Visual Arts With such a variety of courses and clubs, visual arts has become a signature program at St. Catharine’s. Students who follow their artistic passion have received scholarships and been accepted into prestigious programs throughout the country. This past year St. Catharine’s students had a 100% passing rate of 3 or more on the AP Art and Design 2D exam. “Arts literacy generates connections with other disciplines, providing opportunities to create, develop and express meaning across a variety of content areas,” Ms. Deborah Ross, art teacher, explains. “Students can explore and express ideas about themselves and their community; and begin to envision possible futures. SCA offers a broad range of visual art courses which include Intro to Art, Drawing & Painting, Fashion Design, Graphic Design and AP Art & Design.” One arts alumna, Ariana Crossman ‘22, is currently studying architecture at Pratt Institute as one of only five students selected as a Wallace Augustus Rayfield Scholar. ”This scholarship is an amazing honor to receive,” Ariana says. “I am extremely grateful to be able to continue Wallace Augustus Rayfield’s legacy and study at his alma mater, Pratt Institute. African-Americans have been historically underrepresented in many fields but especially architecture. This
Music The music program at St. Catharine’s is expanding under the direction of Mr. Stephen Johnson, music teacher. This year SCA has reintroduced choir which meets for daily rehearsal, sings for Mass and will present a Christmas program still in the planning stages. The Introduction to Music class, which is new, teaches students about music in various time periods and important composers throughout history. Students learn the basics of singing and reading music. They also learn about the instruments in the orchestra from strings to percussion and how they all work together. Mr. Johnson says, “We listen and watch lots of performances. It is hoped that the students’ lives are enriched by their awareness of a variety of musical expressions.”
scholarship will allow me to make my mark on the architecture world and increase diversity. With this opportunity I hope I can open doors for others who look like me as well.” Clubs also enhance the arts experience outside the classroom. Students in the Art Club and Photography Club explore their creativity throughout the year and learn from each other as they collaborate. Kristian E.’23, who participated in a special arts program over the summer, describes how SCA is helping her grow artistically. “I’ve been greatly influenced by my fellow art students and my art teacher, Ms. Deborah Ross. I’ve been pushed to go out of my comfort zone and explore different mediums while a part of art classes at SCA.” The depth of the program gives students the opportunity to pursue their passion beyond high school. Over the years, SCA has placed students with scholarships in prestigious college programs, including Pratt Institute, Moore College of Art & Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, School of Visual Arts, New Hampshire Institute of Art, Otis College of Art and Design, Parsons School of Design, and Savannah College of Art and Design.
Mr. Johnson, who has served as a church musician and choral director, has also been teaching since 2008 sharing all his musical experience with his students. He holds a master of music degree in piano performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Mr. Johnson wants to expand the SCA program over the next few years to include a music theory course and an instrumental program. Students say they are glad to be part of the new program, pointing to how it enhances their daily experience. Brianna R. ‘24, says, “Being in the choir and being able to attend rehearsals as a class has been such a nice and peaceful experience. There’s a very stark contrast in mood between my regular classes and choir, in that choir feels so much more freeing and easy going. It’s truly a time to relax and just enjoy singing with my peers.” Yudelis M. ‘23 concludes, “The music program has been such a thrill. It is the best form of free expression. It has been my outlet in a full day of heavy classes. Our music teacher has been so amazing and understanding that in a time, going back to normalcy, he has been the one to make me feel at home.”
Fall 2022
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