The Arts

The fine arts program at Holy Child is distinguished by its firm foundation in art history: the movements, artists, and styles that shaped what we call “art” over the centuries. Walk the halls and you might see bright flowers inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe; Calder-style mobiles, examples of kinetic art; oil pastels in the impressionist style of Vincent van Gogh; or fish created with sticks dripping paint a la Jackson Pollock. Students not only acquire a knowledge of and an appreciation for art but learn techniques that they can use throughout their lives.

The voice is the major instrument in the Holy Child music program, which is based on the teachings of Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly. He is credited with preserving the traditional folk music of his native country, but Holy Child’s students sing mainly from the rich repertoire of North American folk songs. Music literacy is the goal for all students, with ear training and sight singing begun in preschool. As an extension of the choral-based program, students in the Middle School form a handbell choir and children in third and fourth grade learn the recorder.

The opportunity to take private lessons in piano, flute, clarinet, trumpet, or Suzuki violin is also offered to Holy Child students. These lessons take place on campus during the school day. Instrumental ensembles are formed every year from the group of young musicians.