Fine Arts

Bishop McNamara High School Fine Arts Department faculty is comprised of the most talented and dedicated educators of the arts in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area who believe a student's high school education is enriched by their involvement in the arts, influencing all areas of academic study. Committed to the success and experience of each student, these accomplished Fine Arts Faculty members, as well as visiting distinguished performers, artists, and mentors, enrich and foster our students' development in a family community while providing invaluable insights into fine arts-related programs and professions.

Bishop McNamara High School enjoys the reputation as one of the top Fine Arts programs in the region, a distinction due in great part to the professionalism and experience of its outstanding faculty!

The Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement (F.A.D.E.) program is unique to the Bishop McNamara High School Community.  This program serves to refine students' talent and skill, cultivate a community of respect, appreciation, and understanding of the arts, and acknowledge students' dedication to the Fine Arts throughout their high school career.

Students who graduate with the Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement receive a notation on their transcripts, a special certificate at the Senior Honors Convocation, and a F.A.D.E. Honor Cord to wear at graduation.

The F.A.D.E. Program requires specific Fine Arts coursework as well as attendance and participation in school and community performances and art exhibits. The students are also required to attend the BMHS Guest Artist Series; each Colloquium features artists of various art forms. During their senior year, students of F.A.D.E. will share their individual talents with one another, the underclassmen members of the F.A.D.E. Program, and members of the BMHS community at the F.A.D.E. Senior Showcase.

Throughout the three years enrolled in the program, students take time to meet artists of all backgrounds, experience performances and exhibits of all genres, and learn from teachers and peers at BMHS, broadening and enriching their fine arts experience.

For program Requirements - go to BMHS Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement Program Requirements

The Guest Artists Series

The Fine Arts Department is proud to present this series of guest artists each year. We invite visual artists, dancers, instrumentalists, singers, actors, and/or other artists to come and perform for and talk with our community. This series also serves as our Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement Program Colloquia.

This series is open and free to all members of our community. Each evening will consist of a performance, presentation, and/or discussion, followed by a question and answer period for our community. For more about FADE and the Guest Artists Series, go to FADE.

The International Thespian Society Troupe consists of those “theatre students" maintaining an overall commitment to theatre activities beyond performing in specific productions. The organization also serves as the Theatre Honor Society whose members will be recognized for their achievements. Thespians plan and carry out all aspects of the Bishop McNamara theatre department's St. Genesius Awards' Ceremony.  Moderator: Mrs. Mary Mitchell-Donahue

The National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) exists to promote and honor outstanding artistic achievement in dance, outstanding academic achievement,to encourage young dance artists to be leaders in their community and to foster an appreciation for dance as a true art form and one worthy of recognition and prestige.

• The NDEO Student Chapter provides students interested in dance and dance arts education the chance to:
• Organize performance opportunities for students
• Implement mentorship programs with incoming freshmen or local middle school aged dance students
• Make connections with community organizations to offer dance workshops or classes
• Administer the National Honor Society for Dance Arts program
• Raise money to benefit local dance initiatives and charity programs
• Sponsor guest teaching artists and other enrichment activities
• Host professional and career development networking events with the NDEO state affiliate and other professional local organizations
• Provide social opportunities for intellectual and creative exchange of ideas
• Moderator: Ms. Cindy King

Tri-M Honor Society is an international music honor society for band, orchestra, and choir students designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Tri-M serves to increase student and school involvement with music and make a stronger and more unified school music program. Tri-M members are upstanding musicians who embody the four Tri-M standards of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. Membership criteria include continued participation in the instrumental or vocal music program with an “A" average, a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or higher, and a demonstrated desire and effort to excel in the music program. Moderator: Mrs. Francine Amos-Hardy

The National Art Honor Society provides national recognition and opportunities for students who exhibit outstanding scholarship in the visual arts, and for their teachers. Participation in NAHS provides peer recognition, leadership growth opportunities, college and career preparation, recognition of your artwork, and so much more. Moderator: Ms. Janay Middelton

Students interested in Fine Arts Scholarships must submit a Bishop McNamara Admissions Application. 

Scholarship, Audition, and Enrollment information is posted each year during application season.

For all information, deadlines, and links, go to Fine Arts ScholarshipS, auditions & ENROLLMENT