Visual, Performing & Applied Arts Academy

Academy Objectives	Provide students with a creative and community-driven environment to advance their artistic interests and endeavors Prepare students for continued education or careers in artistic fields through an offering of comprehensive and enriching arts courses Explore how the arts can be part of a well-rounded life and complement other interests
Academy Description	The Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts Academy is a place where creativity and artistic expression flourishes. This academy is a haven for students seeking to explore, nurture, and hone their talents across a diverse spectrum of artistic disciplines. Here, we provide a vibrant and supportive environment that fuels passion and fosters growth, enabling students to develop into accomplished artists and innovative thinkers.

Academy Objectives

Provide students with a creative and community-driven environment to advance their artistic interests and endeavors
Prepare students for continued education or careers in artistic fields through an offering of comprehensive and enriching arts courses
Explore how the arts can be part of a well-rounded life and complement other interests

Academy Description

The Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts Academy is a place where creativity and artistic expression flourishes. This academy is a haven for students seeking to explore, nurture, and hone their talents across a diverse spectrum of artistic disciplines. Here, we provide a vibrant and supportive environment that fuels passion and fosters growth, enabling students to develop into accomplished artists and innovative thinkers.

Is This for Me?

Are you passionate about creativity?
Are you interested in exploring different ways of expressing yourself?
Do you enjoy art or music?

Visual, Performing & Applied Arts Academy Pathways

Please use the drop down arrows to read more about each pathway.

Audio/Visual Technology & Communications

Audio/Visual Technology & Communications: Students in the Audio/Visual Technology & Communications Pathway learn the fundamentals of digital media production, including audio engineering, video editing, broadcasting and graphic design. They gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and software while developing creative skills in storytelling, scriptwriting, and visual communication. Through projects such as short films, podcasts, and live productions, students build technical and collaborative skills that prepare them for careers in media, entertainment, journalism and digital communications.

Music Performance

Pathway Objectives	Technical Proficiency: develop proficient technique on chosen instrument(s) and/or voice Musical Literacy: red and interpret sheet music accurately while understanding music theory concepts Repertoire Mastery: learn and perform a diverse range of musical styles, genres, and historical periods Expressive Interpretation: demonstrate an understanding of musical expression, dynamics, articulation, and phrasing in performances to convey emotions and musical intent effectively Ensemble Playing: collaborate effectively with other musicians in various ensemble settings in order to develop skills in listening, blending, and responding to other musicians in real-time Performance Preparation: learn effective rehearsal techniques, including practicing efficiently, setting goals, and managing time effectively Music History and Context: understand the historical and cultural context of musical works, composers, and musical movements and analyze the stylistic elements and societal influences present in various musical compositions Music Outreach: engage in musical outreach initiatives to share music with the community and promote the arts Self-Reflection: cultivate self-awareness and critical evaluation of personal performances, identifying areas for improvement Career Development: learn about career opportunities in music, including performance, education, composition, and music technology Professionalism: develop professional skills such as networking, public speaking, and portfolio development for auditions and applications Audition Preparedness: understand the requirements and expectations for auditions and competitions, and develop strategies to excel in these settings

Pathway Objectives

Technical Proficiency: develop proficient technique on chosen instrument(s) and/or voice
Musical Literacy: red and interpret sheet music accurately while understanding music theory concepts
Repertoire Mastery: learn and perform a diverse range of musical styles, genres, and historical periods
Expressive Interpretation: demonstrate an understanding of musical expression, dynamics, articulation, and phrasing in performances to convey emotions and musical intent effectively
Ensemble Playing: collaborate effectively with other musicians in various ensemble settings in order to develop skills in listening, blending, and responding to other musicians in real-time
Performance Preparation: learn effective rehearsal techniques, including practicing efficiently, setting goals, and managing time effectively
Music History and Context: understand the historical and cultural context of musical works, composers, and musical movements and analyze the stylistic elements and societal influences present in various musical compositions
Music Outreach: engage in musical outreach initiatives to share music with the community and promote the arts
Self-Reflection: cultivate self-awareness and critical evaluation of personal performances, identifying areas for improvement
Career Development: learn about career opportunities in music, including performance, education, composition, and music technology
Professionalism: develop professional skills such as networking, public speaking, and portfolio development for auditions and applications
Audition Preparedness: understand the requirements and expectations for auditions and competitions, and develop strategies to excel in these settings

