The Arts

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Art Program

Our focus in Art class is learning to enjoy, appreciate and create art. We look at different styles, cultures and periods of art, as well as create our own masterpieces inspired by the elements of art, principles of design and famous artists. We begin the school year by practicing foundational skills, such as color theory, which help students create more complex projects later on.  A variety of mixed media are used by students such as, chalk, oil pastel, acrylic and water color paints, charcoal, paper mache, and clay.

The arts are an important factor in developing a well­-rounded student. Art is not only an essential part of learning but it also connects students to different cultures, develops aesthetic values, as well as using critical thinking and problem solving skills which are not developed in other subjects. Twice a year, we celebrate the artistic endeavors of St. Mary’s Prep students through the display of select student work at our annual Christmas concert, the Diocesan wide Science/Stem presentations and our own annual Art Show in the spring.  Most importantly, the students will be inspired and develop an appreciation for art and art history.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”                   

    -Pablo Picasso

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. 

Performing Arts

​The Performing Arts program at St. Mary’s Prep is an extracurricular program offered to students in grades 3-8 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. 

Aladdin Jr. ~ Spring Musical
May 18th and 19th

Aladdin Jr.

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

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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.