THE ARTS PROGRAM
The arts program at Blessed Sacrament — encompassing visual art, music, drama, and dance — cultivates language development, hand-eye coordination, memory, and cognitive function, while fostering teamwork, self-esteem, responsibility, and creativity. Within a safe and nurturing environment, students learn to move to music, sing, act, dance, play classroom instruments, compose, and perform — each discipline offering a distinct avenue for growth, self-expression, and, ultimately, the glorification of the gifts with which each child has been endowed.
THE VISUAL ARTS (K4–GRADE 8)
The Blessed Sacrament Visual Arts program is grounded in the National Art Standards, ensuring that every young artist is provided a strong and well-rounded foundation. Through the visual arts, we strive to strengthen each student's self-confidence, cultivate communication and critical thinking skills, provide space for personal reflection, and build a working knowledge of the fundamental elements of art. These aims are pursued through a diversity of artistic styles and mediums, and through exploration of both two- and three-dimensional work. Students learn to critique their own artwork thoughtfully, expand their artistic vocabulary, and deepen their understanding through research and the study of established artists. Ample opportunities are provided for students to display and share their work with friends, family, and the broader community through art shows and competitions.
THE PERFORMING ARTS
Music (K3–Grade 8): The Blessed Sacrament Performing Arts program ensures that every student receives a thoughtful introduction to music and develops a foundational understanding of musical knowledge. Given the substantial body of research affirming music's contribution to cognitive development, and its demonstrated correlation with student growth, music remains an essential subject for the twenty-first century — as well as a viable path of vocation for many students. The Liturgical Choir, comprised of students in Grades 5 through 8, leads the school community in music and worship at our weekly school Mass — offering their talents in service of the liturgy and deepening their own formation in faith through sacred music.
Drama (Grades 1–8): There is something truly remarkable in witnessing a shy or reserved student blossom when given the opportunity to discover a hidden talent. Such moments — a student's face alight with the joy of positive recognition after performing a song or delivering a line — are among the great gifts of Catholic education. Children who participate in dramatic performance during their elementary years learn to articulate their thoughts and emotions with greater clarity. The discipline of memorizing lines and delivering them with appropriate feeling strengthens both verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as reading comprehension. While performing before an audience can be daunting, the experience builds genuine confidence and a lasting sense of accomplishment — one that often extends well beyond the stage into other areas of a child's life.
Dance (Grades 5–8): New for the 2026–2027 school year, students in Grades 5 through 8 may select dance as their arts elective. Students will explore a variety of dance genres, with the goal of developing a dance team to perform at school events and athletic competitions, while collaborating closely with Bishop England High School as a feeder program into their established dance tradition.
A performing arts program allows students to pursue passions; discover new talents; and grow their confidence.
Lori Harrell (Liturgical Choir, Grades 5 – 8): Ms. Harrell leads the Blessed Sacrament Catholic School Liturgical Choir, helping students develop their voices while sharing their gifts through music. The choir sings at school Masses throughout the year and participates in special liturgical celebrations and school events. Through music, students have the opportunity to grow in their faith, build confidence, and contribute to the worship life of our school community.
Lori Harrell (Music, Grades K – 4): Mrs. Harrell has taught music education for over 35 years, the last 25 years within the Diocese of Charleston. She came out of retirement to return to BSCS last year. Her love of teaching and working with children has been her passion. She offers private piano lessons in her studio and is an active member in St Joseph’s Catholic Church Parish choir. Mrs. Jacques holds both a Bachelors and Masters in Music Education.
Kristine Wilcox (Drama, Grades 1 – 8): Mrs. Wilcox is a 30-year veteran to big-number productions. She earned a degree in dance education and choreography, after which she performed with companies in New York, Hollywood, Las Vegas and the top rated production show of Celebrity Cruise Lines. Her talent and passion for big-number performance landed her the role of Production Director throughout her 20-year tenure at a local dance studio. In a dual role as their Director of Ballet, she founded her own dance production company in 2002 and performance dance team in 2016. She brought the element of production to our own BSCS Spirit Team in 2015 for six years and is now thrilled to share her experience with our students.