Arts – Arts – St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School

Music

In our music program, we strive for excellence in instrumental and vocal music. In enrolling in courses in Music at STA, the emphasis of creation and performance of music at a level consistent with previous experience is aimed. The development of technique, sensitivity and creation is a common goal in music class at STA. Students also develop musical literacy skills by using critical and reflective analysis processes in pieces/songs, performance and a range of analytical activities. Students will also develop an understanding of the conventions and elements of music and of safe practices related to music (i.e. vocal health, instrumental care) and will develop a variety of skills transferable to other areas of their life.

ENSEMBLES: We also provide great opportunity to expand your knowledge and performance desires outside of the classroom through Concert Band and STA Singers and of course our Fall School Shows.

Dance

Cance allows students to develop dance technique, performance skills, and learn the basis for communicating through movement and creativity. Student learning will include learning choreography, creating dances, rehearsals, performances, studying a variety of dance genres such as, but not limited to, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and Latin. Theory is another important component with a focus on the study of the body, historical development of dance, multi-cultural dance forms and the specialized vocabulary of dance movement.

STA dance focuses on inclusivity of all levels and styles while creating in a positive learning environment.

You will be given the gift of dancing at school! This is a special opportunity for you to learn through artistry and movement and form lifelong bonds and memories! Dance has the power to inspire, teach life skills, bring out your inner confidence, creativity and bring a community together. I look forward to teaching you, creating with you and watching your inner dancer come to life.

Visual Arts

WHY STUDY ART?
Art is therapeutic!
Art is cross-curricular!
Art develops communication and problem-solving skills!
Art informs!

Courses Offered

AVI 10 – Grade 9 Visual Art
AVI 20 – Grade 10 Visual Art
AVI 3M – Grade 11 Visual Art (University/College) Pre-requisite: AVI 20
AWA 30 Crafts – Grade 11 (Open)
AVI 4M – Grade 12 Visual Art (University/College) Pre-requisite: AVI 3M

Grade 11 and 12 SHSM – Specialty High school Major in Art

What do we do?
-Painting
-Sculpting
-Drawing
-Mixed Media

Drama

Whether you are beginning to discover drama or already have a love of the performance arts, there is something here for you! From grade nine through to grade twelve, each year provides a fun-filled, comfortable, welcoming environment for you to build personal confidence and group work skills and learn to create and share as part of an ensemble. Topics explored include theatre games, tableau, voice, stage areas, stage combat, mime, improvisation, vaudeville, characterization, masks, Shakespeare, musical theatre, acting, directing and technical theatre. The possibilities are endless and in the world of Dramatic Arts there is a place for everyone!

Extracurricular Opportunities: We also offer a variety of ways in which students can share their talents both on stage and back stage. These include Entertainment Assemblies both at Christmas and end of year, annual School Productions in the fall, and a student talent showcase known as Cabaret in the spring. Find your “home away from home” on the STA Stage!