Arts
Why teach art?
An education rich with instruction in the fine arts is important for all students. While some districts may seek to save money by cutting art and music classes, St. John’s Lutheran School sees many benefits that the arts can bring to students of all ages.
Research has shown that an education rich in arts can help learners to:
- develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- develop motor skills as well as verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- spark creativity and risk-taking
- connects students to their culture and different cultures
- improve classroom behavior
- increase learning in other subjects
Visual Arts
From preschool through 8th grade, St. John students are exposed to a variety of different art techniques, media, methods, and tools that allow them to create a multitude of work. Interdisciplinary connections, aesthetic, cultural, and historical aspects of visual art are also explored. The majority of the classwork is hands-on art production.
Musicical Arts
Choir
St. John’s Lutheran Church and School value a solid choral program. Students in 1st – 8th grade participate in choirs where musicianship is developed through singing. Vocal technique, music-reading abilities, and singing with expression are some of the skills practiced at each rehearsal. Young singers build a foundation of good unison singing while older students engage in singing more challenging music and part-singing as they are able. Choirs have an important role in our worship services and sing at both church and chapel services. They also share their talents at our school spring concert and they enjoy going out into the community to share their music when opportunities arise.
Handbells
Handbells are a part of the middle school (grades 5-8) curricular and extracurricular programs at St. John’s Lutheran School. Students learn various ringing and stopped sound techniques. The group(s) prepare music for worship anthems and liturgy, and have opportunities to perform concerts, and programs outside of worship. In addition to middle school, the lower grades (K-1 and 2nd-4th ) have had ringing opportunities where they have explored the world of color-coded bells and note values (K-1) and chime ringing techniques (2nd -4th ). These lower grade groups have participated in worship as a culminating activity of their after-school adventure.
Band
Band is offered to students beginning in the fourth grade. Lessons are given by level and students have the opportunity to participate in a number of performance groups and concerts.
Dramatic Arts
From role-playing as a fireman, construction worker, or farmer while in preschool to acting in plays while in middle school, drama plays an important part in learning more about oneself and what it can be like to be somebody else.
