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. Beginning in the early grades, every effort is made to help students grow in their appreciation of art and their love of beauty.
Elementary Art
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 leading 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 our 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.
Preschool and grades first through fifth have art class once a week for an hour. Kindergarten classes have art twice a week for 30 minutes - one class focuses on a STEM based project and the other a traditional art class.
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 our 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.
Preschool and grades first through fifth have art class once a week for an hour. Kindergarten classes have art twice a week for 30 minutes - one class focuses on a STEM based project and the other a traditional art class.
Elementary Music
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 the school band. Two performances are held through the year: Christmas and Spring Concerts.
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 Jacobs 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.
A program where students from all over Indiana gathered for the day to rehearse and perform together under the direction of a leading Clinician.
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 the school band. Two performances are held through the year: Christmas and Spring Concerts.
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 Jacobs 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.
A program where students from all over Indiana gathered for the day to rehearse and perform together under the direction of a leading Clinician.
