Performing Arts

Creativity, imagination, and excellence are at the heart of education at St. Mary’s Academy. Students engage in fine arts – including music, theater, and visual arts every day. Our goal is to help your child build technique and aesthetic awareness as well as grow his or her critical thinking and problem-solving skills in ways that extend beyond the classroom. Performance opportunities—including events for peers, parents, and guests at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, build students’ confidence in their skills, and pride in their hard work.

Lower School

Lower School students engage in music as a regular part of their school day. They also have the option to participate in band, choir, orchestra, drama club, and private music lessons. These opportunities begin as early as first grade and continue through fifth grade. Dance is incorporated into P.E. and students perform throughout the year. Students may participate in our biennial All-Academy Musical beginning in third grade.

Middle School

Middle School students have several performance and non-performance arts class selections including drama, band, choir, orchestra, handbells, guitar, recorders, and music appreciation. Students are encouraged to participate in our All-Academy Musical either onstage or behind the scenes.

High School

High School students continue exploring the arts in introductory level classes to focus their interests and talents in advanced courses of study. Opportunities include Academy Singers, Acting, AP Music Theory, Jazz Band, Orchestra, and SAIMARAC (SMA's honor choir). There are two after school theatre performances each year, and the All-Academy Musical performance every other year.

Private lessons in most instruments, including voice, are offered on campus in all three divisions.