Visual Arts

The Art Department at Sacred Heart Academy offers a diverse array of high quality art classes to provide students with a variety of creative art experiences.  Courses include studio art, drawing and composition, three dimensional art, pottery, and painting with watercolors, oils and acrylics.  Students focus on the fundamental development of technical skills and creativity, and enhance their appreciation of art by studying artists and their works.

SHA celebrates our students’ creativity throughout the year with a rotating student art exhibit on display in the main corridors of the Academy.  Each spring, SHA also holds a Student Art Show featuring art pieces in all media.  In addition to creating the art, students are involved in designing displays and hanging the pieces to learn the logistics of producing an art show.  Students also participate in the Buffalo Independent Secondary School Network Diversity Art Show and other area student art shows.

Music

SHA has earned community-wide recognition for its outstanding music programs.  It offers private instrumental and vocal instruction during the Academy day, and teaches music theory as well.  Studio classes and student recitals are a regular part of the curriculum, and SHA’s performing ensembles include the Chorus, Concert Band, String Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, and Chamber Singers.  Several Academy-owned instruments are available for student use and students have access to an extensive music library. 

Students involved in SHA’s music program participate in a number of Academy events, including providing music for liturgies and assemblies throughout the year.  Numerous public concerts and recitals are also held to showcase the fine musicianship and exceptional performances of our music students.  Many students participate with great success in solo festivals sponsored by the New York State School Music Association and the Erie County Music Educators Association. 

• Leah Bartnik, a Senior and one of Sacred Heart's Chamber Singers, was selected to be a member of the 2012 NYSMMA Conference All-State Chorus which performed on Sunday, December 2, at the 77th Annual NYSMMA Winter Conference  (Eastman Theater) held in Rochester, NY.  Leah auditioned last spring and joined other juniors and seniors from across New York State as part of the All-State Chorus directed by Dr. Rollo Dilworth.  Almost 900 student musicians performed in the eight different All-State Honors Ensembles.  SHA was honored to have Leah represent us at this event.

Theatre

SHA students produce two plays each year, a musical in the fall and a drama in the spring.  All students, regardless of grade level or experience, are welcome to audition.  Auditions are also open to outside schools in the event the theatrical production includes roles for males and children.  In addition to performance roles, there are many behind-the-scenes opportunities for student participation, including lighting, costumes, make-up, and scenery.

Recent musical performances include The Pajama Game, Annie, Cats, Into the Woods, The King and I, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and The Sound of Music.  The 2009 production of Cats was a Kenny Award finalist and earned awards for Best Choreography and Best Supporting Actress (Meghan Rice as Grizabella).  Past dramas include The Miracle Worker, Shakespeare Abridged, Anne of Green Gables, Father of the Bride, Steel Magnolias, Funny Girl, and Stage Door.  All theatrical productions are staged in the SHA Auditorium.

Photo gallery for 2009 musical Cats

Photo gallery for 2010 musical Annie

Dance

At SHA, we offer instruction and performance opportunities to both novice and experienced dancers.  Courses provide students with a broad understanding of dance and emphasize proper technique in various styles including ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, and musical theatre.  Students participating in Dance Ensemble perform throughout the year at functions on and off campus.