Academics

Music appeals to the ear and the mind, the emotions and the intellect, the senses and the spirit. The Church has always considered music as an essential component of meditation and worship. It touches a “chord” and fills a need that is beyond what sight and words can achieve alone. In fact, few could deny that music is the most direct path to touching the soul. The power of music with our young people today is undeniable, and it is imperative that they should learn to recognize the difference between music that glorifies God, elevating the soul, and music that seeks to alienate us from Him. Because music is so abstract it is often difficult to make these judgments and the study of music is probably one of the most complex disciplines the students will experience. It involves not only the learning of music fundamentals (theory, performance, ear training, music analysis and appreciation) but also Music History, where we look at music in the context of the times and philosophy of the period in which it was created. This is especially interesting as we study the role of music throughout Church History and specifically its role in the Catholic Mass. During the Freshman year, the emphasis is placed on basic musical terms and skills. Music History begins in earnest during the Sophomore year in conjunction with the Humanities curriculum.

The best way to learn music, of course, is to perform it. Students are given many opportunities to perform throughout the year with the Chesterton Academy Choir.

A complete education must include the development of the creative nature and must provide students with the tools and the technique with which to express their ideas, their feelings and their love. It must also include the analytical skills with which to judge a work of art and exposure to great art. Finally, the mechanical skills and the aesthetic aptitude must be put into the proper context of eternal Truth. A good artist is a complete thinker and vice versa. The influence of the arts in today’s society cannot be overstated, and this is why art is mandatory at Chesterton Academy all four years.

Grade 9: Ancient Art History | Drawing and Calligraphy
Grade 10: Late Roman and Early European Art History | Pastels and Colors
Grade 11: Late Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque Art History | Oils
Grade 12: Classical, Romantic, and Modern Art History | Oils

Classical drama arose from religious rituals and modern drama has its origins in the staging of the first Christmas play by St. Francis of Assisi. It was the separation of the arts from religion that brought about meaningless art. Great emotion has been spilt upon the ground and down the drain because it is no longer directed to its proper use. The dramatic arts are particularly powerful in our present culture where movies and the media are often the primary source of knowledge and ideas for many young people. It is therefore imperative that students learn as much as possible about this potent art form. Drama involves the study of how words are brought to life and in order to successfully do this on stage the actor must understand more than just his character. He must learn to see the work as a whole, to understand the author’s vision, and sometimes even the time in which it was written. In other words, the actor must learn to be a good literary critic, a good philosopher and sometimes even a good historian. This is where the skills learned in other classes at Chesterton Academy benefit the students greatly.

Drama has the added benefit of being a team activity where students work together for a common goal. It is always a powerfully bonding experience that they will always remember.

At Chesterton Academy drama begins in Sophomore year where the students are introduced to basic acting skills. They present several scenes or a short one-act play. It continues into their Junior and Senior years where they perform a full-length play which often includes Shakespeare.