Senior High students at St. Ambrose Academy are encouraged to explore elective studies outside of the core curriculum of English, History, Latin, Math, Religion, and Science. For students whose schedules allow it, wider exposure to more elective topics of interest will be of great benefit to their intellectual and personal formation. 

Art

Students are introduced to a variety of media with an emphasis on fine arts skills. Freshmen and sophomores work on principles of design, form, and space to have a solid foundation for visual expression. Juniors and seniors develop techniques for college art classes and create pieces suitable for a portfolio.

Band

Band is for students in grades 6-12. Most students joining Band have already played their woodwind, brass or percussion instrument for at least one year, but new beginners are welcome as well. Semi-private lessons (small groups of 2-3 students) meet on Wednesdays throughout the school day. Students are pulled from class for their 25 minute lesson. Lessons rotate each week so that students are not missing the same time slot every week. Large group band rehearsal for all Band students takes place on Friday mornings from 7:55-8:50 (during homeroom, Mass and/or Study Hall.) Students prepare for and perform in two concerts – one in December and one in May. Band is offered to St. Ambrose Academy students by the non-profit organization Overture Band Programs. There is a separate Band Tuition Fee for Band students, and students are required to provide their own instrument.

Orchestra

Orchestra is for students in grades 6-12 who already play, or want to learn to play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello or string bass.) Semi-private lessons (small groups of 2-3 students) meet on Wednesdays throughout the school day.  Students are pulled from class for their 25 minute lesson.  Lessons rotate each week so that students are not missing the same time slot every week.  Large group Orchestra rehearsal for all String students will take place on Wednesday mornings from 8:05-8:50 (during Study Hall.) Students prepare for and perform in two concerts – one in December and one in May. Orchestra is offered to St. Ambrose Academy students by the non-profit organization Overture Band Programs. There is a separate Orchestra Tuition Fee for Orchestra students, and students are required to provide their own instrument.

Drama

The first semester of this course focuses on acting skills. Students will develop concentration, characterization, physical agility, and creativity through the use of improvisation, pantomime, monologues, and directing. The second semester focuses on bringing great literary texts to life, from Greek tragedy to Shakespeare to modern theater, using the skills built in the first semester. The year will culminate in presenting rehearsed scenes. 

Music

Music courses offer students an opportunity to focus on choral, solo, and ensemble singing. Music theory and the history of music in the Church are also taught. 

Chamber Choir

Chamber Choir is an auditioned choir at the high school level. Students will grow in technique, theory, and ensemble singing at an advanced level. This ensemble is expected to have prior musical knowledge. Much like Concert Choir, Chamber Choir will perform in two concerts throughout the year: Lessons and Carols in the winter, and a cycled* spring concert.

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is a non-auditioned choir at the high school level. Students will grow in technique, theory, and ensemble singing at an intermediate level. This ensemble will perform in two concerts throughout the year: Lessons and Carols in the winter, and a cycled* spring concert. Students are always welcome to audition the following year for Chamber Choir or continue to grow in their skills in Concert Choir.

*Cycles
Through a 4 year cycle, students will learn music, theory, and techniques at different levels from following genres/periods: Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern, Sacred music, American, South American, and European composers.

Physical Education

The “good, true, and beautiful” can be learned through physical exercise and sport as well as in academic courses. Students are introduced to a variety of games/activities throughout the year which include: volleyball, kickball, capture the flag, dodgeball, bowling, ice skating, pickleball, basketball, floor hockey, soccer, ultimate frisbee, sledding, badminton, touch football, and dance.