Finding Beauty
By Cathie Stamps Fine Arts Department Chair
Alive to Beauty and Art Alive to Beauty and Art
FINE ARTS
VOCA L M AST E R C LASS WIT H BR OA DWAY STAR S
In honor of our patroness St. Cecilia, the fine arts program strives to embody St. Cecilia’s love for beauty and for God. Furthermore, the philosophy of the different artistic areas stresses the idea that self-discipline is a positive and necessary foundation for success in the arts. Beginning with the freshman year, all freshmen are required to take Visual and Performing Arts, otherwise known as VAP. On a rotating basis the students attend speech/drama, art, and dance. The course is an overview of the fine arts. By the end of the school year the students have gained an appreciation of the diversity within the arts and often discover hidden talents they did not know they possessed. The year culminates with an event called Arts Parts, a celebration of class accomplishments. The freshmen perform dances, monologues, and one act plays they have written. Their art work is displayed in a gallery setting. Students in choir or chamber ensemble also perform during the evening. After the freshman year, most students opt to take additional classes in the arts. They develop skills to critique individual work, as well as the works of fellow students and of the great artists. Applying new techniques to hands-on projects, the students become dedicated to the excellence that the fine arts demand.
Two major productions are produced each year, including a musical every fall. The Forensics Team competes in regional and national tournaments. The Dance Company presents a recital each spring. Visual artists show their work in various competitions, such as the Scholastic Art Awards. Choir members audition for Mid-state and Allstate competitions. Chamber Ensemble performs at various local events. At St. Cecilia all of the arts perform at various school events such as St. Cecilia Day Fine Arts Presentation, the Christmas show, Grandparents’ Day and the aforementioned Arts Parts. These events and others allow the students to share their talents with an audience and to receive accolades for their dedication and diligent work.
As the SCA artists hurry to complete a portfolio for Studio Art AP, to learn the final harmonies for a choral competition, to perfect ensemble performances for play production, to rally together for a final forensics rehearsal before a competition, to tighten the formations for a dance performance or to perfect chamber ensemble charts, St. Cecilia remains arts remain a flourishing inspiration in modern times.
12 | HARPSTRINGS
Chaz Wolcott (currently on tour with Newsies; past - Cats) and Abigail Gatlin (touring with Beauty and the Beast; a Rockette), friends and colleagues of dance teacher Leigh Anne Ervin (far right) taught a vocal master class for SCA students earlier this year and shared their arts career experience.
2015 NASHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS FOR SCA'S 2014-15 PRODUCTION OF ANNIE First Place Best Props First Place Best Costumes All Star Cast Sara Johnson ’15 Rose Simpson ’17
All Star Crew Lucy Scherrer ’15 Taylor Roach ’17
Best Female Soloist Zoe Dongas ’17 Standout Ensemble Actress Mary Hailey Derrick ’16
NOMINATIONS Best Choreography Best Comedic Actress Cameron Sheppard ’17
Best Featured Female Dancer Grace Roushdi ’16
LE GE N DA RY JA ZZ PE R FOR M E R BE E GIE A DAI R PL AYS SOU LFU L R E N D IT ION OF SC A A LM A M ATE R Legendary pianist and recording artist Beegie Adair was invited to share her music industry experience with the SCA Chamber Ensemble and surprised students with a jazz rendition of St. Cecilia Academy’s alma mater, “We Love You, St. Cecilia.” To watch Beegie Adair perform SCA’s alma mater, go to: stcecilia. edu/fineartsmedia
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