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Fine Arts

Fine Arts allows you to create something wonderful: YOU! From pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, the Holy Cross Fine Arts program promotes the development of the whole person.
 
Our founder Basil Moreau said, “We will not develop the mind at the expense of the heart.” He knew that to be fully educated meant having a working knowledge of the creative arts. Holy Cross has always striven to achieve Father Moreau’s vision. Our students are invited to create, visualize, write, build, perform, and enjoy the journey of self-discovery.
 
Primary students experience movement, imaginative play, story creation, art projects, singing, and scene performance. They are encouraged to explore various creative activities that allow them to find their true talents.

Moving into middle and high school brings the opportunity to participate in classes: art, singing, and band, and auditions for theatrical productions.
The Holy Cross Band is known throughout the South. Students annually receive college scholarships for their musical talent. The band plays at football games, participates in competitions, camps, and rallies, and marches in Mardi Gras parades. They are sometimes called upon to play at civic functions as well. Students meet the instruments in fifth grade and explore until they find the instrument that is a perfect fit for their talent. In high school they may take two to four years of classes working up to Advanced Band Honors, and AP Theory.

Holy Cross School Chorus Department

The goal of the Holy Cross Choral Department is to train young men to sing both solo and choral music via healthy vocal technique, artistry, and musical intelligence.  At Holy Cross, choral music is a curricular subject. Classes focus on music performance, music analysis, and music literacy.  Our choirs present four concerts per year and perform in the community.  

 

Chorus Classes Offered at Holy Cross:  

Middle School Exploratory Classes:
The purpose of the Exploratory Chorus classes is to explore and participate in performance in choral music.   Through participation in choral music, students learn the value of self-discipline, teamwork, and aesthetic experiences.

 

Tiger Chorus (7th grade):
In the Tiger Chorus, students work collaboratively on improving vocal technique, listening skills, and reading music.  We focus on learning to read music using the Solfege system and being attentive to vocal range while applying these skills to music for performances.   

 

Men’s Chorus (8th – 12th grades):
The Men’s Chorus consists of students of different grade levels singing and performing choral music in a variety of styles. Students work collaboratively to develop as musicians through reading and analyzing music, and performing.    

Concordia Ensemble (8th – 12th grades):
The Honors Vocal Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble that performs advanced choral music in a variety of styles.  Students work collaboratively to create music with artistry and attention to detail.  There are opportunities to explore individual music preferences through solo work and independent projects.

 

Travel Opportunities:

Members of the Holy Cross Men’s Chorus and the Concordia Ensemble are offered the opportunity to travel to a choral festival once per year.  This year, we have been invited to perform at the Heritage Festival of Gold at Carnegie Hall.  Past trips have included performing with the Southern Invitational Choral Conference at Mississippi State and Heritage Festivals in Nashville and Atlanta. 

 

Honor Choirs:

Our singers sing with the following honor ensembles:

  • National Association for Music Education All National Mixed Choir
  • American Choral Directors’ Association Louisiana All State Youth and Men’s Choirs
  • Louisiana Music Educators’ Association All State Mixed Choir
  • Louisiana Music Educators’ Association District VI Honor Choir

 

If you have any questions about the choral music program at Holy Cross, please contact Craig Matherne at [email protected]

Drama is a gumbo of all the arts: High School students in drama classes draw, sing, play instruments, build scenery, paint, and, of course, act. Students may take two to four years of drama earning honors credits in Drama III and IV. At least two plays are produced annually, and the students compete in district and state rallies. Students in the courses learn all aspects of theater from ticket sales to costuming to lighting to acting. Students earn membership in the International Thespian Society, and all students on campus may be members of Holy Cross Center Stage and audition for all plays. There is an annual Fine Arts Night on campus showcasing all of the arts.
 Art for Middle School includes three-dimensional and two-dimensional segments offering hands-on opportunities that allow students to push their creative limits.  The students at the High School level may choose to study art for two to fours years, exhibit their works in shows and competitions, and join the National Art Honor Society or the Art Club. AP Studio Art is also available.