Rooted in Creative Expression

Grounded in the belief that the arts are vital for nurturing well-rounded individuals, Oak Knoll’s Creative Arts Department stands as a haven for artistic expression and growth. Embracing the essence of creativity, we passionately encourage and foster the artistic development of each Oak Knoll student.

In our dynamic arts program, students delve into the diverse realms of dance, photography, music, theatre, and art. With a strong focus on honing their skills and unleashing their creative potential, our students find their voices and talents amplified as they embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery.

Join us on this remarkable path of artistic exploration, where passion meets purpose, and the arts inspire us to shine. Discover the artistry within you and thrive in an environment that celebrates the power of imagination and expression. Together, let’s paint the canvas of a truly extraordinary future!

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Embark on Your Artistic Journey

The arts program at our middle and high school is designed to ignite passion, inspire creativity, and provide a supportive environment for students to explore and excel in various artistic disciplines. With a wide array of enriching courses, our students embrace their artistic potential, fostering personal growth and cultivating a lifelong love for the arts.

Academic Program Highlights

Explore the fascinating world of digital music production and composition
Immerse yourself in an intensive dance training program for all skill levels
Delve into the realm of digital art with hands-on graphic design projects
Build confidence and eloquence in speech and performance
Discover the art and science of photography, capturing the world through your lens
Hone your dance technique through specialized instruction and practice

Explore our extensive creative arts course offerings for seventh and eighth-grade and high school.

Extracurricular Offerings

Art Studio

This after-school workshop is designed for aspiring young artists in the ninth grade who plan on pursuing the study of art at Oak Knoll. Accordingly, the class provides students with a foundation in basic drawing fundamentals and skills based upon direct observational work. In addition to the work accomplished in school, several outside assignments are required. If time permits, a brief introduction to computer graphics will be included within the course of instruction. The workshop meets once a week and is offered in each semester. Drawing supplies are furnished by the creative arts department.

Bel Canto

Bel Canto is a select liturgical choir that leads the community in song at Masses and prayer services. Cantors are trained to direct the congregation for Masses and prayer services. The chamber orchestra members are also included several times during the school year.

Chamber Orchestra

This program provides a forum for instrumentalists of varying abilities to play together weekly and to collaborate on performance pieces. The chamber orchestra accompanies the choir during the Christmas and spring concerts. All students with experience playing an orchestral instrument are encouraged to join this group. Private lessons may be available upon request.

Dancers

Junior Dancers is a select dance group comprised of students from grades 7 through 9. Senior Dancers belong to grades 10 through 12. Students audition for membership which requires participation in numerous after-school and occasional weekend rehearsals. The groups perform classical ballet (including pointe), jazz, modern, lyrical, theatrical and Broadway show pieces at school productions and Dance concerts. A group called Apprentices is open to any interested student. These developing dancers should attend group rehearsals as frequently as possible.

Dramatica

Dramatica is a dedicated drama experience which trains actors in stagecraft, acting techniques, improvisation, lighting and production approach. Students in this activity rehearse and perform a full-length fall production and spring showcase. Auditions are held in September and February with performances in October and April.

Ensemble

Ensemble is our select women’s choir representing grades 9-12. Auditions are held at the beginning of the school year. The group provides an opportunity for students to achieve extraordinary levels of performance and excellence in a diverse repertoire ranging from Renaissance to Contemporary. The Ensemble performs in two major concerts and tours the local area supporting foundations and charities. Rehearsals take place once per week from September to June. Participation in Concert Choir is required for Ensemble members.

Musical

Every spring Oak Knoll supports a full-scale musical production. Some of the recent performances in our repertoire include James and the Giant Peach, Annie, Once on This Island, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sound of Music, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Wiz and Anything Goes. Participation in the school musical provides theatrical opportunities for students talented in music, drama, and dance, but also gives experience and training to students interested in staging, directing, lighting, set design and construction, costuming and makeup, publicity and ticket sales. Auditions for the musical usually occur in early fall.

Photo Club

Photo Club is a club that students with or without photographic experience are welcomed to join. Members will explore both darkroom (using a 35mm camera and black and white film) and digital photography. Darkroom photography gives students the opportunity to learn exposure, creative focusing and framing techniques and members learn to develop film and make enlarged prints from negatives. Digital photography applies the same concepts of exposure, creative focusing and framing for use with the Canon Rebel DSLR. Members photograph, upload the images, edit, enhance, and print images using Mac desktop computers, Adobe Photoshop, and inkjet printers. Cameras are available for use during photo club meetings.

Scribes

Oak Knoll’s Calligraphy Club, Scribes, is an art service club composed of exceptional calligraphers who do lettering jobs for the school and community at large.

Stage and Lighting Crew

The Stage Crew is a group of technicians responsible for planning and executing all tasks related to backstage work— sound, curtain, props, and set coordination. The Lighting Tech Crew is responsible for designing, programming, and executing the lighting for all school performances and assemblies. Members of the teams must attend periodic training workshops and dedicate the hours required for rehearsals and performances. Both crews are responsible for the annual calendar of events and collaborate closely with the directors for each production.