Band, Orchestra, Choir - required elective MUST start in 9th grade

	9th	10th	11th	12th
Required Elective	Music Performance Ensemble by Audition	Music Performance Ensemble by Audition	Music Performance Ensemble by Audition	Music Performance Ensemble by Audition
*Optional Electives		Additional Music Performance Ensemble by Audition	Additional Music Performance Ensemble by Audition	Additional Music Performance Ensemble by Audition
		Music Theory	Music Theory or AP Music Theory	Music Theory or AP Music Theory
			Music Technology I	Music Technology I or II

	Band	Orchestra	Choir	Guitar
Ensembles by Music Discipline	Concert Band	String Orchestra I	Concert Choir	Guitar I
	Symphonic Band	String Orchestra II	Mixed Choir	Guitar II
	Wind Ensemble*	String Orchestra III	Colore Dolce	Guitar III
	Percussion Ensemble	String Orchestra IV	Advanced Choir*
	Advanced Percussion Ensemble	String Orchestra V*	Choir Performance Ensemble
	Jazz Band A*
	Jazz Band B
	Marching Band

Music Technology

Music Technology - NOT offered until SY25-26 or later

Pathway Objectives	Musical Literacy: understand music theory concepts, including scales, chords and harmony Music Software: learn to use music production software and hardware for recording, editing, and enhancing musical performances Music Engineering: understand the basics of sound engineering, microphone placement, and sound reinforcement Music Outreach: engage in musical outreach initiatives to share music with the community and promote the arts Self-Reflection: cultivate self-awareness and critical evaluation of personal performances, identifying areas for improvement Career Development: learn about career opportunities in music, including performance, education, composition, and music technology Professionalism: develop professional skills such as networking, public speaking, and portfolio development for auditions and applications

Pathway Objectives

Musical Literacy: understand music theory concepts, including scales, chords and harmony
Music Software: learn to use music production software and hardware for recording, editing, and enhancing musical performances
Music Engineering: understand the basics of sound engineering, microphone placement, and sound reinforcement
Music Outreach: engage in musical outreach initiatives to share music with the community and promote the arts
Self-Reflection: cultivate self-awareness and critical evaluation of personal performances, identifying areas for improvement
Career Development: learn about career opportunities in music, including performance, education, composition, and music technology
Professionalism: develop professional skills such as networking, public speaking, and portfolio development for auditions and applications

	10th	11th	12th
Required Elective	Music Theory	Music Technology I	Music Technology II
*Optional Electives	Music Performance Ensemble by Audition	Music Performance Ensemble by Audition	Music Performance Ensemble by Audition
		AP Music Theory	AP Music Theory

Theater Performance

Pathway Objectives	Acting Skills: develop fundamental acting techniques, including voice projection, diction, posture, and movement while also learning how to convey emotions, intentions, and characters believably through performance Script Analysis and Interpretation: analyze scripts to understand characters, themes, and plot structures while considering the playwright's intent and historical context Character Development: create well-rounded characters by understanding their motivations, conflicts, and relationships and develop character arcs and transitions throughout a play or scene Improvisation and Ensemble Work: improve improvisational skills to think quickly, adapt, and collaborate effectively with fellow actors Directing and Blocking: learn the principles of directing, including blocking, staging, and working with actors while practicing effective communication and leadership skills Theater History and Styles: study the history and styles of theater, including influential playwrights, periods, and movements from classical to contemporary Audience Engagement: learn to engage and connect with an audience during performances through developing public speaking and presentation skills Collaboration and Communication: cultivate effective teamwork and collaboration skills within a theatrical ensemble and with production crews Theater Appreciation and Critique: attend and analyze live theater performances to deepen appreciation and critical evaluation of various productions Self-Reflection and Critique: develop the ability to provide constructive feedback and insights for self-improvement and growth Career Development: explore career opportunities in theater, including acting, directing, stage management, design, and technical production Audition Preparedness: gain insights into professional standards, auditions, networking, and building a portfolio for future opportunities

Pathway Objectives

Acting Skills: develop fundamental acting techniques, including voice projection, diction, posture, and movement while also learning how to convey emotions, intentions, and characters believably through performance
Script Analysis and Interpretation: analyze scripts to understand characters, themes, and plot structures while considering the playwright's intent and historical context
Character Development: create well-rounded characters by understanding their motivations, conflicts, and relationships and develop character arcs and transitions throughout a play or scene
Improvisation and Ensemble Work: improve improvisational skills to think quickly, adapt, and collaborate effectively with fellow actors
Directing and Blocking: learn the principles of directing, including blocking, staging, and working with actors while practicing effective communication and leadership skills
Theater History and Styles: study the history and styles of theater, including influential playwrights, periods, and movements from classical to contemporary
Audience Engagement: learn to engage and connect with an audience during performances through developing public speaking and presentation skills
Collaboration and Communication: cultivate effective teamwork and collaboration skills within a theatrical ensemble and with production crews
Theater Appreciation and Critique: attend and analyze live theater performances to deepen appreciation and critical evaluation of various productions
Self-Reflection and Critique: develop the ability to provide constructive feedback and insights for self-improvement and growth
Career Development: explore career opportunities in theater, including acting, directing, stage management, design, and technical production
Audition Preparedness: gain insights into professional standards, auditions, networking, and building a portfolio for future opportunities

