Art & Music

I am really looking forward to a new year of creating music and art with your students. We have a lot to do this year, and I’m eager to get your minds flowing! 

Following the Art & Music standards for the Archdiocese of Washington, students at Saint Ambrose Catholic School work to develop artistic thinking in creative problem-solving abilities through both lower- and higher-order thinking skills and social-emotional learning. Students are challenged to participate in what Harvard University’s Project Zero calls “Artful Thinking” through Core Thinking Routines (“See, Think, Wonder”, “I used to think...Now I think…”, “What makes you say that?”, etc.) These thinking routines are designed to develop the students' creative habits through open-ended questioning and deepen flexible thinking while giving learners a voice in their progress. We focus on minimizing the fear of mistakes (worry about grades), gaining thinking skills (How do I come up with ideas?), increasing investment in projects, and the authentic development of the individual creative voice. Students engage in active learning in both disciplines, with material meant to challenge and engage while encouraging individual creative growth. The lifelong benefits that students gain through making art and music extend well beyond the classroom and can play an integral part in improved outcomes in every other academic area. In fact, studies show that students who actively participate in art and music demonstrate stronger problem-solving skills; more developed fine motor skills; increased confidence, focus, accountability, perseverance, and decision-making capabilities; as well as increased collaborative and cooperative capabilities. Additionally, adults who continue to create throughout their lives enjoy improved mental and physical health, stress reduction, improved outlooks, and a deeper ability to focus. Finally, making art and music can help us be more positive, hopeful people. 

Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade receive one 50-minute Art and one 50-minute Music class each week. Our PreK students come to the Music room once a week for musical exploration and instruction that will prepare them for a more formalized curriculum in Kindergarten. Grades in Art and Music reflect effort, thought and care put into classwork and the ability to follow directions, work independently, complete a project, and behave appropriately in class.

In the Art room, we focus on Learning for Artistic Behavior through projects that encompass a wide variety of materials and media. There are many opportunities for choice-based learning, and students are encouraged to explore their individual voice rather than imitating others’ work. Students explore the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. We work in a variety of processes and materials, with the goal of process-oriented, personal explorations and expansions of each student’s creativity. Students are exposed to a range of artists and art periods, but the focus is on more contemporary, widely diverse artmakers. 

In the Music room, we focus on healthy singing habits for young voices (especially breathing), composition, and movement. We work with a variety of pitched and non-pitched percussion, as well as recorders and ukuleles. Our studies include Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze methodologies in order to meet the needs of the whole student. Please note: In the 2022-2023 academic year, we will continue to follow guidance from the National Association for Music Educators, based on guidelines from CDC regarding instrument use and singing. 

For a complete overview of the Art & Music programs at Saint Ambrose Catholic School, please see the 2022-2023 Art & Music Syllabus. 

I look forward to creating Art & Music with your student, and to helping them discover their unique creative voices. 

Mrs. Kathryn Andrews