All Middle School students are required to participate in one of four music ensembles (select mixed chorus, chamber orchestra, jazz ensemble, or instrumental music ensemble), dance, or theater arts; students who have no experience in performing arts may take Performing and Creative Arts. Students are placed in an appropriate ensemble after completing an audition with the performing arts faculty in the spring. In addition, Middle School students have the opportunity to receive instruction on a variety of instruments at The Rivers School Conservatory. Lessons typically last 30-45 minutes. Instructors expect students to practice daily. A separate brochure from The Conservatory describes the range of offerings and applicable fees. Private lessons are usually scheduled around sports practices on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons. All sixth and seventh-grade students learn public speaking skills as part of their humanities curricula, and eighth-grade students are required to write and deliver formal speeches. Students are required to take a drama class during sixth grade.