At Xavier College Preparatory, the arts flourish throughout all grade levels, but this begins freshwoman year. This is because every freshwoman is required to take a fine arts class and by the time she reaches senior year, she must have accumulated two full fine-arts credits.
Upon entry to Xavier, there are six different options for fine arts classes: Introduction to Art, Introduction to Dance, Freshwoman Choir, Introduction to Theatre, Concert Band and String Orchestra.
Introduction to Art is described by Xavier’s course descriptions as “an introduction to the fundamental elements and principles of two-dimensional design.” This course lays the foundation for students to grow in their artforms, whether that be drawing with pencil and charcoal or paintings with acrylics and watercolors.
Three of the courses available are performance-art based, this includes Introduction to Theatre. Current teacher of this course, Sarah White explained that this class is a way for students to break through in their creativity and overcome fears of public speaking.
Again, according to Xavier’s course descriptions, Introduction to Dance is a class for all skill levels where students learn all different types of dance from jazz to ballet. In this class students also learn how to choreograph their own dances.
Freshwoman Choir is the final fine arts class available to freshwomen at Xavier. The choir is responsible for all the music at the school’s monthly Masses as well as at the Christmas pageant in December. The current director, Brittanie Hockins said, “This class is a great way to meet new people as a freshwoman since you already have to spend so much time with them.”
In Concert Band, Freshwomen with all levels of experience learn how to read music as well as play their chosen instruments. Similarly, in String Orchestra students will learn to play their instruments in a variety of styles and forms.
In both courses students are required to supply their own instruments and accessories but can receive instructor approval to use one provided by the school.
At the end of the year, each performing arts class has a production put on as a final project. Introduction to Theatre puts on a play in “Frosh Follies,” while the Introduction to Dance classes perform in the Spring Concert and Freshwoman Choir sings in the Spring Pageant. String Orchestra and Concert Band also host their own concerts. Last but not least, Introduction to Art displays work in the halls of upstairs Steele year-round.
