Fine Arts at John Paul II High School

ABOUT FINE ARTS AT JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Exodus 35: 30 – 35

Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel, son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and has filled him with a divine spirit of skill and understanding and knowledge in every craft: in the production of embroidery, in making things of gold, silver or bronze, in cutting and mounting precious stones, in carving wood, and in every other craft. He has also given both him and Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has endowed them with skill to execute all types of work: engraving, embroidering, the making of variegated cloth of violet, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen thread, weaving, and all other arts and crafts."

Through the study of art and artists of different cultures and historical periods, students gain significant understanding of themselves and others. They learn to develop thinking and verbal skills through discussions in which life and art are compared and contrasted. Art also enables students to communicate in effective, non-verbal media. As the Medieval Catholic Church taught, art is a creative process imitating God’s own creation of the world. Art also glorifies The Holy Trinity and the Church. Art focuses on the primacy of the visual features of the environment, including works of art. The demands of the 21st century require today’s students to live and work in a rapidly changing technological society. Through art education, students develop visual literacy, learning to perceive and respond to the visual world with increased awareness and discriminating judgment. 

OUR PROGRAM

John Paul II High School has a comprehensive Fine Arts Department that encompasses, Art, Band, Choir, Dance, Drama, Musical Theatre, and Orchestra. The Fine Arts Department strives to give the students of JPIIHS a broad spectrum of opportunities which will allow them to explore many different avenues of artistic expression. For specific information, please visit the Fine Arts Department Web Page.

Music   Band Director, Michael Browning      

The Instrumental Music Program encompasses band, jazz band, pep band, string orchestra, and philharmonic orchestra. The instrumental music department has several concerts every year and performs at football and basketball games as well as the yearly school musical. The facilities are excellent with professional quality rehearsal spaces as well as at 32 track digital recording studio. Many students at JPIIHS are members of outstanding local groups such as the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. Last year the band and orchestra performed over 30 times around the campus and in concert. Many students also audition and are invited to perform in the All State Band and Orchestra. The band and orchestra also travel to New York City to attend performances by the New York Philharmonic, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and several Broadway shows.

Choir   Choir Direction, Laura Diaz 

In our choir program students develop vocal techniques needed to audition for the top performing choirs and to develop an appreciation of good choral music. Desirable vocal skills will be stressed through the rehearsal and performance of a variety of styles of choral music. Participation in competition as individuals in sole and ensemble contests is expected as well as participation as a choral group.

Art      2D Art, Jeff Steed       2D and 3D Art, Rita Briley

The Visual Arts program at JPIIHS covers all aspect of the Art Curriculum including AP Art, 3D, 2D as well as the traditional techniques in design, drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture, with emphasis on creative problem solving. JPIIHS has 2 large studios that are well appointed with large windows for natural light as well as complete facilities for pottery and other 3D venues such as sculpture and ceramics. The AP section of art assists students in preparing for the College Board Examination in both 2D and 3D art. This includes subjects such as graphic design, typography, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, illustration, painting, drawing, and other forms of art. Students from the art department have placed in state contests in many different disciplines of art.

Dance   Director Cardinal Belles,  Kristina Steinhauser

The JPIIHS Dance program is well rounded covering genres of ballet, tap, modern, and ethnic dance. The students are required to both choreograph and perform in dances and performances within the course. Students perform in recitals and as part of the award winning Cardinal Belles Drill Team. The Cardinal Belles perform frequently throughout the year at football and basketball games. Members of the Cardinal Belles have performed in the Nieman Marcus’ Adolphus Parade in Dallas as well as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The entire Cardinal Belles Drill Team will perform at the Orange Bowl next year in Miami, Florida.

Theatre    

The Theatre Department at JPIIHS is comprehensive and includes classes in Technical Theatre, Dramatic Theatre, and Musical Theatre. Students perform in four productions each year and become familiar with all aspects of theatre production and technical theatre and set design. Members of the JPIIHS Theatre department have been successful in state and national level competitions and have been invited to perform in Edinborough, Scotland at the Fringe Festival during the summer of 2010. Previous performances include: Footloose, Grease, High School Musical, and Leading Ladies.