Performing
Arts
A spring musical, a Christmas program, two choirs, and PMO concert and jazz band. Everyone who wants a part gets one.
Everyone who wants a part gets one
At a lot of schools, the stage and the ensemble belong to a handful of kids who were obviously talented at nine. That isn't how it works here.
St. Francis students sing at Mass most weeks, put on a full musical each spring, perform a Christmas program, and play in a concert band and jazz band that rehearse with students from across the Quincy Catholic schools. A child who wants to be part of it is part of it.
And joining doesn't mean giving up a sport. Many of our students do both in the same season.
Two productions a year
One in the spring and one at Christmas, with room on stage and behind it.
The School Play
A full theatrical production staged at St. Francis, with auditions, rehearsals, sets, costumes, and a real audience. Students act, sing, and work behind the scenes.
For a lot of our students it's the first time they've stood in front of a crowd on purpose. It shows, in a good way, for years afterward.
The Christmas Program
An annual tradition, and one of the fullest nights on the parish calendar. Grandparents come. Cameras come out. Younger siblings watch and start counting the years until it's their turn.
Two choirs, two different things
Students may join either choir, or both. They're separate groups with separate purposes, and families mix them up often enough that it's worth spelling out.
St. Francis Solanus Youth Choir
Rehearses here at school, several Fridays a month, and sings at our school Masses and at parish Masses through the year.
These students aren't performing at the congregation, they're leading worship for it. That's a different thing to ask of a fifth grader, and they rise to it.
PMO Choir
Concert Choir and Cadet Choir rehearse at Quincy Notre Dame after school with students from across the Quincy Catholic schools, directed by Josh Crowl, who also teaches music here and at QND.
Singing in a full choir of that size is an experience a single elementary school can't manufacture on its own.
PMO Band
The Parochial Music Organization brings together band students from all the Quincy Catholic schools to rehearse and perform at Quincy Notre Dame. There's a Concert Band and a Jazz Band, and students have access to IESA festivals and competitions at the state level.
St. Francis students also receive band instruction here at our school on specified days, so band isn't only an after-school commitment.
Jill Steinkamp, our parish music director and a band teacher at QND, is the St. Francis band teacher and leads the program alongside Mrs. Reeder of St. Peter School.
Beginners are welcome. A Beginner Band Night each summer at QND covers instrument rental and purchase options with The Music Shoppe and introduces students to their directors. A child who has never held an instrument in June can be playing in an ensemble by October.
How students get involved
Who to call and when, for each group.
Rehearsals begin at QND the last week of August. Contact Jill Steinkamp at (217) 257-2253 or jsteinkamp@quincynotredame.org.
Held at QND each summer for families new to band. Come talk through instrument options and meet the directors before committing to anything.
Information goes out through the school each fall. Ask the school office at (217) 222-4077.
Auditions are announced through the school in the winter. Students who'd rather build sets or run lights than be on stage are wanted too.
Directors and coaches are used to sharing students. If your child wants to do both, say so early and it usually works out.
Current PMO flyers and dates are posted each summer.
What performing arts does St. Francis Solanus School offer?
A spring musical, an annual Christmas program, the St. Francis Solanus Youth Choir, and PMO Band and PMO Choir through the Parochial Music Organization at Quincy Notre Dame. Every student also takes general music class during the school day.
What is PMO?
The Parochial Music Organization brings together students from the Quincy Catholic schools for band and choir, rehearsing and performing at Quincy Notre Dame. PMO Band is open to grades five through eight, PMO Choir to grades four through eight.
How do we sign up for band or choir?
Contact Jill Steinkamp at (217) 257-2253 or jsteinkamp@quincynotredame.org. Registration opens each summer, and rehearsals begin at QND in late August.
My child has never played an instrument. Can they still join?
Yes. Beginners are welcome, and a Beginner Band Night is held each summer at QND where families can discuss instrument rental or purchase and meet the directors.
What's the difference between PMO Choir and the St. Francis Youth Choir?
They're two different groups. PMO Choir rehearses at QND with students from across the Quincy Catholic schools. The St. Francis Solanus Youth Choir rehearses here and sings at our school and parish Masses. Students may join either, or both.
Can my child be in the musical and play a sport?
Yes, and many do. Rehearsal and practice schedules are worked out each year, and directors and coaches are used to sharing students.
Does my child need experience to be in the school musical?
No. Auditions are open, and there are roles on stage and jobs behind it for students who'd rather build or run things than perform.
Do students perform outside of school?
Yes. Our Youth Choir sings at parish Masses, and PMO ensembles perform at QND and take part in IESA festivals and competitions.
Is there a cost?
PMO participation involves fees and, for band, an instrument rental or purchase. Contact Mrs. Steinkamp for current costs, and let the school office know if cost is a barrier for your family.
What our families say
Faith & Tradition
Our family's love for St. Francis Solanus School is deeply rooted in faith and tradition. With Joe's family having attended for generations, it is incredibly meaningful to now watch our children walk the same halls and grow in the same values-rich, faith-centered environment.
Joe & Alexis Darnell FamilyKnown at every stage
St. Francis Solanus meets the individual academic needs of all our children at every stage of development. Our older kids recognized the "St. Francis Solanus difference" during an initial school visit and were ready to start the next day! The parent-teacher partnership is collaborative and focused on helping students do their best, and the Catholic influence of the priests, deacons, DRE, and staff is focused on fostering a true and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.
Aaron & Karen Weiman FamilyTo be Jesus to others
St. Francis provides a quality Catholic experience. They learn not only how to add and subtract but to know Jesus, love Jesus, and to be Jesus to others. We are proud of our choice to have provided a faith-based education for our children and that our children have continued to choose St. Francis for their children. It is important to celebrate the privilege of a Catholic education and we have been blessed to have been supportive of continuing this legacy.
Deacon Dennis and Pat HolbrookAccountability with grace
The culture is one of partnership. Students are truly known by their teachers and staff. There is accountability paired with grace. Leadership is present and engaged.
The Friye Mamdani FamilyEnthusiasm and dedication
The teachers of St. Francis are observing and always seeking ways to improve the abilities of our students. The enthusiasm and dedication from the teachers has helped our children gain confidence and excel in multiple areas.
Brad & Makenzie Holtmeyer FamilyLessons come to life
The teachers at St. Francis bring lessons to life, creating engaging classrooms where students feel excited about learning. What stands out most is their strong training in literacy instruction, ensuring that every student grows as a confident, capable reader and communicator.
John & Lindsey Kelly FamilyWe felt the pull
We never thought we would be the family transferring our children to a new school. After being parishioners for a few years, we felt the pull to enroll our children at St Francis school. As soon as we took a tour, our girls' faces lit up and they said they wanted to start the next day.
Brad & Amanda Genenbacher FamilyLoving, caring & nurturing
Mrs. Wiewel has taught both of our girls over the last two years. She is so loving, caring and nurturing and with her help, our child was able to succeed in an academic area she was previously struggling in.
Brad & Amanda Genebacher FamilyAcademic excellence
St. Francis School offers a welcoming and nurturing environment where academic excellence is paired with strong values rooted in the Catholic tradition.
Dr. Samuel & Danielle Healy FamilyInviting family-feel
The school is small which gives it a warm, inviting family-feel. Staff and students alike begin to know everyone within the building. This brings a sense of comfort knowing our children are being well taken care of while growing in academics and in faith.
James & Tera Terwelp Family
Come hear them.
Our students sing at Mass most weeks and stage a musical every spring. Ask when you schedule a visit and we'll tell you what's coming up.