Fine Arts

The Arts are alive at Mount St. Mary Academy!

We offer a full instrumental music program including a concert band, jazz ensemble, string orchestra, and the only all-girls' marching band in New York State. The MSM Marching Band has been chosen several times to perform at the Walt Disney World Easter Parade. The group was invited twice in three years to perform in the New York City St. Patrick's Day parade, winning an award during tour second visit. The 40-block trek up 5th Avenue is the largest parade in the world, and it attracted more than 6 million viewers on the street and on television. The MSM student-musicians have represented us well. In addition to winning many local and national awards, our well-traveled musicians have even performed on a cruise ship! In January 2009, our Band traveled to Washington, DC and performed in the Presidential Inaugural festivities. In spring 2010 our band will travel back to Walt Disney World to perform in the Easter Parade.

Vocal music offerings range from private lessons to chorus and a cappella groups as well as participation in music ministry. The a cappella group, The Gemtones, meets after school and creates its own musical arrangements which are highly anticipated at our annual Coffee House. During the school day students can elect to take Chorus, a performance-based class, work on individual skills with private voice lessons, or continue their studies with music theory class. Mount St. Mary vocalists perform at school concerts, plays and masses as well as community events.

Visual art opportunities center around classroom studio work as well as outside learning opportunities with local galleries & arts organizations. The girls have a wide range of curriculum selections from drawing and painting to digital photography and ceramics. We have two large, newly renovated art rooms and our own kiln onsite. Portfolio Preparation is available for those students interested in pursuing a degree in Fine Arts or design.

Rounding out the Fine Arts department are course offerings such as theatre works and dance. Students are able to study dance as part of their Fine Arts or Physical Education curriculum. Many students enjoy taking part in the annual school musical to showcase their skills honed in these classes.

A full size dance studio, our beautiful, symphonically correct auditorium and unmatched professionalism make the Arts experience at Mount St. Mary Academy unbeatable!