	10th	11th	12th
Required Elective	Introduction to Theatre	Intermediate Theatre	Advanced Theatre
*Optional Electives	Dance I	Dance I or II	Dance I, II or III
	Music Performance Ensemble	Music Performance Ensemble	Music Performance Ensemble
	Public Speaking I	Public Speaking I or II	Public Speaking I or II
	Creative Writing	Creative Writing	Creative Writing
			Theatre Practicum: Acting & Directing

Technical Theater

Pathway Objectives	Stagecraft and Technical Skills: learn basic stagecraft techniques, including set construction, lighting, sound, and costume design Construction Safety: understand the safe and effective use of technical equipment and tools in a theatrical production Theatrical Design and Production: explore various aspects of production design, such as set design, costume design, makeup, and props and understand how design elements contribute to the overall artistic vision and impact of a production Costume and Set Design: learn the basics of costume design, makeup, and hair styling for performances and understand how costume and set design contribute to the overall aesthetic and storytelling of a performance Collaboration and Communication: cultivate effective teamwork and collaboration skills within a theatrical ensemble and with production crews Theater Appreciation and Critique: attend and analyze live theater performances to deepen appreciation and critical evaluation of various productions Self-Reflection and Critique: develop the ability to provide constructive feedback and insights for self-improvement and growth Career Development: explore career opportunities in theater, including acting, directing, stage management, design, and technical production Audition Preparedness: gain insights into professional standards, auditions, networking, and building a portfolio for future opportunities

Pathway Objectives

Stagecraft and Technical Skills: learn basic stagecraft techniques, including set construction, lighting, sound, and costume design
Construction Safety: understand the safe and effective use of technical equipment and tools in a theatrical production
Theatrical Design and Production: explore various aspects of production design, such as set design, costume design, makeup, and props and understand how design elements contribute to the overall artistic vision and impact of a production
Costume and Set Design: learn the basics of costume design, makeup, and hair styling for performances and understand how costume and set design contribute to the overall aesthetic and storytelling of a performance
Collaboration and Communication: cultivate effective teamwork and collaboration skills within a theatrical ensemble and with production crews
Theater Appreciation and Critique: attend and analyze live theater performances to deepen appreciation and critical evaluation of various productions
Self-Reflection and Critique: develop the ability to provide constructive feedback and insights for self-improvement and growth
Career Development: explore career opportunities in theater, including acting, directing, stage management, design, and technical production
Audition Preparedness: gain insights into professional standards, auditions, networking, and building a portfolio for future opportunities

	10th	11th	12th
Required Elective	Stagecraft I	Stagecraft II	Stagecraft III
*Optional Electives	Introduction to Theatre	Introduction to Theatre or Intermediate Theatre	Introduction to Theatre or Intermediate Theatre or Advanced Theatre
	Visual Art I	Visual Art I or II	Visual Art I, II, or III
	Technical Drawing & Design I	Technical Drawing & Design I or Advanced Architectural Drawing and Design II	Technical Drawing & Design I or Advanced Architectural Drawing and Design II
			Theatre Practicum: Technical Theatre

Studio Visual Arts: 2-D

Pathway Objectives	Fundamental Drawing Skills: develop basic drawing techniques, including line, shape, form, value, and texture while experimenting with different drawing tools and mediums to create varied effects Composition and Design: learn principles of composition, balance, contrast, harmony, and focal points in 2-D artworks while experimenting with different design approaches to convey specific messages or emotions Color Theory and Application: understand the principles of color theory, including hue, saturation, value, and color schemes and apply color effectively to create mood, atmosphere, and visual impact in artworks Painting Techniques: develop painting skills using various painting mediums, such as acrylics, watercolors, and oils while experimenting with brushwork, layering, blending, and other techniques to achieve desired effects Printmaking: learn techniques in printmaking, such as linocut, etching, silk-screening, and monoprinting Graphic Arts: explore digital graphic arts, including digital painting, illustration, and design Mixed Media: experiment with combining different materials and techniques to create mixed media artworks Observational and Still Life Drawing: develop skills in accurately observing and drawing from real-life subjects, including still life arrangements, to understand proportion, scale, perspective, and spatial relationships in observational drawing Portraiture and Figure Drawing: learn techniques for capturing the human form, including proportions, facial features, and anatomy Art History and Art Movements: study different art movements, styles, and influential artists throughout history and understand the context and significance of these movements in the development of art Conceptual Thinking and Expression: encourage students to think conceptually and communicate ideas, themes, and emotions through their artworks Critique and Art Analysis: learn how to critically analyze and evaluate artworks, providing constructive feedback and insights Career Development: explore career opportunities in visual art, including artist, animator, curator, director, designer, and teacher Portfolio Development and Professional Presentation: build a well-organized portfolio showcasing a variety of 2-D artworks and style, and learn how to present and discuss artworks professionally in a portfolio review setting

