IMPACT ARTS
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to see the Rhapsodies, PJP’s Show Choir, in their performance titled “Dare to Dream.” The incredible night consisted of singing and dancing to Christmas classics, Disney movie hits, songs from famous plays, and more. I’ve gone to see the Rhapsodies for four years in a row, and it’s always one of the highlights of my school year. After speaking with the performers, I know that they enjoy it even more than I do.
“Feeling the energy and love of my fellow cast members during performances is indescribable,” Featured Dancer Anna DeBald ’17 said. “The smiles on everyone’s faces exude the happiness that performing makes them feel.”
Every performer shares how the Rhapsodies is a family. Soloist Sam McLaughlin ’17 said it well. “My favorite part about being in the show this year, and every year I’ve been in it, was the feeling of family unity we share as a cast. It’s such a great shared experience and it really makes you think and behave as a community.”
After an exciting weekend filled with three shows, narrator Emily Grossbauer ’17 perfectly summarized the collective feelings of everyone in the Rhapsodies. “We put in many hours of hard work and dedication, and to step on that stage and see hundreds of people watching, smiling, and singing along… it makes all of the long hours worth it. Show Choir was more than just an extracurricular to me. Show Choir was a learning experience."
THE RHAPSODIES PERFORM IN DISNEY
Visit PJP"S STUDENT NEWSPAPER, www.pjplosplendore.org, to read James' complete articles on the rhapsodies!
What an amazing trip it was for the PJP Rhapsodies in Walt Disney World, as they delivered a breathtaking performance in the Candlelight Processional in Epcot in early December. Please visit the PJP Facebook Page to watch videos from their performance! PJP joined Lansdale Catholic High School (pictured together prior to going backstage in the bottom right photo), as the two schools from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia made up 2/3 of the spectacular choir!
We are so proud of the Rhapsodies!
The Fine Arts program at Pope John Paul II High School is making a lasting and visible impact on creativity and expression, under the direction of Mrs. Tella, department chair and teacher, and faculty members, Mrs. Mussari and Mrs. Lynn. Studio Art I and Related Arts are the foundation courses that give students an exposure to the arts and allow them to showcase their creativity and artistic abilities. Many students who take these courses as freshmen will go on to continue in Studio Art during their years at PJP or will elect to study Ceramics and or Sculpture.
Studio Art I, an elective taught by Mrs. Mussari, is “an introduction to the fundamentals of art, design, composition and perspective. The students will analyze the uses of the Elements of Art in their own work as well as others’, produce art pieces, observe demonstrations, and participate in group critiques. A wide variety of media will be utilized to explore creativity, including pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, watercolor and printmaking.”
Related Arts, a required freshman course taught by Mrs. Mussari, is “designed to develop a positive attitude toward the Fine Arts and arenas for self-expression. Students are taught to observe, listen, think creatively, critically, and to form valid opinions.” Any freshman who does not study Studio Art or Performing Arts takes this course.
In Studio Art I and Related Arts, to date some of the topics students have studied this semester include Tile Pattern Printing (Studio), Movement Relief (Related), Text Art (Related), and Vanity Plates (Studio). Much of this work graces the hallway of the Fine Arts wing, highlighting the creative impact of our talented students and their dedicated teachers.
Outstanding Fine Arts Offerings at PJP