Allegro Charter School of Music aims to help all students develop world class skills, and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the SC Graduate by infusing music into an academically challenging environment. Each student at Allegro learns piano, voice, and another instrument of their choice. Every student has performed for a public audience during the 2018-2019 school year in large ensembles or in smalls groups at school concerts and Piccolo Spoleto. Students learn the discipline it takes to master musical instruments, the teamwork necessary to form an ensemble, and the reward for taking part in the synergy of music creation. Classes of all content areas teach through music, exploring the relationships of technology to instruments in a time period, social dynamics and song composition, and mathematical formulas to music theory. Students participated in several group projects where they chose their members, decided upon a piece, assigned all the parts, and performed the song on their own instruments. Allegro also has a percussion ensemble, orchestra, band, and school-wide choir. Allegro has a strong partnership with local musicians who perform for our students in monthly concerts, regular masterclasses with professionals, and small-group or individual instruction on an instrument of the student’s choice.
Technology literacy and digital citizenship are emphasized in the entire school with 1:1 iPads in the middle school grades, and MacBooks in high school. Textbooks continue to be all digital and many assignments are submitted electronically, emphasizing real world career skills. Allegro emphasizes rigor in all classrooms with many 8th grade and some 7th grade students taking Algebra 1, English 1, Biology 1, and Spanish 1. The high school offers AP and dual-credit courses. Students use electronic collaboration for many projects, including recording and mixing musical performances, making short films, and visual artwork.
Students have been afforded the opportunity to take in the rich culture and history that Charleston has to offer, through walking field trips to the Gaillard Center, Dock Street Theater, the Battery, and many of the historical gravesites. The Allegro upper choir performed at the Carowinds Festival of Music and earned an excellent rating. Our faculty is extremely flexible and caring, ensuring that every child receives the most personalized and highest quality education possible. The Allegro community and school family are supportive, with a high degree of parent involvement and input.
Daniel Neikirk, Principal
Andy Lyons, Board Chairman
