Fine Arts
Music
Music is taught from kindergarten through sixth grade and is a comprehensive program that includes music appreciation, rhythm, reading basic notation, historical and cultural music, the variety of types of music, liturgical music, and the basic knowledge and use of simple instruments. Students in grades K-6 learn choral music, basic rhythm instruments, recorder, and glockenspiel. Performances in Advent and in Spring showcase their development.
Dramatic Arts
Fine Arts Curriculum
Students in grades 7 and 8 explore methods of communication through performing arts, including individual and group performances. Activities across the two grade levels include writing monologues, developing commercials, representing a person or idea through individual performance, and performing in a school play.
The curricular focus of the 7th grade is toward developing student confidence in performance and teaching students to communicate in a variety of modes. The culminating activity for students in 7th grade is the "wax museum" during which students represent their "museum" exhibit with monologue, costume, and props.
The focus for 8th grade is on working together to produce an entertaining performance for the school. The culminating activity for 8th grade students is the spring musical. Students have roles in set preparation, backstage support, technical crew (lights and sound), and acting.
Enrichment Program - Drama Club
The Drama Club provides opportunities for students whose interests are in the arts to express and grow their talents. Students in grades 4-8 work together to produce a musical. Students in younger grade may participate in the ensemble. Students can choose acting roles or responsibilities in set design, lighting, or sound. In addition to the success of the production, students experience the opportunity to work with students in different grade levels. Friendships are formed across the grades, and students effectively learn from one another.
Art
The St. Charles art program begins in the classroom. Primary grades complete weekly art projects, many of which are themed by both Catholic and American national traditions, for example art in Lent and art for Thanksgiving. Upper grade student artwork is incorporated in project cover art, posters, book reports, science displays, and three-dimensional construction.
Art in the classroom is supplemented by the Art4Schools program K-8 that provides art projects of varying genres, styles, and media of specific artists. Parent volunteers support this component of art instruction at St. Charles.
Taught by professional art instructors from the Art4Schools program and supported by St. Charles’ parent volunteers, this program enriches St. Charles students’ creative expression, art appreciation, and artistic technical skills.
Art themes include:
- Art from World Cultures- inspires students to explore diverse cultures and perspectives
- Ceramic and Sculptural Arts- teaches basic techniques in building form and developing 3-D concepts
- Art by the Masters- teaches techniques such as line, color and self-portraits, giving students an historical context for their own creations
Tiger Talent Show
The Tiger Talent Show provides an occasion for students to share their dedication and showcase their individual talents with all students at St. Charles School. Performances of piano, dance, vocals, and other talents provide an opportunity for the entire student body to celebrate the artistic gifts of their schoolmates.