Getting Creative

From crayons to computers, singing to composing, acting to set-building, all of our students take part in the Arts at St. Michael's. Each program that we offer is highlighted below; however, the best way to see our students' talents is through our annual ArtsFest in May, our school performances, and by simply walking the halls of our buildings.

Art and Studio Art

The overall goal of our Art program is to provide an environment that nurtures a child's innate artistic ability, stimulates creative problem solving, and fosters life long love and appreciation of the visual arts.

Middle School students also explore Art History, multiple creative materials from clay to stained glass, as well as design. Students participating in Studio Art work independently in the art studio with a faculty advisor who encourages discovery in media use and creative vision.

Band

Middle School students have the opportunity to play in one of two band ensembles. The "A" Band is comprised of students with a year or more of instrumental expertise, and plays a variety of music. The "B" Band provides an opportunity for beginners to play in an ensemble situation.

Computer Graphics

In our Computer Graphics class, students create digital art and graphic design projects using the same software tools as professionals in the field: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Quark. Projects in this class include packaging design, advertisement design, as well as computer arts.

General Music

Formal music classes begin in the first grade. As our students progress through the Lower School, they learn singing, clapping, patting, tapping, and rhythms. By the 3rd Grade, Recorders and reading printed music are introduced.

General music classes continue in the Middle School, but with more of an academic bent. 5th and 6th Grades study families of instruments, selected American and European composers, as well as singing and playing Mettalphones. In addition to studying music history, the 7th and 8th Grades learn music notation, culminating in the creation and notion of an original song.

Theatre

The St. Michael's Theatre Department includes all students from grades 1-8, with the goal of enriching the students' learning and appreciation of theatre through play, improvisation, study, design, and performance.

In the Lower School, the curriculum builds on the natural desire to playact and imagine stories. Young actors create characters and scenes, culminating in a performance during the year.

As part of the Arts program, Middle School students can choose between two separate course offerings: introduction to acting or the full-year performance class. The performance class mounts three productions each year in addition to after-school productions that rehearse through the winter and performs in March. Recent productions have included The Wizard of Oz, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Technical Theatre

A unique aspect of our theatre department is the Middle School course in Technical Theatre. In this course, students learn the basics of theatre from the backstage perspective. The curriculum includes set design and construction, stage make-up, costumes, lighting, and sound.