Fine Arts News

List of 4 items.

• Elevate the Process and Celebrate the Journey

  This past summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to take my family to New York City. We immersed ourselves in the energy of the theater district, taking in a wide variety of plays and musicals. As memorable as the performances were on stage, I cherished the lively conversations that followed. On our walks back to the hotel and around dinner tables, we found ourselves dissecting production choices, discussing artistic styles, and debating why certain moments resonated so deeply.

   

  Those post-performance conversations stayed with me long after our trip ended. They sparked a renewed vision for our school community this year: I want our students, faculty, and families engaged in those same rich, meaningful conversations about the arts.

   

  I encourage you to bring these creative conversations into your homes throughout the year:

  • Ask about the daily work: Inquire about what your children are exploring in their arts classes and ensemble rehearsals.
  • Seek out the progress: Ask to hear a musical passage after dinner, view an unfinished sketch, or watch a dance sequence in the living room before it is polished.
  • Value the effort: Celebrate the willingness to iterate, fail forward, and refine ideas over time.

  While opening nights, gallery receptions, and final curtain calls are joyous milestones, they are only a small reflection of the artistic journey. True magic occurs every day in our studios, rehearsal rooms, and practice spaces, in the moments of risk-taking, problem-solving, vulnerability, and persistence. When we honor the process of art-making, we empower our students to create with courage, authenticity, and confidence.

  
  

  Art thrives when it is shared and experienced together. I welcome every member of our community to step into our creative spaces this year. Let us fill the audience seats, gather in the exhibition halls, and support the full range of artistic disciplines our students cultivate.

  • Visual Art Exhibitions: Discover how our students translate identity, narrative, and perspective through physical and digital media.
  • Dance Performances: Experience the discipline, expression, and storytelling expressed through physical movement and choreography.
  • Choir & Instrumental Concerts: Hear the collaborative unity, technical growth, and emotion woven through our vocal and instrumental ensembles.
  • Plays & Musicals: Immerse yourself in the dramatic storytelling, character development, and technical artistry brought to life on stage.

  Thank you for your partnership and support of the arts. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming shows, exhibits, and concerts this year!

  
  

  Jamie Stires Hardin
  Director of Fine Arts
  
  
  

• New Faces in the Fine Arts Department

  Todd Stevens

  

  Todd Stevens joins St. John's School as the new Upper School Visual Arts teacher. Todd brings over twenty-three years of experience in art education, with certifications in both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate. He is a working artist specializing in painting, whose work has been featured in New American Paintings and was most recently included in The Big Show at the Lawndale Art Center in Houston. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts, with an emphasis in painting, from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and his studies focused on social theory and technology integration in the classroom. Todd is also passionate about long-distance running and golf. When he is not in the art room, you can find him at Memorial Park golfing, running, or standing next to his booth at the Bayou City Art Festival. Of all his passions, Todd most enjoys watching young people develop their own voice in the classroom. Nothing is more exciting than seeing students create work that is truly their own.

  
  Aaron Krouse

  

  Aaron Krouse is joining St. John's Lower School as the grades 3-5 music instructor and co-director of the St. John's Singers. Aaron studied music education at Baylor University before receiving a master's degree in percussion performance from Texas State University. Over the last thirteen years, he has taught K-5 music in Spring Branch and K-6 music in Austin, Texas. Aaron loves music in and out of the classroom. He plays bass guitar with the First Baptist Church of Sugar Land orchestra and drums with various rock bands in Houston. At home, Aaron enjoys writing his own music, oil painting, working in the garden, and spending time with his wife, Eleanor, and their rescue puppy, Momo.

   

   

• St. John's Symphony

  by Krishna Yalamanchili '27

   

  From my time in Camerata in sixth grade to being a member of the St. John's Symphony now as a senior, I can truly say that being a cellist at St. John's has been one of my fondest experiences. I have had the opportunity to play with dozens of remarkable musicians over these past six years, and they have constantly pushed me to improve as a cellist, especially during my time in Symphony. Each person beside me and across from me in the Symphony is motivated and truly wants to be there. This is so important because at every rehearsal we create an environment of discipline and focus, which ultimately allows us to create wonderful performances for our audiences. I am constantly impressed by every person in Symphony, and it is undoubtedly one of the strongest groups I have played with since I started playing.

   

  My favorite memories from my time playing in the orchestra always come from Candlelight. It is a mesmerizing experience, and it makes it impossible not to feel the holiday spirit. I love how we can create a welcoming atmosphere for the community and how everyone feels connected as we perform hymns, with the orchestra playing and the choir and audience singing. My single favorite moment from the entire year in orchestra is at the very end of the Candlelight concert, when all of the lights turn off and the candles are the only source of light. The choir encircles the chapel and begins singing calmly and peacefully. I always take this time to close my eyes, reflect, and meditate, and it is a special moment.

   

  This year, I am looking forward to my role as the cello section leader, and I hope to guide those in my section and contribute meaningfully to the overall success of the St. John's Symphony. I hope to close out the year on a high note, though it will be bittersweet because my time at St. John's and in the orchestra is coming to an end. I have enjoyed every moment of the last six years in the orchestra, and it is a unique experience that I think everyone should have.
  
  
  

• Looking Back!

  Our students and faculty did amazing things last year, and we're proud to share a small glimpse of it here. Enjoy the memories!

  
  Visual Arts

   

  

   

  US Theater

   

  

   

  Dance

   

  

   

  MS Theater

   

  

   

  Choral

   

  

   

  Band & Orchestra

   

  

   

  To stay up-to-date, follow us on our official Instagram - @FineArtsSJS