The St. Mark’s fine and performing arts program enhances our students’ educational experience. Students explore music, art, and performance from an early age, developing their creative talents and the courage to express them.
Whether on stage as an angel in the traditional Kindergarten Christmas Pageant, or studying digital photography in an eighth grade art elective, our students have a wealth of opportunities to practice, perform, and appreciate the arts.
Lower School students build a foundation in the arts with weekly music and visual arts classes. Exposure to instruments begins with the recorder in third grade, Orff instruments in fourth grade, and an individual band instrument the following year. Performing on our professional stage for parents and students, each grade level presents an annual musical theater production. Art and music are interwoven in many academic subjects in the form of special projects and interdisciplinary units. Middle School students expand their visual or performing arts skills by electing to take band, vocal ensemble, drama, musical theater, photography or visual arts classes.
Opportunities to extend the arts beyond the school day include art and drama clubs. Students may also join an instrumental ensemble or choral group and perform in chapel services, community, and school productions. 2-D and 3-D art shows spotlight our talented, award-winning student artists.
The arts enhance every aspect of a student's academic and personal life. Learning to express oneself, regardless of the medium, be it song, watercolor, chimes, theater, or graphic design, develops imaginative thinking, creative problem solving, and self-confidence.