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Fine Arts


Here at Christ School, we believe that Fine Arts are an integral part of every boy’s education. The Fine Arts are vital in developing a core of aesthetic judgment, as well as emphasizing and engaging the highest levels of learning.

We hold fast to the concept of a “Renaissance Man,” as it provides the template for a well-rounded and vibrant curriculum for the 21st century. A variety of opportunities abound in theater productions and art and music classes. The inner artist, actor, and musician await to be discovered and developed by a talented and caring faculty of experienced professionals.

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News from the Arts Department

Meet the Faculty

Music has always been vital to the education and development of boys at Christ School. St. Joseph’s Chapel comes alive each year with notes sang or played by Greenies.

This tradition spoke to Director of Music James Cassarino, who has been chair of the Fine Arts Department, Organist, and Choirmaster since 2019.

He and his wife, Elise, co-wrote Christ School's alma mater, "Sing to Thee, Christ School Eternal," which was approved by Head of School Dr. Sean Jenkins and the Board of Trustees in 2022. Participation in the Choir and general interest in music have increased exponentially under Mr. Cassarino.  

Prior to Christ School, Mr. Cassarino completed a 20-year tenure as Professor of Music and Music Department Chair at Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont.

While at Green Mountain College, Mr. Cassarino helped create and oversee a vibrant program that included course work in music and performing opportunities in both instrumental and choral ensembles. He also served as Music Director and Organist for Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland, Vt. Mr. Cassarino previously filled those same roles for St. Mary’s Church in Newport, R.I., as well. His educational background includes degrees in music and in theology from Castleton (Vt.) University, Ball State University, St. John’s University, and the University of Wales.

Mary Dillon's name has been synonymous with arts at Christ School the past 22 years. 

She sat in the director's chair for nearly 40 plays staged in Pingree Auditorium, the last of which was 2019's "The Mystery of Irma Vep." The productions are immortalized by cast-signed posters hanging on the walls.

Furthermore, Mrs. Dillon has served as faculty advisor for The Stump student news organization - which reported digitally and in print - and helped introduce Winter Film as an after-school option in 2018. 

Currently, Mrs. Dillon teaches English and English as a Second Language (ESL). 

Mrs. Dillon is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas and the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. She has directed five productions for the Montford Park Players in Asheville.

Her husband's name is Roger. 

Mrs. Dillon on Christ School Theater

Erin Price gets delight out of seeing how far imaginations can go in the Kennedy-Herterich Art Studio.

She has applied a lifelong love of art to 14 years of teaching up and down the east coast. Her courses at Christ School include Art, Advanced Art, and AP Art History. During the school year, Mrs. Price posts updates from the studio to Instagram (@fineartsofchristschool).

Ms. Price received her B.A. in Studio Art with a minor in Saxophone Performance from Presbyterian College. She then attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she completed post-bachelor courses in Painting and Graphic Design. Later, Mrs. Price received a masters in Art Teaching in Art Education from Lander University and Masters of Library and Information Science from USC-Columbia.

In addition to creating art and teaching, Mrs. Price enjoys spending time with her husband and son.