Fine Arts

Art at The Upper Campus…

Saint Christopher Academy offers a well-rounded art education by developing young artists and critical thinkers.  While focusing on observational drawing, art vocabulary, critical thinking and abstraction throughout the course of the school year. Learning artistic behaviors, students explore various mediums, artistic instruments, organization and responsibility for their work area and supplies. As the year progresses, young artists keep a process notebook binder* to track their work and create a progression timeline throughout their experience with various projects in class. Art at the upper campus offers students a better understanding of their environment, builds artistic confidence and tracks visual successes through creative practice.

7th Grade

Seventh grade artists focus on developing creative skills, art knowledge and concepts of design. Two dimensional lessons start with abstraction, mixed media and move into three dimensional book making and sculpture. Art history and appreciation is integrated into the lessons and framework of the curriculum, while students take creative risks through medium choice and design concepts. 

8th Grade 

Eighth grade artists begin with self-portraiture and focus on “identity” this year. Lessons are designed to interest students through “choice-based” art. Students have more freedom in experimentation in choosing materials and interpretation of art concepts. Students show their work during art critiques and integrative art exercises. Artists explore design and symbolism through observation, art history projects, printmaking, pencil drawing and sculpture.

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Band

This is an elective course available to all grade students who play musical instruments to include winds, strings and percussion. The class also accepts pianists and electric bassists. The class meets once a week on Fridays in lieu of advisory time. The band will give at least two required performances during the year. The dates can be found on the school calendar.

Occasionally, the band will have extra rehearsals outside of school hours to prepare for upcoming performances.

Chorus                     

This is an elective course available to all students who enjoy singing. The class meets once a week on Thursdays in lieu of advisory time. This group leads the congregation during school masses, graduation mass and presents at least two concerts during the school year. These dates can be found on the school calendar. The chorus may also perform in other venues that will be announced well in advance.

Occasionally, the chorus will have extra rehearsals outside of the school hours to prepare for upcoming performances