The Arts

Saint Bernard School takes great pride in our Visual Arts, Theatre Arts and Performing Arts programs.

Our visual arts department is preparing for upcoming student art exhibits in both the school and in the community, while our theatre arts department is continually preparing for the next theatrical event and our music department is getting ready for more fantastic performances.

Music

Welcome to one of Saint Bernard's longest-standing traditions - our music department. Our students work collaboratively as they develop leadership skills that continue to promote our artform while serving our school and greater community.  

SBS music ensembles have performed for audiences throughout the United States, Canada, and Italy, and have been rated superior in adjudication competitions. Some of the places they have performed are:

• Disney World
• Pueri Cantores National Catholic Choir Festival in New York City
• Wreaths Across America ceremonies
• National Anthem performances including the XL Center and Mohegan Sun
• St. Patrick's Cathedral
• The deck of the USS Intrepid
• Basilica of Saint Ignatius Rome, Italy 

Saint Bernard School students have multiple opportunities to create, perform, respond, and connect as musicians. Our performing arts ensembles include:          

• Chorus and Concert Band - Open to students in grades 8 through 12 who demonstrate advanced musicianship.
• Chamber Orchestra - An auditioned ensemble open to students in grades 6 through 12 who demonstrate proficient musicianship.
• Praise Choir - A community service-based ensemble that focuses on liturgical music and performs at all school Masses. Open to students in grades 6 through 12. 

In addition to ensemble work, student musicians are encouraged to participate in regional and national music competitions including Regional and All-State festivals sponsored by the Connecticut Music Educators Association, the New England Music Festival, the National Association for Music Education All-National Honor Ensembles, and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Our curriculum is framed by the National Standards for Music Education's pillars: create, perform, respond and connect. 

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts program at Saint Bernard School nurtures each student’s creative expression through working with their hands, hearts, and souls. Opportunities are available for students at all levels of art experience.

Art Exhibits

Student artwork is displayed in the art gallery and throughout the school for everyone to enjoy.

• Annual Senior Art Exhibit
• Annual Art Exhibit
• Annual Art Show at The Hygienic Art Gallery in New London - features artwork of students from Saint Bernard, New London and Waterford high schools.

Contests
Students are encouraged to participate in local, state, and national contests.

• Connecticut Scholastic Art Exhibit and Competition: Saint Bernard students have been very successful over the past decade, receiving Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and Honorable Mentions in drawing and 2D Design. 
• Mystic Art Competition and Show
• Annual Saint Bernard Draw-A-Thon

Advanced Placement Classes: Students can submit a portfolio in Drawing or 2D Design for college credit. Students can also take AP Art History for college credit.

National Art Honor Society: Students also have the opportunity to join the National Art Honor Society.

Theatre

Whether your interest is in acting on the stage or working behind the scenes, the Saints Players provides an opportunity to be part of a rich tradition that goes back to 1957.

Students take an active role in all aspects of the drama program including stage managing, playing in the pit orchestra, lighting, sound, costuming, set design and building. Working together on a show builds a great sense of community, creating bonds that can last far beyond your school years.

Early on, Saint Bernard became known for its musicals with productions such as Once Upon a Mattress, The King and I, Babes in Arms, and Forty-Second Street. Today, the program is flourishing and includes students from all grade levels. Three shows are presented each year - one middle school fall play, one high school fall play, and one spring musical.

Recent Shows Include:

• Shrek the Musical
• A Christmas Story
• Fiona's Luck
• The Addams Family 
• It's A Wonderful Life
• Fiddler on the Roof
• The Wizard of Oz
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• A Tale of Two Cities
• A Christmas Carol: The Musical
• Seussical the Musical
• The Sound of Music
• The Three Musketeers