• Ceramics class at Sacred Heart Schools Atherton
Arts

SHP Arts

Fine arts and performing arts supplement SHP Academics in Elective offerings and after school clubs, performance opportunities and plays.

SHP Art Disciplines (Grades 9-12)

List of 4 items.

  • Dance

    The dance program at Sacred Heart offers students the chance to explore a range of physical movements and dance styles, emphasizing musicality. There are courses available at different levels, from beginner to advanced. The program includes two formal performances each year and a highly active and competitive student club called the "Pulse Dance Team." The team participates in local and regional competitions and regularly performs during halftime at SHP football and basketball games, as well as special school events. Performances are choreographed by professional instructors or through collaborative student-led efforts.
  • Drama

    The Sacred Heart theatre program provides a comprehensive experience for students interested in both performance and production. The program offers courses and opportunities in acting, performance, technical theatre arts, and dance.
    In acting and performance, students learn foundational principles such as acting techniques, improvisation, and scene objectives. They progress to more advanced work, including the development of personal monologues, scene study, textual analysis, and participation in full-scale productions and showcases.

    For students interested in theatrical production and design, there are clubs and courses that focus on areas such as set building, costumes, stage makeup, and backstage management.

    The theatre program at Sacred Heart provides students with opportunities to develop their talents and skills in acting, production, and dance. It encourages artistic growth, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence in performance.
  • Music

    The music program at Sacred Heart Preparatory (SHP) offers a comprehensive range of opportunities for students to explore and develop their musical talents. The program includes Concert Band, Jazz Band, Symphony, Chorus, Strings, and other music courses and clubs.

    Concert Band provides students with the skills to read and perform music, focusing on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Jazz Band welcomes advanced musicians on any instrument and performs a diverse repertoire at various events. Symphony is an ensemble for advanced instrumentalists, performing classical and contemporary works.

    The Chorus program offers both an auditioned Advanced Chorus and a non-auditioned Chorus 1, providing opportunities for vocalists of all levels. The Strings program focuses on violin, viola, cello, and double bass, with an emphasis on classical and contemporary repertoire.

    In addition to these core programs, SHP offers other music courses and clubs such as Songwriting & Music Production, instrument-focused clubs, and Music as Ministry, which involves playing music for various services and events.

    Overall, the music program at SHP encourages students to develop their musical abilities, participate in performances, and explore various genres and styles. It fosters creativity, skill development, and a love for music, providing a supportive and enriching environment for students to express themselves through music.
  • Visual Arts

    The digital arts program at Sacred Heart utilizes state-of-the-art technology to engage students in exploring various aspects of digital arts. Fundamentals of Design and Images in Motion, as well as Documentary and Narrative Filmmaking, provide opportunities for students to work on imaginative projects that foster creativity. Students utilize software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, drawing and sculpting apps for the iPad, and digital video production to enhance their digital art skills.

    In the field of photography, students gain a comprehensive understanding of both the aesthetic and technical aspects of the medium. Foundational courses focus on shooting and developing 35mm film, printing contact sheets, and creating photographic enlargements. Various photographic styles and traditions, including surrealism, photomontage, social documentary, portraiture, and alternative processes, are explored.

    The studio art courses at Sacred Heart encompass drawing, painting, printmaking, and ceramics. Students have the opportunity to continue their studies at advanced levels, including AP Studio Art. The visual arts teachers foster exploration, experimentation, discovery, and the development of technical abilities. The art studio is a supportive environment for students to express themselves, solve problems, and gain confidence in their artistic abilities.

    Through these diverse art programs, Sacred Heart encourages students to embrace digital arts, photography, and studio art. The use of cutting-edge technology and traditional artistic techniques creates a rich and dynamic learning environment that nurtures creativity and artistic growth.
    • Ceramics tea pot by SHP student at Sacred Heart Schools Atherton

SHP Arts By the Numbers

Sacred Heart Schools Atherton

Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton

150 Valparaiso Ave
Atherton, CA 94027
650 322 1866
Founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, SHS is a Catholic, independent, co-ed day school for students in preschool through grade 12