The Importance of the Fine Arts
Saint John’s Prep believes in a well-rounded curriculum where students can develop an appreciation and passion for the fine arts, while at Saint John’s Prep, and throughout their lives. Students have a wide variety of choices in our comprehensive program, which includes the visual arts, performing arts and music.
The Visual Arts
Classes in Visual Arts are available at all grade levels. All students in the Upper School (9-12) have the opportunity to choose from multiple levels of ceramics, photography, drawing, watercolor and acrylic painting, sculpture and video production as well as IB arts and a variety of other offerings.
The Art Department encourages students to submit work to a number of art contests and shows throughout the year as well as displaying work for the community. Many students have received awards and are publicly recognized for their work. Among the recently recognized are winners of the Peace Contest for the Lion's Club, the Visual Arts Minnesota Annual High School Art Exhibition and Competition, The Scholastic Art Awards and a variety of scholarships, grants and mentorships within the community.
Theatre
Saint John’s Prep Theatre department has a simple goal: to put on great shows. Over the years, we have selected shows from a wide variety of eras and styles. Examples include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Damned Yankees, Our Town, Back to the 80’s, Man of La Mancha, Anything Goes, and more. Students have a variety of ways to become involved in our productions; from acting, set design, stage management, technical crew, to directing the pit orchestra and more. The possibilities are endless. In addition, many local students are also involved in other local theatre productions throughout the year. Click here to learn more.
Music
Music at Saint John's Prep is a student-centered experience. Our Music Department believes that every person deserves and should be encouraged to have music in his or her life. Society recognizes music as an independent intelligence and intrinsic part of our culture as well as various cultures around the world. Saint John's Prep strives to offer each student a comprehensive music program that is committed to quality literature and high performance standards. Each class is designed to nurture individual skills and afford students the opportunity to develop these skills to their full potential.
We are proud to offer Band, Choir and String Orchestra to students in the Middle School and the Upper School. Extensions from these major performing groups include opportunities for solo/ensemble performance, chamber choir, string quartet, percussion ensemble and jazz. Students are actively involved throughout the school year in many public performances, including tours and Minnesota State High School League sponsored contests and festivals.
In 2008, the school constructed a new building to house our robust music program. Click here to take a virtual tour of our campus, including the music facilities.
Of course, we are proud of our students' many accomplishments in the arts, but beyond that, we are proud that the large majority of our students gain the confidence to try something new in the arts, whether it be to learn an instrument, cantor a liturgy, perform a dance routine in front of peers, prepare for and perform a play on stage, or play in the liturgical ensemble. The experience and confidence students gain from the arts is invaluable, which is why we think it's such an important part of our offerings at Saint John’s Prep.
