Fine Arts
Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy believes that music and art are important and powerful aspects of our humanity that help open our minds to endless opportunities. Through music, theater, and art, our students discover their own artistic potential, develop stronger leadership and teamwork skills, and experience the power of self-esteem and self-discipline.
Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy believes that music and art are important and powerful aspects of our humanity that help open our minds to endless opportunities. Through music, theater, and art, our students discover their own artistic potential, develop stronger leadership and teamwork skills, and experience the power of self-esteem and self-discipline.
Music
Music instruction is provided to every student at every grade level once a week during the school day. It is also provided as a component to the Academy’s extended day programming and week-long “music camps” in February and June.
In the Pre-K to K2 years, students learn intonation, aural development and rhythym patterns with an emphasis on the Kodaly and Solfege methods, both of which enhance a student’s understanding of music theory.
First grade students learn the melodic scale by using bells while second grade students use the bells go learn the chromatic scale. Students in grade three and four all participate in a tin whistle program that introduces them to a wind instrument while encouraging site-reading.
Violin has become the Academy’s musical forte. The violin is specifically emphasized during the fifth grade when every student learns to play this difficult but rewarding instrument. Students continue with the violin into the sixth grade increasing their confidence and enjoyment. Our violin program is one of the largest strings programs within the city of Boston. The strings ensemble performs at more than twenty public venues in and around Boston each year.
In grades six, seven and eight, students work on music appreciation, genres and contemporary music. All students participate in the choral program.
Visual Arts
Weekly classes in the visual arts incorporate study of various media, as well as instructions in art genres and art history. Students are encouraged to explore the visual and tactile aspects of creating art through drawing, painting and sculpture. Age-appropriate instruction in art appreciation and art history are incorporated in the curriculum.
Each month, Academy teachers choose two students from each campus as the “Artist of the Month”. The winners’ artwork is prominently displayed for all students, parents and teachers to see. Students are is also displayed in the annual Spring Arts Festival.
Arts at Extended Day
The Academy offers an Extended Day Fine Arts Enrichment Program where students receive 45 minute weekly classes in:
Violin – Through our partnership with New England Conservatory and Suzuki Institute of Boston, small group classes are offered for students in PreK – Grade 8.
Guitar – These classes are a fun introduction to acoustic guitar for students in Grades 2 – 8. Students advance quickly in these group classes as they study different genres while chords and strumming styles are developed.
Keyboard – Small group classes are taught to students in Grades 1 – 8 where the child is introduced to the fundamentals of keyboard.
Dance – Through the medium of dance, students in PreK – Grade 8 will explore some of the worldwide style dances including Salsa, Cha-Cha, Meringue, Bachata, African Dance and Hip-Hop.
Strings Ensemble Program – This program is open to all students and takes place on Mondays from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. There is no charge to participate.
Academy Theater Program – This program is open to all students in Grades 2 – 8. Theater takes place on Thursdays from 6 – 8:30PM. Past productions have included The Lion King, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Wiz, Seussical the Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop, Bye Bye Birdie, Annie, and Once on This Island.
Congratulations to our February Artists of the Month!
Learn MoreThe Academy is a legacy school of St. Angela, St. Ann, St. Gregory, St. Mark, St. Kevin, St. Margaret, Blessed Mother Teresa, St. Peter, and St. William parishes in Dorchester, MA.