Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (at least two years of experience required) - Monday 6:30-7:30 pm

The Thaden Community Youth Orchestra (TCYO) prepares and inspires students to grow as confident, creative musicians in a unique opportunity to develop discipline, their musicianship, and meaningful friendships. Thaden Community Youth Orchestra students receive a blend of group and individual coaching designed to strengthen technical skills and enhance musical expression, under the direction of passionate, inspiring, and experienced music educators. This guided experience in a full-orchestra music setting encourages problem-solving, respectful peer feedback, and independence qualities that support success in school and future careers, while also refining their individual musical skills. Music educators select a performing repertoire that challenges and inspires values of collaboration, creativity, and personal excellence. TCYO provides an opportunity for students to build community with music students from across NWA.

The program begins with auditions each season to ensure students are placed in the appropriate group based on their skill level. Students must have at least two years of experience on an orchestral instrument to join the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

Chamber Music Ensembles (participation in Philharmonic Youth Orchestra required) - Monday 4:30-5:20 pm

TCYO offers chamber music ensemble opportunities for Middle and Upper School students to grow as confident musicians and responsible leaders. Whether string, wind, or percussion, participants build accountability, focus, listening skills, and artistic self-assurance while improving collaboration skills. Students refine technical aspects of playing their instrument in a small ensemble while also learning to communicate musically without a conductor. Through inspiring coaching, students engage in a meaningful repertoire where every part is important.

Students must be members of the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra to participate in Chamber Music Ensembles.  

Prelude Ensemble (beginners with less than two years of experience) - Monday 5:30-6:30 pm

Named after a musical piece that begins a performance, this ensemble is designed for students with two or fewer years of experience (some experience is required) on any orchestral instrument and offers a welcoming, supportive environment to grow musically. Our experienced music educators and performers will guide students toward excellent playing and strong musicianship. Regardless of age, participants will develop their instrumental technique and ensemble skills, both essential elements in becoming well-rounded musicians.

The season begins with auditions each August to ensure students are placed in the appropriate group based on their skill level.

Creative States: Theatre for Kindergarten and Grade 1 (formerly Trike Theatre Academy)

Through the magic of creative play and character exploration, students develop the foundational tools of an actor, including character building, storytelling, improv, vocal production and speech, musical theatre, directing, and theatre production design. From mastering the art of creative expression to bringing storybook characters to life, participants will build confidence while learning the principles of artistic partnership and collective problem-solving. The trimester culminates in a festive showcase where these budding storytellers will share their favorite characters and creative discoveries with an audience.

The course can be taken for a single trimester or the entire year. No auditions or prior experience required.

Creative Stages: Theatre for Grades 2-4 (formerly Trike Theatre Academy)

Building upon their natural curiosity and existing creative skills, students will dive deeper into the technical craft of the stage. While no prior theater experience is required, this course challenges participants to expand their foundational tools—including character building, storytelling, improv, vocal production and speech, musical theatre, directing, and theatre production design. From mastering the art of character creation to bringing complex narratives to life, students will strengthen their confidence as they practice the vital skills of ensemble and collaboration. The trimester culminates in a festive showcase where these maturing storytellers will share their best work and creative discoveries with an audience.

This course can be taken for a single trimester or the entire year. No auditions or prior experience required.

Creative Stages: Movement for Kindergarten and Grade 1

In this vibrant introduction to rhythm and physical expression, students explore the body’s potential as a powerful tool for storytelling and self-discovery. This course invites our youngest movers to engage with the fundamental principles of rhythm, spatial awareness, and physical coordination in an environment that celebrates every child’s unique range of motion. Through a series of collaborative exercises and imaginative prompts, participants learn how to translate thoughts and feelings into intentional movement, fostering a deeper connection between the mind and body. While developing their individual agility, students also practice the principles of artistic partnership and collective problem solving as they create shared patterns and synchronized sequences. From time to time, students will present a festive showcase, where they demonstrate their newfound confidence and the joy of moving together as an ensemble.

No auditions or prior experience required for this year-long course. This course is led by the professional dance of the NWA Ballet Theatre.

Creative Stages: Movement for Grades 2-4

This course invites students to refine their agility and explore movement as a sophisticated medium for communication. While no prior athletic experience is required, participants will challenge themselves to expand their physical vocabulary, focusing on the technical elements of balance, core strength, and rhythmic precision. Students investigate how intentional motion can convey complex ideas, learning to use their bodies to articulate mood, narrative, and abstract concepts. Beyond individual growth, the class emphasizes the vital skills of ensemble and collaboration as students work together to choreograph sequences and navigate shared space with awareness. From time to time, students will present a festive showcase featuring these maturing movers, showcasing their best work and the creative power of collective motion.

No auditions or prior experience required for this year-long course. This course is led by the professional dance of the NWA Ballet Theatre.

We are able to offer a limited number of scholarships to families who demonstrate financial need. Students may receive a scholarship valued up to full tuition to participate in a community program. Please fill out this form to request a Thaden Community Programs Scholarship. Requests are reviewed in the order they are received.

Thaden Community Youth Orchestra students should wear comfortable clothes that allow them to easily play their instruments during rehearsal. For concerts, orchestra students will wear all black.

Creative Stages students should wear comfortable clothes that allow them to move easily. Cotton socks are required for Creative Stages: Movement classes.

Thaden Community Youth Orchestra students should bring their instruments, music, and a water bottle.

Creative Stages students should bring a water bottle.

A parent or guardian will be contacted should your child require medical care other than routine first aid. In case of emergency, we will access 911 and contact the parent or guardian as soon as possible.

Thaden School reserves the right to modify program activities due to inclement weather. In the event of severe weather, the campus may be closed for safety reasons. In the event of campus closure, Thaden School will make every effort to provide a makeup class.

Call the Main Office at 479-268-5321. If calling after 5:30 pm or on the weekend, please leave a voicemail or email Megan Steely.