FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
Where Passion Meets Commitment
Inspiring Spaces
STS is devoted to ensuring students have the facilities they need to flourish. In 2018, we opened a new arts facility with spectacular, purpose-built art and design studios, two music rooms, a band studio and individual practice rooms. A multi-use indoor amphitheatre complements the new drama room, along with our previously existing, fully equipped 630-seat theatre.
Behind the Curtain
When students step into the studio or onto the stage, something shifts—these are snapshots of growth, collaboration, and artistic courage in action
Music & Band
Elementary music classes at STS are vibrant spaces of exploration, creation, and joyful expression. Our specialist instructors spark curiosity and passion for music through dynamic activities that help students build confidence and skills in:
- Reading and writing music
- Creating original compositions
- Gaining knowledge and appreciation of music from diverse cultures
Middle School band students rehearse during regular school hours and perform at various events, concerts, and festivals. All students are welcome – no previous experience is necessary. Students benefit from a clinician program, where professional musicians from the Calgary community work with students on their individual instruments.
The Middle Years band program focuses on every aspect of music, from listening and improvisation to composition and performance. A highlight for many is the annual overnight band camp at Camp Caroline, where students dive into music-making in a fun, immersive setting.
Senior School music students explore Western and international music traditions, developing into skilled practitioners with a lifelong appreciation for music. Through studies in music theory, history, analysis, and composition, students build toward a senior-year recital. STS is one of the only schools in Canada to offer the IB DP Music Program—a two-year course allowing students to specialize in voice or instrumental performance on an instrument of their choice.
Visual Art + Performing Arts
Our youngest students are encouraged to see the world through different lenses and express their ideas visually. Led by expert faculty, children engage in both stand-alone art projects and integrated curricular experiences. They explore a variety of media, including:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Ceramics
- Woodworking
Middle School students begin their journey of artistic specialization by selecting an Arts Major—Art, Drama, Musical Theatre, or Band—engaging in their chosen discipline for 140 minutes each week.
Each semester, students complement their major with a variety of rotating enrichment minors, including digital music composition, dance, technical theatre, ceramics and more. This structure allows students to develop deep expertise in one area while exploring diverse creative skills.
In Grade 9, students further specialize, dedicating more time to their chosen areas of passion as they prepare for Senior School and beyond.
Visual Art
Senior High Drama
Co-Curriculars
Primary Choir
(Grades 1 and 2)
Singing together builds confidence and creates a joyful connection. The Primary Choir introduces basic choral skills and performs at school concerts.
Elementary Choir
(Grades 3 and 4)
These students begin to explore two-part harmonies and develop music-reading skills. They perform at internal and select external events.
Intermediate Choir
(Grades 5 and 6)
All interested singers are welcome, including beginners. Students perform a more complex repertoire at various school and community events.
Handbell Choir
(Grade 5)
This ensemble builds coordination, listening, and anticipation skills. With fifteen ringers per session, students perform in winter and spring concerts. If full in fall, students can try again in January.
Elementary Musical Production
(Grades 1–6)
Held every two years, this is a highly anticipated event. Every Grade 5 and 6 student gets a speaking role, while younger students participate in ensemble numbers. Students also explore backstage and production roles, creating a memorable, all-encompassing theatrical experience.
Intermediate Jazz Band
Jazz enthusiasts from the regular band program join this group to focus on jazz techniques like improvisation. They perform regularly at school events.
Middle School Chamber Music Ensemble
An auditioned ensemble where musicians perform challenging repertoire and share their gift of music with the community, including holiday concerts at local senior care facilities.
Middle School Production
This ensemble builds coordination, listening, and anticipation skills. With fifteen ringers per session, students perform in winter and spring concerts. If full in fall, students can try again in January.
Art Club: Art and Entrepreneurship
Students create artworks in support of Round Square fundraising. This club builds artistic skills, self-esteem, and social impact through creative service.
Junior Choir
Open to all Middle School students who love to sing. Participation builds confidence and community. Performances include school concerts, the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival, Choralfest South, and the Alberta Provincial Music Festival.
Senior Band
This credited course for Grades 10–12 takes place twice weekly before school. Students perform locally and travel to festivals in destinations like Banff, Chicago, Los Angeles, Austria, Russia, and Italy.
Senior Choir
All singers are welcome to join and expand on foundational skills. They perform at school concerts, assemblies, and external festivals.
Pit Band
This advanced ensemble accompanies the annual musical and emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration. Instruments often include wind, brass, keyboard, electric guitar, bass, and percussion.
Fall Musical Production
Open to all Senior School students. Past productions range from classics like Guys and Dolls and My Fair Lady to contemporary hits like Shrek the Musical and Legally Blonde. Auditions are held in the spring for the November performance.
Senior Jazz Band and Combo
These groups focus on jazz standards, styles, and improvisation. The larger ensemble plays big band repertoire, while the smaller combo offers a more advanced, intimate experience. Both perform throughout the school year.
One Act Festival
Students write and perform original or scripted one-act plays—under 60 minutes—in the Zone 5 High School One Act Festival. Winners advance to the Provincial Showcase in Red Deer, where students also take professional theatre workshops.
Art Club: Art and Entrepreneurship
Grades 8–12 students create projects supporting Round Square fundraising. They experience the joy of learning new art techniques and using their talents for meaningful causes. Offered as a per-term workshop.
More to Discover
Explore the stories behind the music, drama, and visual art happening across our campus.
Grade 12 IB Music class performs “We find love” for CBC Music Class challenge
The Grade 12 IB Music class featuring Chanel L. ’21, Shannon M. ’21, Lachlan H.F. ’21. Alix T. ’21, Bethany T. ’21, and Leo K.L. ’21, have put together their own arrangement of Daniel Caesar’s We Find Love as their entry for the CBC Music Class Challenge.
Fall Art show goes virtual!
The STS Fine Arts department has curated a digital art show using an online platform called Art Steps, allowing us to showcase our work in a beautiful 3D gallery environment.
Making Music Together, Remotely: Senior Band Virtual Performance
What does band class look like during remote learning? Much different than if we were in rehearsal in the band studio!
It Starts Here
Your child’s education starts here – and we’re excited to share the learning journey with you. Explore our latest news and updates in our STS newsletter.
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