Visual Arts

The art program is designed to give students a working knowledge of the tools and language of the visual arts so that they are able to think effectively, work creatively, and know first hand the artistic experience. The offerings of the program are varied and aim to meet the individual needs of the student at any level of development and from any background of artistic experience. It is the goal of the art department that the students will accomplish each of the following:

· Demonstrate proficiency in the art skills, techniques, and concepts used to convey ideas.

· Apply both abstract reasoning and emotional intuitive responses during the art experience.

· Convey ideas through multiple stage techniques and mixed media processes.

· Make knowledgeable aesthetic value judgments based on personal work, the work of other
students, and artists of the past and present.

· Have an art work exhibited and experience art in a gallery or museum setting.

· Understand the relationship of arts to society and demonstrate respect for the expressions of others.

 

Music

The music program at Saint Thomas Academy is designed to promote and direct musical growth, help members become proficient on their chosen instruments or with their voices, and provide a creative outlet for musical talent. The music department also serves as a support group for the Academy at athletic events, liturgies, parades, and concerts where the general public is invited. It is our objective that the students:

· Become proficient at their chosen instruments or with their voices to a level consistent with the average level at each grade.

· Become familiar with different historical styles and composers of music through the performance of balanced repertoires.

· Learn what it is like to be a part of a large group, all working towards the same goal, where the efforts of any one individual are considered essential to achieving that goal.

· Be prepared and motivated enough to continue singing or playing their instruments in college and for life, even if only for recreation.

· Attain the maximum level of achievement the member's talent allows him to reach.

· Note: Physical Education 2 is waived for sophomores in Band/Choir/Orchestra.

 

VISTA Productions

VISTA Productions is committed to providing an exciting, quality exposure to the arts in a strong, stable environment that is in cooperative support of the rich academic curriculum of both Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation School.

We propose to:

• serve as a common ground for interaction between the single-sex student bodies with an attitude of integrity and respect for our human differences
• let students witness artistic (and therefore life) choices that are open and uplifting to the human condition
• provide a professional level theatrical attitude and experience that will develop expression, confidence, self-discipline, creative thinking and problem solving

VISTA Productions’ full-time staff has roots in local professional and regional theatre. It is our goal to further enrich the program by employing local artists who bring their specialized skills to a particular area of a production. Dialect coaches, voice specialists, comedy improvisation masters, professional costume designers and make-up artists are some of the additional talents we bring in to round out the theatrical experience.

We maintain an open and accepting attitude which encourages each student to explore all areas of a production. There are many opportunities in which to develop leadership skills and grow artistically. VISTA Theatre Council is a governing board of students who oversee the season of shows for the school year. We also offer opportunities for students to write, produce, direct and choreograph their own productions.

Our production season is chosen carefully to educate, entertain and enlighten our students as well as the community. We work to provide a challenging mix of classics, musical theatre and contemporary works.