign the Apex+ Auditioned Ensembles Agreement 25-26.
Auditions for Apex Commercial Band and The Wind in the Willows will be held at Studio 39 during Apex+ (3:45pm - 5:00pm) on August 26, 27 and 28.
Students may be asked to come on one, two, or three days.
Auditions for Apex Arts Repertory and Studio Dance Companies and Rising Stars Vocal Company have already commenced.
TO REGISTER FOR FOR AN AUDITION, CLICK THE BUTTON DOWN BELOW AFTER THE DESCRIPTIONS.
Beginning in the Fall Trimester
Beginning in the Fall Trimester
APEX COMMERCIAL BAND
Director: RiveraMondays/WednesdaysFall, Winter, and Spring TrimestersAPEX COMMERCIAL BAND
Auditions to be held August 26-28
Love playing music and performing live? Apex Commercial Band is a high-energy group of musicians who come together to play popular music from the past few decades—rock, pop, funk, soul, blues, ska, punk, and more. Whether you're a drummer, bassist, keyboardist, guitarist, vocalist, or brass/woodwind player, this is your chance to collaborate with other talented musicians and grow as a performer.
You'll rehearse twice a week during Apex+ as you prepare for exciting live performances throughout the school year. We’ll focus on building your skills, confidence, and stage presence—everything you need to be part of a modern commercial band.
Apex Commercial Band is open to 9th–12th graders and runs all year (fall, winter, and spring). You must audition during the first week of school to join and commit to the full season.
The band represents Apex Arts and AACPS at school and community events, so get ready to take the stage and make some noise!
Click the button below for audition info and details.
APEX+ FALL MAINSTAGE:
APEX+ FALL MAINSTAGE:
"THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS'
Directors: Chilcote & GerbasiMondays through ThursdaysFall Trimester "THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS'
Auditions to be held August 26-28
Calling all animal lovers, mischief makers, and theatre folks! This fall, jump into the wildly whimsical world of The Wind in the Willows, where talking animals have very human-sized problems. You’ll meet Toad — a flashy, over-the-top thrill-seeker with a serious obsession for motorcars (and maybe a slight problem with the law). His loyal friends Rat, Mole, and Badger are always one step behind, trying to save him from himself…and the occasional weasel invasion.
This fast-paced, family-friendly fantasy is full of heart, hilarity, and hijinks — and you can be part of bringing it to life on stage! Whether you love to act, move, or just want to be part of a magical ensemble, this is your chance to shine.
Rehearsals run Monday through Thursday during Apex+ all fall trimester long. Open to students who are ready to work hard, play hard, and maybe fly an imaginary airplane or two.
Performances are November 21 (elementary school audience 10am, middle school Apex PAE 2pm, and general audience 6:30pm) and November 22 (for a general audience at 1pm and 4pm).
Let’s make some theatre magic — we’ll see you on the riverbank!
APEX REPERTORY & STUDIO DANCE COMPANIES
Directors: Hawkins & CaffeeTuesdays/ThursdaysFall, Winter, and Spring Trimester APEX REPERTORY & STUDIO DANCE COMPANIES
Auditions for the 2025-2026 season have already been held.
The Apex Arts Repertory and Studio Dance Companies are ensembles of dancers determined by auditions held in May 2025. There are no further auditions scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year.
If you were selected for either company, your rehearsal and performance hours are credited toward your Apex+ requirement. You will meet twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) during Apex+ (approx. 3:20-4:35) for rehearsals. This is required for the fall, winter, and spring trimesters.
Company dancers represent the Apex Arts Dance Magnet at AACPS Dance Festivals, Maryland Public High School Dance Showcase, and Regional/National High School Dance Festivals, as well as other performance opportunities throughout the school year. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled outside of the Apex+ structure.
While it is recommended all students engage in Apex+ Projects, your full participation in these ensembles can cover your Apex+ requirement.
APEX RISING STARS VOCAL COMPANY
Directors: Levine & ZinskiTuesdays/ThursdaysFall, Winter, and Spring Trimester APEX RISING STARS VOCAL COMPANY
Auditions for the 2025-2026 season have already been held.
Sing it all. Own the stage.
Auditions have commenced, and the stage is set! Apex Rising Stars Vocal Company is a high-energy, auditioned group for vocalists who love variety and want to grow as confident, dynamic performers.
Throughout the year, you’ll sing music from tons of genres—pop, rock, folk, a cappella, musical theater, holiday hits, classical madrigals, and more. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your vocal technique, learn how to move and sing with power, and bring every performance to life with style and confidence.
Together with Ms. Levine and Ms. Zinski, you’ll help build setlists for real performances in the community, collaborate with fellow singers, and develop the skills it takes to thrive as a versatile artist—on any stage.
Already auditioned? Get ready to dive in. This year’s going to be something special.
Beginning in the Winter Trimester
Beginning in the Winter Trimester
Do not require an audition, but do require musical experience at the level of a performing ensemble. First come, first served like all other Apex+ courses.
ELECTRO-ROCK ORCHESTRA
Director: HiotisMondays/WednesdaysWinter and Spring TrimestersELECTRO-ROCK ORCHESTRA
Must engage in both trimesters. No auditions. Experience is required.
Class has reached capacity and is utilizing a waitlist.
Have you ever wanted to play string or woodwind instruments in a rock band? Or turn your violin into a synth? Are you a guitarist that's interested in playing with orchestral musicians? Come join us in Electro-Rock Orchestra!
Electro-Rock is a chance to make music without the limitation of a traditional rock band or traditional orchestra. By introducing pedals, synths, and instrumentals not typically found in a band, we can create music that is unique and borrows from different styles. We take songs from all genres and make it our own.
At the end of Spring Trimester, in June, Electro-Rock put on a dynamic show as part of the Spring Showcase and Open House!
INSTRUMENTAL CHAMBER MUSIC
Director: SheaMondays/WednesdaysWinter and Spring TrimestersINSTRUMENTAL CHAMBER MUSIC
May chooose one or both trimesters. No auditions. Experience is required.
Instrumental Chamber Music is a course designed to empower students with efficient and effective techniques for practicing and preparing chamber music.
With one person on a part, students will learn leadership and collaboration skills.
Students will select a desired genre of music and performance goals and work to realize their potential through various strategies and tools to maximize their musical progress on a selected piece with a small group of musicians.
This project will present at the WINTER WORKS scheduled for February 25.
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