Theatre & Fine Arts

The music department offers a variety of classes and ensembles that allow students to perform and learn about music history and theory. Such ensembles include Concert Band, Choir, Chamber Singers, Steel pan and Percussion ensemble and afternoon Jazz Band. There are also non-performance classes for students interested in music theory and history such as World Music and Intro to Music I.

• Concert Band is an opportunity for students to perform instrumental music while learning proper technique, music theory, sight-reading, and improvisation. Due to the various styles played by the band all instruments are welcomed however some playing experience is necessary. Selected pieces range from an assortment of genres such as Marches, Pop, Classical and Jazz. Students will perform two concerts a year. Opportunities to audition for the Western Regional Festival are also provided.

• Choir teaches students with no vocal training how to sing. Students study proper breathing technique, sight singing, and stage performance practice. Plus there will be two concerts per year. Repertoire is drawn from sacred and popular songs and stronger singers are encouraged to solo.

• Chamber Singers is an audition-only group for advanced singers that perform more challenging pieces which focus on part harmony and singing Acapella. Opportunities to audition for the Western Regional Festival are also provided.

• Steel Pan is offered to Juniors and Seniors who have proficient skills in reading and performing music. Students will play on authentic steel pan instruments and learn ‘panorama charts” and Caribbean rhythms. In addition there are seminars on the history of pan development and steel pan making. The semester will end with a performance at the school’s spring concert. Previous experience in playing music and reading skills are needed for success in this class.

Students have the opportunity to experience both art history and studio art. Additionally, visual arts plays a large role in the lives of students and faculty alike, with an active pottery club, in addition to the many arts offerings as both classes and clubs.

There are a variety of art shows and competitions with which many students become involved, which builds on the arts life on campus, as well.

 

St Joseph High School boasts an active theatre life. Over four years, all students have the ability to participate in, or to attend, a comedy, a drama, a modern piece, a classical piece, and many musicals. Theater skills relate to all aspects of our students' lives. They become better public speakers, more confident student leaders, and incredibly accepting of the varied personalities which make up the tapestry that is SJHS. With the addition of the sophomore year Theater I elective, all students at SJHS now have the opportunity to hone these life skills before heading off into their futures.

Drama Club
There are over 100 students who participate in the Drama Club's season each year.  Participation includes the performers, technical crew, stage managers, a student board who runs many of the aspects of production, tickets sales, ushering, and so much more. Drama Club is an incredibly inclusive cross-section of the SJHS population, from honors students to CEP, student council reps to athletes: every group on campus is represented. Two productions are mounted each season, with a straight drama or comedy in the fall and a more whimsical musical in the spring. 

Past Drama Club Productions

• Hamlet
• Joseph and the  Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
• Thoroughly Modern Millie
• The Bold, the Young, and the Murdered
• Once Upon a Mattress
• The Importance of Being Earnest
• Godspell
• Our Town

Student Testimonials

“The arts at St Joes have given me a unique opportunity to grow both as a person and a performer in an environment which allows me to express who I am surrounded by people who I know will support me. The arts program at SJ has guided my journey through high school and I am beyond grateful for the home it has become.”  ~ Adele Whitlock ‘20 

"St Joes needs a place where students can express themselves and show our community what we're capable of. I'm so thankful that SJ has that place for me"  ~ Jim McMahon ‘20 

“For me, the St Joes art program has enabled me to discover more about myself and other people.”  ~ Matthew Espilliat ‘20 

“I think its important to learn about the arts because I believe the world wouldn’t be the same without the arts. Art isn’t just a way of expression but a way of living. The arts helps all people see the world in different ways”
~ Jaxon Beirne ‘20 

“Art is, to put it simply, a means of exploring human nature. It allows us to truly understand one another on a level that would not be possible through any other means.”  ~ Andrew Donnelly ‘20 

“Studying the arts at St Joes has helped me grow as a person and come to a better understanding of the human condition. It has allowed me to process my emotions in a way that connects me with the experience of others, helping me to grow in solidarity with my fellow students as well as the world around me.”  ~ Sal Orosz ‘20 

“St Joes makes participating in the arts fun and accessible for students. I’ve been lucky enough to make lifelong friends through performing arts and practice new skills in advanced art classes.” ~ Julia DeCesare ‘20

“The arts at St Joseph High School create an environment where everyone can feel included and at home. It has allowed me to pursue my passions during and after school. They also don't corner you to one passion you can pursue theater, choir, band, and art all at the same time.” 
~ Cassandra Popick ‘20

Photos Courtesy of  Mrs Lisa Russell

 

The SJ Drama Club was Proud to Present William Shakespeare's Hamlet as Our Fall Production! Stay Tuned for Additional Information on our Spring Musical!