The Fine Arts program at St. Charles strives to bring the joy of music and art into the life of every child and to help each student develop a love and appreciation of the arts that will remain with them always. Beginning in the early grades, every effort is made to help students grow in their appreciation of art and their love of beauty.
Art Program
Students work with a variety of media using a variety of techniques. Students are exposed to the work of great artists at every grade level; this leads them to an understanding of the history of art and an appreciation for the work of individual artists.
The art room is a place that inspires a love of art. It is enhanced with reproductions of famous paintings, both classical and modern, and with the students’ own art work. A highly original note is supplied by the painted ceiling tiles that are the work of the eighth grade classes. These students have made their own very creditable reproductions of great works on plain tiles that now adorn the art room ceiling.
Each year, Catholic Schools Week seeks the coordination of St. Charles’ most extensive art endeavor. Students in grades three through six work together to turn the entire art room into an interior space that portrays some unique environment. In past years the art room has become a tropical rain forest, complete with student made animals and plants; it has also been an Egyptian tomb with mummies and large statues of mythical animals. The goal of this project is to help students make an in-depth study of a chosen topic and then together plan and build a larger than life theatrical space using a variety of media, skills, and techniques. It is invariably an extremely satisfying experience for all the students involved.
Music is an extremely important and well-established part of our curriculum, not only for the richness it brings our school community, but because it builds students’ confidence. It is believed by many educators to be an aid in developing higher levels of reasoning, and teaches discipline and perseverance. It is also a key area in which many students come to recognize and develop their individual talents.
All classes in kindergarten through eighth grade have music class three times per week.
The curriculum and teaching process is based on both the Kodaly Method and Orff-Schulwerk. Students in the early grades begin with singing in tune, creative movement, and developing the elements of rhythm using Orff instruments. Skills and content are sequentially developed year by year. By fourth grade all students are learning to sing in two-part harmony and to play the soprano recorder. Fifth graders perform in their own choir and have their first opportunity to play an instrument of their choice in one of the school bands or instrumental ensembles. Students also sing in rotating small groups at school liturgies and perform in the Christmas and Spring Concerts.
In middle school, students choose between participating in band or choir. In addition to scheduled band and choral classes, students have the opportunity to take private lessons before and after school. Students may volunteer to participate in the Folk Group at school liturgies.
In addition to the rich basic curriculum in music, our students are extremely fortunate in being able to take advantage of the concerts and programs offered by the Indiana University School of Music. Students attend productions in ballet, wind instrument and orchestra concerts, and jazz ensembles at the IU Musical Arts Center. From fourth grade on, students can participate in Circle the State with Song. Many of our middle school students have successfully competed in the Indiana State School Music Association’s Solo and Ensemble Festival.
Art Program
Students work with a variety of media using a variety of techniques. Students are exposed to the work of great artists at every grade level; this leads them to an understanding of the history of art and an appreciation for the work of individual artists.
The art room is a place that inspires a love of art. It is enhanced with reproductions of famous paintings, both classical and modern, and with the students’ own art work. A highly original note is supplied by the painted ceiling tiles that are the work of the eighth grade classes. These students have made their own very creditable reproductions of great works on plain tiles that now adorn the art room ceiling.
Each year, Catholic Schools Week seeks the coordination of St. Charles’ most extensive art endeavor. Students in grades three through six work together to turn the entire art room into an interior space that portrays some unique environment. In past years the art room has become a tropical rain forest, complete with student made animals and plants; it has also been an Egyptian tomb with mummies and large statues of mythical animals. The goal of this project is to help students make an in-depth study of a chosen topic and then together plan and build a larger than life theatrical space using a variety of media, skills, and techniques. It is invariably an extremely satisfying experience for all the students involved.
Music is an extremely important and well-established part of our curriculum, not only for the richness it brings our school community, but because it builds students’ confidence. It is believed by many educators to be an aid in developing higher levels of reasoning, and teaches discipline and perseverance. It is also a key area in which many students come to recognize and develop their individual talents.
All classes in kindergarten through eighth grade have music class three times per week.
The curriculum and teaching process is based on both the Kodaly Method and Orff-Schulwerk. Students in the early grades begin with singing in tune, creative movement, and developing the elements of rhythm using Orff instruments. Skills and content are sequentially developed year by year. By fourth grade all students are learning to sing in two-part harmony and to play the soprano recorder. Fifth graders perform in their own choir and have their first opportunity to play an instrument of their choice in one of the school bands or instrumental ensembles. Students also sing in rotating small groups at school liturgies and perform in the Christmas and Spring Concerts.
In middle school, students choose between participating in band or choir. In addition to scheduled band and choral classes, students have the opportunity to take private lessons before and after school. Students may volunteer to participate in the Folk Group at school liturgies.
In addition to the rich basic curriculum in music, our students are extremely fortunate in being able to take advantage of the concerts and programs offered by the Indiana University School of Music. Students attend productions in ballet, wind instrument and orchestra concerts, and jazz ensembles at the IU Musical Arts Center. From fourth grade on, students can participate in Circle the State with Song. Many of our middle school students have successfully competed in the Indiana State School Music Association’s Solo and Ensemble Festival.
