Performing Arts

Students at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School have many opportunities for enrichment through the arts. We offer the following programs to help students become well-rounded individuals:

Music

Classes are part of the curriculum for students in preschool through fifth grade, while students in sixth through eighth grade may choose choir as an elective. Music students especially shine during the annual Christmas program at the Everett Civic Theater.

Orchestra

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School students have the opportunity to study various instruments through orchestra. Students performances are  are the annual Christmas Spring Programs.

 

 

Drama is offered as an elective for students in sixth through eighth grade. The drama group culminates with the a popular spring musical each year. Recent musicals include The Lion King, The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan.

Speech

All sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students have an opportunity to be part of the Speech Team. The St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School team will participate in three tournaments sponsored by Catholic high schools in the Seattle area. Last year, these tournaments occurred in December, January, and February and students travelled to Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle Prep High School, and Archbishop Murphy Catholic High School. Typically these all-day events are held on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Participation in these tournament-type events is an excellent way for students to develop speaking skills. Students will experience significant growth in their speaking abilities during each tournament. Participating as a member of the Speech Team is also great preparation for high school.

Speech Categories

  • Dramatic Interpretive Reading:  A reading of one or more selections from a book (prose), play or poetry that is serious in nature. TIME LIMIT:  6 ½ to 7 ½ minutes (includes intro) – max = 8 minutes
  • Humorous Interpretive Reading: A reading from a book, play or poetry that is humorous in nature. Introduction YES; TIME LIMIT:  6 ½ to 7 ½ minutes (includes intro) – max = 8 minutes
  • Duo Interpretative Reading:  A cutting from a published prose or play involving two or more characters. Material can be humorous or serious and is presented by two individuals. This is not an acting event (no costumes, props, etc.). Introduction YES; TIME LIMIT:  6 ½ to 7 ½ minutes (includes intro) – max = 8 minutes
  • Editorial CommentaryThe student will take a position and present a speech he/she has prepared on a topic of current interest/concern. NO Introduction: STRICT TIME LIMIT: 1 minute/45 seconds to 2 minutes
  • Impromptu:  Students must “think on their feet” and deliver an organized presentation without the use of notes or other material. The contestant will have two minutes to prepare and will then speak for a maximum of five minutes on one of the choices. NO Introduction: TIME LIMIT: 1 – 5 minutes
  • Oratory: This is a memorized speech written by the student to persuade the audience. Speech must be the original work of the speaker (with no more than 100 words of quoted material). NO Introduction: Memorized: TIME LIMIT: 6 ½ to 7 ½ minutes (max = 8 minutes)
  • Expository:  This is a speech written by the student to inform the audience. You will describe, clarify, explain and/or define an idea, object, concept, or process. Visual aids (props) are allowed. Mostly memorized: TIME LIMIT:  6 ½ to 7 ½ minutes (max = 8 minutes)