Young artists at Saints Peter and Paul School develop not only their individual creativity but also a strong understanding of art and art history. Students increase their art appreciation through a variety of media exploration, including drawing, oil and watercolor painting, clay, ceramics, and much more. Art curriculum focuses on the elements of texture, composition, color theory, balance, and perspective through enjoyable, relaxing methods. During Catholic Schools Week’s Open House, a school-wide Art Show takes place for all of our community to enjoy.
Each year, the middle school students (grades 6, 7, and 8) are invited to try out for the major roles in the annual Spring musical by reading lines or performing a selected song. The entire cast and supporting roles are filled with over forty talented students. Some of the performers are participating in the school production for the first time while others have been cast members of the school’s previous junior productions such as “Beauty and the Beast”, “High School Musical”, “Wicked”, “Oliver!”, “Seussical”, and “The Little Mermaid”.
In March of 2019, “Mary Poppins” was performed on the school’s stage conveniently located in the lower level of the church. As they do each year, a number of dedicated faculty and staff members devoted many hours after school to create stage backdrops and lead the dramatic efforts of the students with their theatrical and musical direction. Parent volunteers assist with props, costume production, backstage assistance, and promotion and will provide support to the cast members each night of the performance.
Because of Saints Peter and Paul’s past years’ fundraising efforts that have allowed for significant enhancements to the stage, lighting, and sound systems, this production has truly become a much anticipated annual school community event.
Studies have shown a natural connection between music and mathematics and reading, where music fundamentals provide a strong foundation for successful comprehension. Even our youngest students in PreKindergarten enjoy weekly music with our Music Director. Music also encourages student self-expression, whether it is in singing, playing an instrument, or creating and performing musical pieces. Students also experience countless opportunities to perform in school events, such as school liturgies, band concerts, choir, and musical productions, which promote a feeling of unity in the school family. Orff instruments and the Kodaly Method are incorporated in the curriculum and a recorder program is used in grades 3-5. Instrumental Band is offered to students beginning in Grade 3.