Pathway Objectives

Fundamental Drawing Skills: develop basic drawing techniques, including line, shape, form, value, and texture while experimenting with different drawing tools and mediums to create varied effects
Composition and Design: learn principles of composition, balance, contrast, harmony, and focal points in 2-D artworks while experimenting with different design approaches to convey specific messages or emotions
Color Theory and Application: understand the principles of color theory, including hue, saturation, value, and color schemes and apply color effectively to create mood, atmosphere, and visual impact in artworks
Painting Techniques: develop painting skills using various painting mediums, such as acrylics, watercolors, and oils while experimenting with brushwork, layering, blending, and other techniques to achieve desired effects
Printmaking: learn techniques in printmaking, such as linocut, etching, silk-screening, and monoprinting
Graphic Arts: explore digital graphic arts, including digital painting, illustration, and design
Mixed Media: experiment with combining different materials and techniques to create mixed media artworks
Observational and Still Life Drawing: develop skills in accurately observing and drawing from real-life subjects, including still life arrangements, to understand proportion, scale, perspective, and spatial relationships in observational drawing
Portraiture and Figure Drawing: learn techniques for capturing the human form, including proportions, facial features, and anatomy
Art History and Art Movements: study different art movements, styles, and influential artists throughout history and understand the context and significance of these movements in the development of art
Conceptual Thinking and Expression: encourage students to think conceptually and communicate ideas, themes, and emotions through their artworks
Critique and Art Analysis: learn how to critically analyze and evaluate artworks, providing constructive feedback and insights
Career Development: explore career opportunities in visual art, including artist, animator, curator, director, designer, and teacher
Portfolio Development and Professional Presentation: build a well-organized portfolio showcasing a variety of 2-D artworks and style, and learn how to present and discuss artworks professionally in a portfolio review setting

Required elective MUST start in 9th grade

	9th	10th	11th	12th
Required Elective	Art I	Art II	Art III	Art IV*
*Optional Electives		Ceramics I	Ceramics I or II	Ceramics I, II or III
		AP Art History	AP Art History	AP Art History
		Graphic Design and Multimedia I	Graphic Design and Multimedia I or II	Advanced Graphic Design and Multimedia II
		Commercial Photography I	Commercial Photography I or II	Commercial Photography II
				AP 3-D Art & Design
				AP 2-D Art & Design
				AP Drawing

Studio Visual Arts: 3-D

Pathway Objectives	Fundamental Sculpting Techniques: learn how to manipulate, shape, carve, and assemble to create 3-D forms using materials such as clay, paper, wire, and wood Understanding Structure and Form: explore the principles of form, mass, volume, and structure in 3-D art and understand how to create artworks that convey a sense of depth, dimension, and spatial relationships Understanding Textures and Surfaces: experiment with various surface treatments, textures, and finishes to enhance sculptural artworks while learning techniques such as carving, texturing, patina application, and polishing Modeling and Casting: learn various modeling and casting techniques, including molding, casting in plaster, and other materials Mixed Media and Assemblage: experiment with combining different materials and found objects to create mixed media sculptures and explore how disparate elements can come together to create a cohesive whole Installation Art: learn the concepts and techniques involved in creating site-specific installation artworks that transform to communicate a specific artistic statement Sculpture in the Environment: learn about public art and its impact on communities and urban spaces and then develop skills in creating sculptures designed for outdoor or public settings, considering durability and public interaction Art History and Sculptural Styles: study different sculptural styles, historical periods, and influential sculptors while understanding the context and significance of various sculptural movements in the history of art Conceptual Thinking and Expression: encourage students to think conceptually and communicate ideas, themes, and emotions through their artworks Critique and Art Analysis: learn how to critically analyze and evaluate artworks, providing constructive feedback and insights Career Development: explore career opportunities in visual art, including artist, animator, curator, director, designer, and teacher Portfolio Development and Professional Presentation: build a well-organized portfolio showcasing a variety of 3-D artworks and style, and learn how to present and discuss artworks professionally in a portfolio review setting

