Performing Arts

Saint James School is distinct from most independent schools not only by our high academic standards, but also by the amount of programs offered to prepare students for collegiate success. The band department is a highly acclaimed component of music education at Saint James. The Marching Band is one of the most visible organizations at the school and has won numerous awards in state, regional, and national competitions through events like Bands of America. In addition to the Marching Band, the Concert Band performs regularly for campus events, as well as concerts in the region. There is a wide selection of classes offered through the school day including: Music Theory, Music Survey, Music Composition, Beginning Band, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, Jazz Band, and Symphonic Band. Many band students also perform with our chamber ensembles such as Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and various woodwind and brass duets, trios, and quartets.

Our award-winning drama program is second to none. The theatre program at Saint James School is a hands-on, practical experience. Students are given opportunities to rise to leadership roles and hone creative direction in the program. Our theatre program develops and challenges our dramatic arts students, enhancing poise and composure, presence in front of an audience, and vocal expertise — critical training for every student, whatever their ultimate career path. Academic offerings in theater include: Theatre Fundamentals, Theatre Arts I and II, Technical Theatre I and II, and Theatre Production.

Students in grades 6-12 are invited to audition as a cast member for our shows and serve on the student-led crew. We compete at theatre competitions throughout the state and are recognized as one of the premier programs in Alabama. Our modern theatre facility includes a true proscenium theatre and a spacious rehearsal space.

Many students in theatre at Saint James have graduated and continued their love for theatre with an easy transition into their chosen fields. Many Saint James Theatre alumni have gone on to flourish in careers like professional acting, directoring, writing, and technical work for theaters around the country.

The STJ Theater puts on three productions per year in our Performing Arts Building, which includes a state-of-the art stage and seats an audience of 200. Elementary students, grades Pre-K3 through 5th grade, also participate in the performing arts. Weekly, students attend formal music enrichment classes and put on a grade-level production. Students learn speaking lines, lyrics to songs, choreography, and rehearse in costume for their cumulative performance for parents and teachers.

The choral program at Saint James School focuses on building well-rounded vocalists specializing in a wide variety of styles, languages, and time periods. Our choirs compete regularly in assessments and competitions, consistently winning state and national accolades. Students perform throughout the area, such as at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Governor’s Mansion. They have also performed in national venues such as Carnegie Hall. Students participate annually in state-wide festivals including All-State and Young Voices.

Elementary students have the opportunity to participate in choir at the 2nd-5th grade level. These students perform at various venues in the River Region and put on performances at school events throughout the year.