At Miami Country Day School, the arts inspire creativity, self-expression, and lifelong learning. Through exceptional programs, dedicated faculty, and world-class facilities, students are encouraged to explore their talents, find their voice, and grow as artists and Individuals.
A Welcome Message from TERRY ALPHONSO, DIRECTOR OF ARTS EDUCATION AND PROGRAMMING
“It is a dream come true to be teaching in the Arts at Miami Country Day School. Our beautiful Center for the Arts is an extraordinary place to explore and grow. Each day our incredibly talented and dedicated faculty are working with students in creating, rehearsing, and expanding their potential in every way. Students and teachers immersed in their passions; a wonder to behold…we are truly living the dream!”
Terry Alfonso
Director of Arts Education and Programing
OUR ARTS PROGRAMS
At MCDS, Students engage in multiple arts disciplines, including music, theater, dance, and visual arts.
dance
Is dancing where you shine?
Our dance program builds a strong foundation in movement, creativity, and musicality while helping students grow as confident performers. Students explore a variety of styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tap, Theatrical, and Latin Dance.
Step into Dance
Music
Can you hear the music?
Our Music Program inspires creativity, artistry, and self-expression through a wide range of performance opportunities and ensembles. From PreK through Grade 12, students develop their musical talents while building confidence, collaboration, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
Find Your Sound
tHEATRE
Do you love being on stage?
Our Theater Program inspires creativity, confidence, and collaboration through performance and storytelling. Students of all experience levels develop their skills through plays, musicals, and other theatrical experiences while growing as artists and individuals.
Step into Character
Visual Arts
Do you love to create?
Our Visual Arts Program encourages creativity, self-expression, and artistic exploration through a variety of hands-on experiences. Students develop their skills and individual artistic voices while learning to observe, interpret, and engage with the world through art.
Express your Creativity
The Heart of the ARTS
An award-winning creative hub where students learn, perform, explore, and thrive in world-class facilities.
The award-winning Center for the Arts (CFA) is a vibrant home for creativity and artistic excellence at Miami Country Day School. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology that rivals leading arts centers around the world, the CFA provides exceptional spaces for learning, performance, artistic exploration, and community engagement. Home to our dance, music, theater, and visual arts programs, the center also features the 636-seat John Davies Theater.
The Legacy of Dr. John Davies
Honoring a champion of the arts and the visionary behind a transformative chapter in MCDS history.
The John Davies Theater is named in honor of Dr. John Davies, whose leadership and dedication helped elevate the arts as a central part of the Miami Country Day School experience. A passionate advocate for creative expression and an artist himself, Dr. Davies believed deeply in the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and enrich our community. His Robert Indiana-inspired sculpture welcomes visitors to campus as a lasting symbol of that commitment.
Today, the John Davies Theater serves as the centerpiece of our award-winning Center for the Arts and home to the John Davies Cultural Arts Series, which brings visiting artists, performers, and thought leaders to our campus. Through these experiences, Dr. Davies’ legacy continues to inspire students and strengthen our vibrant arts community.
John Davies Cultural Arts Master Class Series
Connecting students with world-class artists, mentors, and creative experiences that inspire the next generation of innovators and performers.
The John Davies Cultural Arts Master Class Series offers students unparalleled opportunities to learn directly from accomplished artists, performers, and thought leaders. Through immersive workshops, master classes, conversations, and collaborative experiences, students gain valuable insight into professional creative practices while developing their own artistic voice and vision.
More than a performance or presentation, each master class creates meaningful connections between students and experts in their fields, providing mentorship, inspiration, and real-world perspectives. By fostering curiosity, creativity, and artistic excellence, the series empowers students to explore new possibilities, deepen their craft, and engage with the arts in transformative ways.
Snarky Puppy
Snarky Puppy
(Micahel League, Justin Stanton, Chris Bullock, and Zach Brock)
Snarky Puppy is a genre-defying, Grammy-winning collective founded in 2004 by bassist Michael League, blending jazz, R&B, funk, and global influences. With a rotating lineup of up to 25 musicians, they have won five Grammy Awards—Best R&B Performance (2014) and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album (2016, 2017, 2021, 2023). Many of their members have collaborated with major artists like Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, D’Angelo, Kirk Franklin, and David Crosby. They continue to push musical boundaries through their independent label, GroundUP Music.
Snarky Puppy was one of the most enlightening Master Classes I’ve ever been to as a musician. It helped me learn how to intertwine the melody into my jazz solos on the guitar. The members of Snarky Puppy spoke to us in ways that were easy to understand. I felt that I grew as a musician and I continue to apply the skills I learned in my everyday playing.
Luca Aceto
Class of 2027
Janet Dacal and Marcos Santana
Janet Dacal and Marcos Santana
(Janet Dacal and Marcos Santana)
Our Upper School Theatre program trained with original In the Heights cast members Janet Dacal and Marcos Santana- gaining professional insight, inspiration, and momentum as we prepare for our spring musical, In the Heights! We are so excited to be part of the Arshties!
Marcus Blake
MARCUS bLAKE
(Rose Miller, Marcus Blake)
We welcomed Marcus Blake, who worked with our Lower School students with creating dynamic and intricate collages and acrylic paintings on canvas, each piece a testament to my diverse creative vision and commitment to artistic expression.
PK Tonning-Kollwitzence
PK Tonning-Kollwitzence
(PK Tonning-Kollwitzence)
Melissa “PK” Tonning-Kollwitz, an international voice and text coach, worked closely with our Upper School theater students, refining their accents and delivery for their production of Sweeney Todd. PK also provided masterclasses in Vocal Transformation to help the Senior Upper School theater students prepare for their One Person Shows.
ARTS Diploma endorsement
The Arts Diploma Endorsement is an advanced Upper School program designed for students who demonstrate a deep commitment to the arts and wish to pursue a sustained, personalized artistic journey.
Available to students in Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts, the endorsement provides opportunities for students to deepen their craft, develop their artistic voice, engage with the broader community, and showcase their growth through a culminating presentation.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or through performance, students are challenged to move beyond participation and toward mastery, reflection, and meaningful artistic contribution.
