Every Stark County Catholic Elementary School has regular art and music programs. Plus, as a member of this Catholic school community, children can participate in an expanding variety of visual and performing arts experiences. In addition to the visual art opportunities presented in our school, St. Peter students have the chance to participate in system-wide art initiatives and programs that allow students from multiple schools to come together for large drama, art and musical performances. St. Peter Catholic School is uniquely located in the center of downtown Canton, which is considered to be the arts district of the city, allowing for enrichment of curriculum in the school.
Music
Our students have a variety of vocal and instrumental musical outlets for exploration. Students have opportunities to participate in school bands, choirs, classes and musical community partnerships, such as ArtsinStark. In addition, students can participate in a system-wide Show Choir and Instrumental Band that brings together students from multiple elementary schools, and our Stark County Catholic High Schools, for large musical performances throughout the school year.
Theater
Celebrating the arts starts in preschool and kindergarten. Our First Stage program allows our youngest students to link curricular concepts with play acting. Students in upper-grades participate in theater workshops and camps, which provide multiple opportunities for theatrical expression throughout the year including Fall After-School Drama Club, Spring Musical Workshop on Saturdays and Summer Drama Camp. Each workshop and camp engage students across all Stark County Catholic Elementary Schools and bring them together for large theatrical and musical productions. Students in these programs are immersed into the world of drama, learning about character creation, storytelling, musical theater-style singing, costume and prop creation and working together as a performing ensemble.
Once at a Stark County Catholic High School, students can continue their performing art experience through “Program for the Arts,” a theater and musical program that allows high school students to work with theater professionals and perform with their peers in an intricate musical.
Visual Arts
Our halls are often decorated in the beautiful and creative artwork by our students, made in both art and core-curriculum classrooms. Student artwork is often submitted to district and state contests, and to the Stark County Catholic Elementary Schools Art and Design Symposium, which features art, design, engineering and performances from students across the system. In addition, students enjoy teaching artists, sponsored by ArtsinStark, who regularly visit classrooms to link curriculum with art.
Visual arts are promoted at St. Peter in various ways, including an art gallery and art contests throughout the year. St. Peter School also particpates in Celebration of the Arts, which is a school tradition of showcasing artwork created by St. Peter students.