Offkey is a high school a cappella group which was founded in 1999 by students passionate about singing and performing a cappella music.

Originally formed as an octet, Offkey has developed into many different forms since its establishment. Its success is greatly due to the direction and support of Lori Wagner, the teacher responsible for keeping Offkey working hard and learning music. Offkey has also managed to appear on Varsity Vocal’s Best of High School A Cappella’s 2004 CD and hopes to make it on further Varsity Vocal Albums.

The Isidore Newman School Percussion Ensemble is a performing group that plays a variety of arrangements from Rock to Classical, all uniquely written for the percussion family of instruments. This ensemble has previously performed at alumni events, conventions, the New Parent Dinner, on the WYES auction and WWL-TV’s Naturally N’Awlins segment. They have also entertained fans at halftime and played the Star-Spangled Banner at select New Orleans Hornets NBA basketball games.

The Isidore Newman Concert Band is comprised of students in grades 7-12. As Newman’s top performing band, they are featured several times throughout the school year. This performing ensemble gives formal concerts during the Winter and Spring, competes locally in our District Concert Band Festival, and performs at football games and basketball games. Every other year, they take an out-of-town trip to participate in a National Adjudication Festival.

The Isidore Newman Cadet Band is comprised of students in grades 5 and 6. They perform together during the Winter and Spring concerts. This band also participates in a local district band festival. Members of this ensemble are eligible to play with the Percussion Ensemble as well as the football and basketball bands.

The Isidore Newman School Pep Band is a small group who volunteers to perform at away football games where travel is necessary. They also play at home varsity basketball games. It is an excellent opportunity for students who enjoy athletic events to support their team.

Offkey is an acapella singing group of upper school students who entertain both at Newman and at various community events throughout the school year.

The Upper School Chorus studies choral music as part of upper school fine arts curriculum. They typically perform a public winter concert and a spring concert in the Henson Auditorium as well as concerts for each school division.