Performing Arts

St. Mary's Ryken choral students gain experience reading and singing religious music, including traditional and contemporary Christian music. 

Honors Chorus - This class is open to any singer at any level of ability.  This chorus class is composed of male and female singers from freshmen to seniors, and it is a safe place to sing and learn about the art.  The goal is to experience all genres of music, with the focus on religious music to enhance our monthly liturgy.  We also work towards two secular concerts, one filled with Christmas music of all types and a Spring concert.   Students are taught to read music and should plan to leave with a basic knowledge of Music Theory.   

Show Choir - This class is open by audition only and consist of juniors and seniors.  This is a performance group combining choral singing with choreographed movement or dance.  Show choir students also work on our monthly liturgy music as well as prepare music for the concerts and Gala.  This group has many more outside performance opportunities. 

Knight-N-Gales – An elite women’s choir group who perform at special school and outside events. The students are chosen by audition and can only audition if they are a sophomore, junior or senior.

Beginner Piano and Advanced Piano classes are also available. The goal is for any student to learn to play keyboard whether he/she is a beginner or more advanced.  Students have the ability once they complete a semester in Beginning Keyboard to move to the next level in Advanced Keyboard. 

To learn more about the choral music and keyboarding programs, please contact the Fine Arts Department chair, Mrs. Kim Norris at kim.norris@smrhs.org. 

Program Description

Dance is open to all St. Mary's Ryken students. They should expect to bring to each class responsibility, responsiveness, and active participation.  They will be challenged to diversify their dance training, to perform in styles outside their comfort zone, while fostering trust and an active voice in the ensemble.

Dance strives to create balance between content and critical thinking skills which can transfer to other subjects (create, respond, perform, connect ideas and lessons learned).

Dancers will learn the difference between criticism and critique, how to objectively assess skill and performance, how to positively offer critique to oneself and the group, and how to receive critique in an open-minded manner.

Courses Offered

• Dance 1: open to all
• Dance 2: placement by audition and faculty approval
• Honors Dance 3: open to juniors and seniors by audition and faculty approval

Unique Dance Program

• Courses are designed to offer student experiences that are outside the studio experience.  These include academic assignments for dance history and dance anatomy, student input, collaboration, and diversity.
• Because St. Mary's Ryken is a college preparatory school, all courses are designed to begin preparing students for college dance learning.  Assignments are created that foster collaborative problem solving, develop choreography skills, teaching/leadership opportunities, knowledge of theater (budget, costume, lighting, audience, theme) and use of technology to facilitate learning and creativity.

Art to Heart

This volunteer opportunity, in conjunction with the Southern Maryland Community Resources, offers SMR students teaching opportunities while providing dance classes to adults with different abilities who live in the community.

Community Performances

Additional performance opportunities may arise for such occasions as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Women’s Rally, historical celebrations and ceremonies, public library programs and Leonardtown events.

For more information about the Dance program, please contact Mrs. Julie Daley at julie.daley@smrhs.org. 

 

 

 

 View Previous Theatre Productions

View Current Year Performing Arts Schedule 

For more information about the Theatre program, please contact the Fine Arts Department chair, Mrs. Kim Norris at kim.norris@smrhs.org. 

The SMR instrumental program strives to provide students with the skills needed for excellence in music literacy. Students are challenged to explore the complexities of music beyond the page. It is the goal of our program that students develop an understanding of the humanity of music and to continue musical pursuits beyond graduation.  

Mission Statement

Fostering an environment that highlights Xaverian values, the St. Mary’s Ryken instrumental program challenges the individual while cherishing our community. As a group, we strive for musical growth & excellence while providing service opportunities where students share their gifts with the SMR community and beyond.

Courses Offered

• American Music History
• Beginning Guitar 
• AP Music Theory 
• Honors Concert Band 
• Honors Jazz Band 
• Honors String Orchestra 
• Honors Wind Ensemble 
• Pep Band 
• Pit Orchestra
• Tri-M Music Honors Society 
• Guitar Club 

To learn more about the instrumental music program, please contact the Fine Arts Department chair, Mrs. Kim Norris at kim.norris@smrhs.org. 

 

St. Mary's Ryken Troupe 7517 of the International Thespian Society | Members were selected based on scholarship, character and serving over 100 excellent hours within the St. Mary's Ryken Theatre Department.

 

 

The Tri-M Chapter 6677 Honors Society | Student's nomination for membership is based on musicianship, academic qualification, and demonstrated leadership. This honor society is available for band and chorus students. 

For more than 40 years, the National Art Honor Society programs have provided national recognition and opportunities for students who exhibit outstanding scholarship in the visual arts, and for their teachers. Participation in NAHS provides students, faculty, school, and community with invaluable benefits—including peer recognition, leadership growth opportunities, college and career preparation, recognition of your art program, and so much more.