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High School Programs

Academy of Arts & Communication
Academy of Arts, Multimedia, & Communication

These academies allow students to develop their interests and talents in Visual Arts & Graphic Design, Photography, Multimedia & Mass Communication, or Performing Arts.

Visual Arts & Graphic Design – Students develop their talents in both a traditional fine arts program as well as a technology based graphic design program. Course work includes drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and computer graphics. Students also study art history and learn techniques of art critique. Advanced Placement and Gifted & Talented credit may also be available.

Students maintain sketchbooks, visit museums, and develop a professional portfolio, which can be used to gain admission to post-secondary study or gainful employment as a working artist.

Photography – Students learn design and aesthetic theory as it applies to traditional and digital photography.  Courses are designed to assist students in solving problems as they explore the media.

Multimedia & Mass Communication – Students who enjoy public speaking, writing, and working with technology should investigate magnet programs in Mass Communication and Multimedia. Depending on the school, programs include opportunities to work in TV broadcasting, telecommunications, software development, computer graphics, website design, journalism, advertising, graphic communication, computer animation, video programming, and desktop publishing.

Students who complete these programs will be prepared to enter a two- or four-year program in any of the above fields and will also have gained experiences similar to those of a working commercial artist.

Performing Arts – Students have a variety of performance primes from which to choose. Depending on the school, program content and available resources will vary:

Theatre Arts: Students work in a variety of performance settings. Several performances throughout the year allow students to showcase their talents to a wide audience. Students in this program work behind the scenes with sound, lighting, set design and construction, costume design, and theatre management. Guest artists enhance student experiences and allow for individual talent development in drama, comedy, and musical theatre.

Vocal Music: Students prepare for solo performances in opera, operetta, and musical theatre, as well as ensemble performance. Coursework includes vocal fundamentals and technique, sight reading, opera/musical theatre, acting, movement, history, and criticism. Students perform many of their songs in Italian, French, and German. Students may also work with music technology, recording, and engineering.

Instrumental Music: Students develop individual talents as well as ensemble performance, piano class, sight-reading, and music theory. Students are also prepared for conducting and solo performances in advanced settings and are exposed to composing and recording technology.

Schools Offering
Academy of Arts & Communication Magnet Programs
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