Fine Arts
The POPCS Fine Arts faculty share the common goal of creating an environment that helps students grow artistically, intellectually, and personally in their studies. Whether students dream of pursuing a professional career in the arts or to develop an appreciation for the arts, every Fine Arts student receives a balanced and comprehensive program of instruction in the arts. The study of techniques, processes and experience form a foundation for thinking about their own uniqueness and their God-given gifts.
The Prince of Peace Christian School Fine Arts Center houses a 500-seat contemporary theater, band, choir and theater halls with private practice rooms, and art studio. The POPCS Art Gallery displays student works throughout the year and is located in the lobby of the Fine Arts Center.
With numerous opportunities for hand-on creation, performance, tech, and studies the award-winning POPCS Fine Arts department celebrates the creative disciplines.
Fine Arts Calendar
Performing Arts
Band
Students are introduced to instruments through music enrichment classes in Lower School. The Band program is officially introduced in Grades 4 and 5. The POPCS Eagle Band offers many performance and competition opportunities: PEP Band, Drumline, and the statewide and regional competitions.
Music & Choir
Weekly music classes for Preschool and Lower School students focus on teaching children to appreciate and love music through engaging activities such as singing, movement, musical games, and playing instruments. These classes provide a solid foundation in music and instill a lifelong love of musical expression.
Middle School students can continue to develop individual vocal and choral skills through learning and performing various types of music in Choir. Show Choir classes are offered in the Upper School. Students perform in several concerts throughout the year and participate in the regional and state TAPPS vocal and choir competition. The POP Music program offers many performance opportunities: Annual Christmas Concert, Upper School Musical, POP Music & Arts Fest, special event performances, and chapel performances throughout the year.
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre productions begin for students in Grades 4 and 5, offering them the chance to participate in large-scale performances that combine singing, dancing, and acting. This program provides students with a comprehensive theatrical experience, enhancing their skills in multiple disciplines and contributing to their overall artistic development.
The POP Theatre Company offers many performance opportunities, including the 4th and 5th Grade chapel performances, Middle School Musical, Upper School Musical, TAPPS One Act Play, Middle School One Act Play, Songs I'll Never Sing Cabaret, Junior Directs, and the annual POP of Talent Show.
Theatre
POPCS is proud to support an award-winning theatre department.
Theatre Performance
Performing arts classes, focusing on the production processes and techniques of acting, technical theatre, and theatre history are offered to students in Middle and Upper School.
Actor's Studio
Upper school students have the opportunity to hone their acting skills in our Actor's Studio course. This class focuses on the techniques and processes of acting, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of performance and character development. Students can take Actor's Studio all four years of Upper School without needing to move on to Theatre Performance classes.
Stagecraft
Students in Upper School can focus on the technical elements of theatre, such as set construction, lighting, and costuming, in our stagecraft classes. These classes provide hands-on experience in the behind-the-scenes aspects of theatre production, essential for creating professional and engaging performances. Similar to Actor's Studio, Stagecraft can be taken all four years without requiring students to move on to Theatre Performance classes.
Visual Arts
Art
The art program at POPCS ignites creativity from an early age. Art begins in preschool, where children are introduced to visual arts through sensory and expressive art activities, utilizing a variety of art mediums.
Through hands-on activities and exploration of diverse art mediums, Lower School students learn foundational visual arts skills through an art curriculum that combines art history with practical techniques, nurturing a passion for creative expression. Students engage in sensory and expressive art, encouraging experimentation and skill development in a supportive setting guided by dedicated teachers.
The Middle and Upper School art programs provide a comprehensive exploration of visual arts. From drawing to ceramics, students delve into various mediums, honing both technical skills and creative expression. Guided by practicing artists, students develop their artistic voice through research, design, and original creations, preparing for exhibitions and competitions. The dynamic curriculum fosters a deep understanding of artistic principles and cultivates a lifelong love of the arts. Students compete annually in PSIA and TAPPS art competitions, with numerous works cited for excellence.
Culinary Arts
Students learn the fundamentals of the art of cooking and the science of baking in this course. Classes explore the principles of nutrition, kitchen safety, food preparation, storage, and presentation. Students participate in learning and research as well as actual hands-on cooking experiences. Through professional chef visits and field trips, students learn about the food service industry.
Digital Arts
Early Exposure and Skill Development
Students are introduced to digital communication and creativity as early as Kindergarten in our SmartLab. The SmartLab provides foundational exposure to many of the categories within the Digital Arts program, including photography, graphic design, and video production. This early introduction ensures that students build a strong base of skills and interest that they can develop further in Upper School, culminating in specialized classes and advanced projects.
Graphic Design
Students explore the world of graphic design, learning to create visually compelling and effective designs for various media. Using industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, they develop skills in typography, layout, branding, and visual communication. Projects range from digital illustrations to marketing materials, preparing students for careers in graphic design and related fields.
Yearbook
POPCS yearbook classes focus on producing the award-winning POPCS yearbook. Students gain hands-on experience in photography, graphic design, and editorial skills, using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to design and layout the yearbook pages, ensuring a professional and engaging final product. Students also participate in the TAPPS Yearbook competitions, highlighting their teamwork and creative talents.
Video Production
Students are introduced to video production classes in our state-of-the-art production studio. Upper School students develop their skills, using the latest production equipment and editing software to create and produce videos and short films. They learn all aspects of video production, including scripting, shooting, editing, and post-production, preparing them for advanced studies and careers in arts, audio/video technology, and communications.
Photography
Upper School students develop and expand their skills in producing both artistic and commercial photographs using digital DSLR cameras and equipment. Students learn to take photos following rules of composition, light, exposure, and elements of art and principles of design. Photo editing and processing programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are used to create and produce the award winning POPCS yearbook. Students participate in the TAPPS Photography and Yearbook competitions each year.