St. John XXIII's Performing Arts program features the talents of students and faculty working together to achieve a particular vision on the stage and in music.

Whether it is being a part of the school's award-winning band or joining the ranks of the International Thespian Society, there are ample opportunities to succeed.

List of 4 items.

  • Band


    The St. John XXIII band is unique in that we are one of only two high schools in the Archdiocese to have a marching band program. The marching band program began in 2011 with 10 members and now is 35 members strong. The band supports St. John athletics by performing at all football games as well as serving as a Pep Band for various sports throughout the school year.  Membership in marching band in the fall counts as 1/2 PE credit.  Athletic forms for participation in band can be found in the Document Links on the Student Life page. 

    St. John XXIII's band give two concerts each year with the orchestra and choir at Christmas and in the spring.  The band also performs annually at the Texas Renaissance Festival in November, dressing in period costumes and taking part in the Early Music Festival. During the spring semester, the band competes as both an ensemble and as smaller ensembles or soloists at several TAPPS events at both the regional and state levels.

    The band is under the direction of Mrs. Wendy Elko.

    Please contact Mrs. Elko at welko@sj23lions.org if you have any questions.

    For the all the latest St. John XXIII Band information, Click Here

    About the Band Director:
    Mrs. Elko earned her degree in Music Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She has continued her graduate studies at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has been the Band Director at St. John XXIII for the past seven years. Prior to teaching here, she taught private lessons in Katy ISD and was a band director in Pennsylvania for 9 years. Mrs. Elko began the marching band program in 2011. 2013 was the first season for the marching band to be outfitted in school band uniforms.

  • Choir

    The St. John XXIII College Preparatory Choir is a mixed choir open to students in grades 9-12.  The ensemble supports the Worship at the all-school weekly Masses and at the Advent and Lent penance services. 

    Choir students give an annual Christmas concert and spring concert in conjunction with the band and orchestra each year. 

    The St. John XXIII choir sings a variety of music, both secular and religious, and performs annually at the Texas Renaissance Festival in November.  In the spring of each year, choir students compete as an ensemble and as soloists at several TAPPS events at both the region and state level.


    The choir is under the direction of Mrs. Beth Rady.

    For questions, please email brady@sj23lions.org

  • Orchestra

    The St. John XXIII Orchestra is made up of students in grades 9-12.  The orchestra performs several concerts throughout the year, including the annual Christmas Concert and the Spring Concert along with the band and choir. St. John XXIII’s orchestra also participates in several adjudication festivals outside of the school.  In the fall, the orchestra takes part in the Early Music Contest at the Texas Renaissance Festival, dressing in period costumes and performing at the fairgrounds. Second-semester orchestra focuses on TAPPS competitions for the whole ensemble as well as individual solo/ensemble contests at both the state and regional levels.

    The Orchestra is under the direction of Mrs. Wendy Elko.

    Please contact Mrs. Elko at welko@sj23lions.org if you have any questions.

  • Theater Arts

    St. John XXIII students who are interested in theater may join the International Thespian Society, take classes in theater, and participate in school productions.

    About the INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN SOCIETY:
    Since its beginning in 1929 under the name National Thespians, the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) has worked to promote and strengthen school theatre by recognizing and rewarding excellence. The International Thespian Society (ITS), an honorary group for high school theatre students, is a division of the EdTA. The mission of ITS is to honor student excellence in the theatre arts. Thespian troupes are just a component of a school’s theatre program. ITS membership offers many valuable benefits, services, and opportunities to troupe directors and Thespians alike.

    Thespian induction is a great motivator for students to become more active in their school’s theatre program. Whether or not these students pursue careers in the performing arts, the skills that they learn through theatre and Thespian activities are invaluable and ensure that future generations will appreciate and support the arts in our communities.

    Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Betsy Barry
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