Knightly News

This year’s Senior Knight football game opened with members of the Squire Choir proudly singing the national anthem. The special moment was made possible in part thanks to an intentional effort to provide Episcopal students access to more frequent music lessons.

The Episcopal Performing Arts Academy began four years ago with 44 students. Today, 200 students are learning piano, voice, guitar, violin or drums. Academy Director Tori Taylor says the lessons are conveniently offered during the school day in one of seven practice studios on the Episcopal campus. Taylor meticulously plans Lower School lessons for non-academic times and schedules Middle and Upper School students during flex and office hours. The ease of access is a tremendous benefit for families. The availability of lessons serves a need among students.

“I do this because it makes my heart happy.” Taylor often hears statements like this from her students. As the school’s former Extended Care Director, she remembers students singing and dancing after school hours. As she got to know the students, she realized they truly desired additional music instruction. Her hunch was correct, and once established, the academy exploded. “They have found so much joy in music because it makes them feel good,” says Taylor.

Arts Academy lessons are intentionally designed to be encouraging and nurturing. If students need a moment to decompress from the school day thus far, instructors provide that. If students need to review a music lesson they’ve already covered, that’s fine, too. Taylor and the other instructors meet the students where they are and provide them with the musical instruction they need, whether music is a hobby or something more. The lessons also positively reinforce the music instruction students receive in the classroom setting. The goal is to encourage music appreciation and offer a creative outlet. 

As the Arts Academy excels, the school as a whole benefits. “Our choir is growing, and theater is growing,” says Taylor. She points out the Squire Choir, which performed the anthem, students performing in chapel and the student violinists who will perform at this year’s Santa Brunch. The academy offers students the confidence and skills to participate in these meaningful campus events. Taylor says the performing arts teachers are also taking note, and many are pleased to see that students arrive at their classes knowing the basics, like how to read music and play an instrument.

To celebrate student progress, the Performing Arts Academy hosts four recitals twice a year. In addition, the academy recently began hosting a solo competition each spring. Professional judges are brought in, and all instruments, including voice, are invited to participate. The experience offers students and teachers additional feedback that can be used to plan lessons going forward. It also inspires students to do their best. “Competing is in their blood,” says Taylor. “These experiences push them to achieve goals.”

The Episcopal Performing Arts Academy is much more than music. It’s a community of students exploring their talents and gaining valuable life skills. The academy offers a convenient way for students to pursue the arts while excelling in countless other areas. The Episcopal community is sure to appreciate the efforts of these creative students at the next big event.

Good luck to all of the Performing Arts Academy students performing in this weekend's recital!

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.