Fine Arts
At St. Mary Catholic School, we take immense pride in our vibrant Fine Arts program, which offers a world of creative opportunities for our students. From the enchanting melodies of Suzuki Violin to the harmonious notes of our band and chorus, our music programs inspire young talents to shine. Our Visual Arts classes unleash the artist within, allowing students to explore their creativity through various mediums. Through these diverse offerings, we cultivate a rich tapestry of artistic expression, nurturing not only skills but also a lifelong love for the arts.
Music
Suzuki Violin
St. Mary Catholic School is proud to be the pioneer in Wilmington, offering the ONLY in-school Suzuki Violin Program.
What is Suzuki Violin?
The Suzuki method is a renowned music education approach designed to nurture musical talent in young learners, just as they naturally develop language skills.
Why Choose St. Mary's Suzuki Violin Program?
Early Start: Our program begins in kindergarten, providing the perfect opportunity for your child to embark on a musical journey from a tender age.
World-Class Instruction: Our experienced and dedicated Suzuki violin professor, Dr. Clark Spencer, is passionate about nurturing young talents and helping them grow into skilled musicians.
Holistic Development: The Suzuki method fosters discipline, concentration, and teamwork while enhancing creativity and self-expression.
General Music and Band
General Music
General Music is offered to students in K-3rd grade. In this class, students experience music through singing, dancing, movement, and playing age appropriate instruments. Students will learn about steady beat and rhythm, beginning rhythmic notation and note reading, and matching pitch vocally. Skills learned in this class prepare students for a successful transition into chorus or band in 4th grade.
General Music is taught by Mrs. Sheila Hardison.
Band
St. Mary offers a 4th/5th grade Beginning Band and 6th-8th grade Concert Band.
All first year elementary students are offered the choice of flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone.
Prior experience is not required to join Concert Band, however private lessons over the summer and/or during the first semester are highly encouraged. First year middle school students will work with the director to select an instrument.
The band program is under the direction of Mrs. Alana Bailey.
Chorus
The St. Mary School chorus program is offered to students in 4th/5th grade and 6th/7th/8th grade. Students will build skills in breath support, diction, reading rhythms, solfege, and note reading while singing both sacred and secular music repertoire in two and three part harmony. Performance opportunities include two concerts per year and leading the music at a Sunday Mass in the Basilica during Catholic Schools Week. No previous chorus experience is required.
The chorus program is under the direction of Mrs. Sheila Hardison.
Art
St. Mary Catholic School Arts Program provides the opportunities for children to explore, touch, see, hear, discuss and share. This allows for the outpouring of the gifts God has provided for all of us. Through the arts, students are able to gain awareness and understanding of their own cultural heritage as well as the vast global community.