Dear St. Marks Campus Community,

I am grateful for the opportunity to highlight a few exciting opportunities in the arts at the St. Marks Campus this school year. As you think through your family’s schedule and values, we are grateful to partner with you in the arts education of your student.

We are excited to welcome Emma Theus as our dance instructor for the St. Mark’s Campus. Ms. Theus is ready to take our dancers to the next level. Ms. Theus will continue offering after school (ASA) Performance Dance Ensemble for students in grades 3-5 on Fridays. We have worked with the Athletics program to make sure that Fridays will be clear for dance. Girls league sports will not practice or compete on Fridays, barring playoff exceptions. Boys are also welcome in dance. Sports practices may take place on Fridays, but no games are scheduled for Fridays. This group will be learning dances for performances throughout the year both on and off campus. You will sign up for August through December by registering in the first trimester ASA registration and you will sign up for January through May by signing up in the second trimester ASA registration. There will be different costume and performance opportunities for each semester’s group. 

Ms. Theus will continue to offer a K-2 dance class on Thursdays throughout the year. This class will follow the ASA trimester registration format.

Violin: We are excited to welcome back Ms. Corina Weinmair (her new married name) to lead violin instruction for students in grades 2–5. This Tuesday morning class (7:20 a.m.) is open to both new and returning students. While tuition is split into three parts and paid during each trimester registration ($225), enrollment requires a yearlong commitment ($675) since students reserve a full-year spot and no new students will be added after August. Ms. Weinmair will help new families determine the correct violin size and recommend rental or purchase options. A parent orientation will be held at the St. Mark’s campus on August 25th at 8am in the Steve Williams Library.

Ms. Alexander will be offering various Visual Art opportunities in the After School Activities program, including “Adventures in Art” during the first trimester. 

As always, we will continue the curricular arts instruction to which we are committed for each student in our school. We have spent the past year reflecting on best practices, age appropriate opportunities and a whole school approach to grade level and extra curricular performances which will continue to shape our performance landscape. As lessons in visual art, dance, and music continue throughout the campus, we are grateful for the opportunity to teach each child how to find, hone and celebrate their own creativity.

Here’s to a wonderful and creative school year!

Katie Black-Bowling,
Director of Fine Arts