Fine Arts
Our God is wonderfully creative, and as those made in His image, we have the privilege and joy of discovering and developing all manner and means of expressing creativity. The fine arts, particularly instrumental and choral music, visual arts, and drama, are ways for students to honor God and to develop and express some of the gifts and talents He has given them. Special music and art classes are a part of the CFS curriculum at every grade level and more advanced classes become available in the upper elementary through high school.
Choir
CFS Middle School and High School choirs focus on excellence in ensemble singing. We perform a concert at the school each semester and go to various competitions, performing as large ensemble choirs. We will also take small ensembles and soloists to perform at competitions. These concerts and competitions require students to develop a new level of responsibility and professionalism. It takes a lot of dedication and effort to build a unified group sound, but the results are a greater sense of confidence, accomplishment, and camaraderie. There are many other benefits to singing as you can see here: Benefits of Singing.
Art
At CFS, art students are exposed to a variety of media and artists in order to build an appreciation for the visual arts. The bar is high for the program, and several students have earned awards in local and state competitions.
Drama
Whether it is through drama class or drama club, CFS high school students have the opportunity to participate in a major theater production each year. In addition, students can compete individually or in small ensembles in drama and recitation competitions at the Midwest Academic and Fine Arts Festival in Kansas City.
Band
Learning to play an instrument in band (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion) isn’t just something you do on your own. Band is also a social experience that involves listening, communication and teamwork. In band, we learn the universal language of music, which teaches students patience and perseverance. It enhances higher brain functioning, along with developing fine motor skills. Learning music together is fun as we challenge, help, laugh and encourage each other to a goal of excellence, not just “that’s good enough.” Students learn recorders during fourth grade and then have the opportunity to join the band program in fifth grade.
The CFS bands perform at Christmas, as well as several times in the spring semester, with contests in Fayette and Kansas City. These give opportunity for individual development and growth through preparing and performing solos, duets, trios and small ensembles for performance ratings.
CFS bands have received “I” ratings for at least 15 years in their performances! We have also finished the school year with band field trips — performing several times at Dixie Stampede in Branson and attending band competitions in St. Louis and Kansas City.
