The Arts

Art Program

The Art Program at SMP provides students with opportunities to experience different art techniques and skills. Problem solving skills are developed through creative thinking. Students also develop a knowledge of art appreciation which will help them to see parallels between themselves and past and present cultures.

Music Program

The mission of the St. Mary’s Music Program is to foster the development of basic musical skills and nurture the innate curiosity for music in every student.  Students will acquire a sense of rhythm and pitch, develop literacy of rhythms in music notation, build a repertoire of songs, and perform in a Christmas and Spring Concert.

​Michael Donahue, St. Mary’s Prep’s music teacher, is a professional classical guitarist.  Mr. Donahue will be taking his students on a journey from the 16th Century to the Present using the guitar as a vehicle.  Whether it be through in class performances of works from the Guitar Literature or through recordings and videos of other instrumentations, students will be exposed to music from a variety of styles and time periods including the traditions of Western Music spanning from the Medieval to Contemporary Eras, Jazz, World Music, and Popular Music. 

Choir

The youth choir sings on various Sundays during the school year, and special seasonal celebrations. The rehearsal schedule is determined at the beginning of September. The age for youth choir is 3rd grade to 8th grade. 

New members are always welcome! If interested, please call Trish Vitaletti at 973-627-0269.x814 or trishstm@gmail.com

Partesi Music

Students in grades 1-8 who are interested in learning to play an instrument and learning to play in a band may sign up with Partesi Music Company, an organization which operates independently from the school, but which uses the school facilities and school time for the teaching of lessons. The band performs at least once a year in the spring.

Performing Arts

​The Performing Arts program at St. Mary’s Prep is an extracurricular program offered to students in grades 4-8 that are interested in the performing arts. Our main goals are to aid in building students’ confidence and individuality, exposing them to the musical and dramatic aspects of the performing arts, and building upon public speaking skills and knowledge. Students have the opportunity to engage in dramatic arts workshops, as well as, audition and perform in an annual musical.