Music, dance and drama
Music, dance and drama (MDD) is where many students find a voice they did not know they had. Every student takes part through their house, and the best performers go on to represent the school at MDD festivals.
Applications are open for Senior 1, Senior 5 and transfer students.
The stage is for everyone
MDD is not only for students who are already talented. Every student from Senior 1 to Senior 6 takes part through their house, and for some it is the first time they have ever performed.
Houses rehearse through the term and then compete at the inter-house MDD festival in music, dance and drama. Students can take part in one of the three or in all of them.
"Performing builds a confidence that stays with you, in interviews, at work and in life."
What we perform
Each house competes in all three every term.
Choir and singing
Group singing and choir, with Ugandan songs old and new.
Cultural and modern
Traditional Ugandan and East African dances, with costumes and staging.
Plays and poetry
Short plays and spoken poetry. Students learn to speak clearly and hold an audience.
More about MDD
- 1The inter-house MDD festivalEvery term the four houses compete in music, dance and drama. A panel of judges scores each item, and the points go towards the house cup. It is one of the loudest and happiest days of the school year.
- 2The school MDD teamThe best performers from the house festival are picked for the school team, which represents the school at MDD festivals with other schools.
Confidence
Standing in front of an audience makes it easier to speak up in class and in public.
Creativity
Writing a play, making up a dance or arranging a song means thinking of something new.
Teamwork
A good performance needs every member of the group to play their part.
Culture
Learning traditional songs and dances helps students know and be proud of their heritage.
Language
Learning lines and speaking them well helps with English, essays and oral exams.
Coping with nerves
Getting ready for a show teaches students to stay calm and deliver when it matters.
Further studies
- Makerere University and other universities teach music, dance, drama and theatre
- Kyambogo University and teachers' colleges train music teachers
- Experience in MDD can support an application to study the arts
Work in the arts
- Singers, dancers and actors on stage, screen and radio
- Music recording and sound work, a growing industry in Uganda
- Film, television and radio production
- Planning events and running arts and cultural programmes
Not every student will perform for a living, but the confidence MDD gives is useful in any career.
Who takes part
- Every student from Senior 1 to Senior 6 takes part in house MDD
- No experience is needed. Many students find a talent they did not know they had
- Shy students often grow in confidence in a choir or a play
- Students who already sing, dance or act are given bigger roles and help lead their house
- Boys and girls take part in all three arts
- Students can also help behind the scenes, writing scripts, making up dances, making costumes or running the stage
Getting into the school team
- Take a full part in your house rehearsals and the festival.
- The MDD teacher watches students through the term.
- Students are picked for how they perform, their attitude and their commitment.
- Tell the MDD teacher or the Entertainment Prefect you are interested at the start of term.
An MDD teacher runs rehearsals, chooses items, organises costumes and staging and travels with the school team. The Entertainment Prefect helps organise the houses.
Places for 2027
Apply for Senior 1 or Senior 5 and join a house from your first day.