Pathway Objectives

Fundamental Sculpting Techniques: learn how to manipulate, shape, carve, and assemble to create 3-D forms using materials such as clay, paper, wire, and wood
Understanding Structure and Form: explore the principles of form, mass, volume, and structure in 3-D art and understand how to create artworks that convey a sense of depth, dimension, and spatial relationships
Understanding Textures and Surfaces: experiment with various surface treatments, textures, and finishes to enhance sculptural artworks while learning techniques such as carving, texturing, patina application, and polishing
Modeling and Casting: learn various modeling and casting techniques, including molding, casting in plaster, and other materials
Mixed Media and Assemblage: experiment with combining different materials and found objects to create mixed media sculptures and explore how disparate elements can come together to create a cohesive whole
Installation Art: learn the concepts and techniques involved in creating site-specific installation artworks that transform to communicate a specific artistic statement
Sculpture in the Environment: learn about public art and its impact on communities and urban spaces and then develop skills in creating sculptures designed for outdoor or public settings, considering durability and public interaction
Art History and Sculptural Styles: study different sculptural styles, historical periods, and influential sculptors while understanding the context and significance of various sculptural movements in the history of art
Conceptual Thinking and Expression: encourage students to think conceptually and communicate ideas, themes, and emotions through their artworks
Critique and Art Analysis: learn how to critically analyze and evaluate artworks, providing constructive feedback and insights
Career Development: explore career opportunities in visual art, including artist, animator, curator, director, designer, and teacher
Portfolio Development and Professional Presentation: build a well-organized portfolio showcasing a variety of 3-D artworks and style, and learn how to present and discuss artworks professionally in a portfolio review setting

Required elective MUST start in 9th grade

	9th	10th	11th	12th
Required Elective	Art I	Ceramics I	Ceramics II	Ceramics III
*Optional Electives		Art II	Art II or III	Art II, III, or IV*
		AP Art History	AP Art History	AP Art History
				AP 3-D Art & Design
				AP 2-D Art & Design
				AP Drawing

Photography

Required elective MUST start in 9th grade

	9th	10th	11th	12th
Required Elective	Art I	Art II	Commercial Photography I	Commercial Photography II
*Optional Electives			Art III	Art IV
			Graphic Design and Multimedia I	Advanced Graphic Design and Multimedia II
		AP Art History	AP Art History	AP Art History
				AP 2-D Art & Design

Graphic Design

	10th	11th	12th
Required Elective	Art I	Graphic Design and Multimedia I	Advanced Graphic Design and Multimedia II
*Optional Electives		Art II	Art II or III
	Technical Drawing & Design I	Technical Drawing & Design I or Advanced Architectural Drawing and Design II	Technical Drawing & Design I or Advanced Architectural Drawing and Design II
	Journalism I	Journalism I or II	Journalism I or II
			AP 2-D Art & Design

TV & Media Design

	10th	11th	12th
Required Elective	Television and Media Production I	Dual Enrollment Television and Media Production II	Television and Media Production III
*Optional Electives	Public Speaking I	Public Speaking I or II	Public Speaking I or II
	Debate I	Debate I or II	Debate I or II
	Creative Writing	Creative Writing	Creative Writing
	Journalism I	Journalism I or II	Journalism I or II

Game Design

Pathway Objectives	In this project-based course, students will create innovative games through the application of graphic design, animation, audio, and writing skills. Students will work in teams while developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication skills.
Pathway Description	The game design industry is the fastest revenue growing entertainment medium, and has created many new job disciplines. They will analyze, design, prototype, and critique interactive games within a project management environment. Career opportunities across multiple industries, including the entertainment and educational arenas, will be explored.

	9th	10th	11th	12th
Required Elective		Game Design and Development I	Game Design and Development, Advanced	Programming I
	Game Design and Development I	Game Design and Development, Advanced	JAVA Programming	Programming I
*Optional Electives			Programming I	Programming, Advanced

CTE Courses

Game Design and Development
Java Programming (Oracle)
Programming
Programming, Advanced

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In This Section

Visual, Performing & Applied Arts Academy

Is This for Me?

Visual, Performing & Applied Arts Academy Pathways

Audio/Visual Technology & Communications

Music Performance

Music Technology

Theater Performance

Technical Theater

Studio Visual Arts: 2-D

Studio Visual Arts: 3-D

Photography

Graphic Design

TV & Media Design

Game Design

CTE Courses

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