Art Curriculum at St. Joseph Catholic School

Our Visual Arts program at St. Joseph Catholic School follows the Diocese of Dallas Fine Arts Curriculum and is designed to help students develop their artistic abilities while fostering a deep appreciation for the visual arts. The curriculum focuses on the following achievement standards:

Visual Arts Achievement Standards

1. Media
   Students will understand, select, and apply various media, techniques, and processes in creating their artwork. This includes working with different materials and experimenting with new methods to express creativity.

2. Elements and Principles of Art
   Students will learn to understand and apply the elements (such as line, shape, color, texture, value, form, and space) and principles (such as balance, contrast, unity, rhythm, emphasis, and movement) of art. These foundational concepts guide students in creating well-composed and meaningful artworks.

3. Content
   Students will explore a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas. They will learn to consider and apply their creativity in relation to their personal experiences, imagination, and the world around them.

4. History and Cultures
   Students will gain an understanding of the visual arts in relation to history and culture. This includes exploring works of art from different historical periods, geographical locations, and cultural traditions, helping students see the role art plays in reflecting and shaping human societies.

5. Analysis, Interpretation, and Evaluation
   Students will reflect upon, describe, analyze, interpret, and evaluate their own work and the work of others. They will develop critical thinking skills as they assess the elements, techniques, and messages within various artworks, fostering an appreciation for both the creative process and the final product.

6. Connections
   Students will make connections between the visual arts, other disciplines (such as math, science, history, and language arts), and daily life. This encourages a holistic approach to learning, helping students see the relevance of art in many aspects of their lives.

By following these standards, our art program aims to help students not only develop their technical skills but also build their confidence and creativity. The curriculum is designed to make art accessible, meaningful, and relevant to their lives while fostering a deeper understanding of the world of visual arts.

Art Competition Opportunities at St. Joseph Catholic School

St. Joseph Catholic School offers several exciting art competition opportunities for students to showcase their artistic talents and gain valuable experience. These competitions include local, state, and even diocesan-level events, allowing students to engage with art in meaningful ways.

PSIA Art Competitions

The Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA) offers two distinct art competitions for middle school students:

• On-Site Drawing
  In this competition, students are given an arrangement of objects and asked to draw it as realistically as possible, focusing on detail and accuracy in creating a still life. Students will have one meeting before the competition to practice and prepare, but no weekly practice is required. All middle school students are eligible to participate.

• Art Memory
  Students in 4th through 8th grades can participate in this competition, where they learn about and memorize 60 different works of art. They study the artist's name, the title of the painting, and the historical context of the artwork. Weekly practice sessions are held from October through April to help students prepare for the event.

Special Art Competitions

• Christmas Card Competition
  All 8th-grade students are invited to design a religious-themed Christmas card. Several designs are chosen as winners, and hundreds of the cards are printed in color and sent out to St. Joseph parishioners. In addition, some of the winning designs are printed as sets and made available for purchase by school families.

• Catholic Schools Week Poster Competition
  During Catholic Schools Week, all students are invited to create a poster based on the annual theme (e.g., "Be Golden"). Winning posters from each grade level are selected and then submitted to compete against winners from other Catholic schools in the Diocese. It’s a fun and creative way for students to celebrate their school spirit and share their artistic talents with the broader Catholic community.

These competitions provide students with opportunities to develop their artistic skills, gain recognition for their hard work, and participate in creative challenges that highlight the arts in our school and community. We encourage all students to participate and explore their artistic potential!

The culmination of a year filled with creativity and artistic expression at St. Joseph Catholic School (SJCS) is our annual Fine Arts Night, held every May. This special event showcases the incredible talents of our students, with artwork from every grade level displayed throughout the school. The entire building transforms into a vibrant "SJCS Art Museum", where guests can stroll through the halls, taking in the colorful and inspiring works of art.

In addition to the stunning visual displays, drinks and finger foods are provided for guests to enjoy as they explore. After touring the art exhibits, guests will be treated to a memorable performance by our middle school choir and band classes, bringing the evening to a joyous and musical close.

Fine Arts Night is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the artistic spirit that thrives at SJCS. It’s an opportunity for students to share their hard work and passion with their families and the community, and for all to experience the vibrant arts culture at our school.

At St. Joseph Middle School, we believe that great educators should not only teach but also practice what they teach. This philosophy is embodied in our Music Learning Program, where every member of our dedicated staff is an active musician in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, in addition to being a highly qualified educator. With a combined total of over 180 years of musical and educational experience, the Music Learning staff brings unparalleled expertise and passion to the classroom. 

Music Instruction for Grades K-5

For our younger students in grades K-5, music instruction is a fun and interactive journey designed to build a strong foundation for musical appreciation and understanding. The program includes:

• Singing, Dancing, and Playing Instruments: Students actively engage with music through singing, movement, and playing simple instruments. These activities help them develop rhythm, pitch, and musicality.
• Basic Music Concepts: Students will explore fundamental music concepts such as:
  • Long/short notes
  • Whole notes and quarter notes
  • Dynamics (loud/soft)
  • Tempo (very slow/very fast)
• Patriotic and Liturgical Songs: A key focus of the K-5 music curriculum is learning songs that foster national pride and spiritual growth. Students will sing patriotic songs as well as liturgical hymns that we sing together during Mass each week.

Through these activities, students develop a strong sense of rhythm, melody, and an appreciation for the role of music in both our cultural and spiritual lives. The goal is to foster a love for music while laying the groundwork for more advanced musical studies in later years.

St. Joseph Middle School Music Electives: Choir and Band

At St. Joseph Middle School, students are given the exciting opportunity to choose between two engaging music electives: continuing in choir or learning to play a band instrument. Both options offer a rich and rewarding musical experience, fostering growth in musical skills, teamwork, and self-expression.

Middle School Choir: In choir, students will build upon the foundational elements of music, with an emphasis on vocal technique, sight-reading, and music theory. Instruction includes:

• Review of Music Basics: Students strengthen their understanding of rhythm, melody, and harmony.
• A Capella and Accompanied Singing: Students will develop their vocal abilities by singing both a cappella (without accompaniment) and with piano or instrumental accompaniment.
• Harmony and Ensemble Work: Students will learn to sing in two- and three-part harmonies, working collaboratively as an ensemble.
• Concert Preparation: Students will showcase their skills in two major performances: a Christmas concert and a Spring show.

Music Learning Band Programs: The mission of the Music Learning Band Programs is to nurture each student’s continuous musical development. The primary goal of the program is to enhance technical and musical proficiency on a band instrument, while also fostering personal growth in a fun, enthusiastic environment. Through the band program, students will:

• Develop Instrumental Proficiency: Students will learn the technical aspects of playing a band instrument, including proper technique, tone production, and music reading skills.
• Build Life Skills: The band program emphasizes the development of self-esteem, respect, discipline, and creative problem-solving.
• Foster an Appreciation for the Arts: Through group performance and musical exploration, students will deepen their appreciation for the role of music in culture and society.

Both the choir and band programs provide opportunities for students to grow as musicians while also developing essential life skills that will benefit them both in and outside of the classroom.