The Fine and Performing Arts Academy is designed to expose students to a comprehensive course sequence in three areas of the arts: Performance/Theater, Music, and Visual Art. Students will choose one of these areas in which to concentrate and develop their artistic and creative capabilities. Students will explore career fields which may draw heavily on the arts, including: design, fashion, psychology, music/art therapy, music technology, performance, and/or gallery curating.

The Performance/Theater concentration will provide students with courses that focus on musical theater, including acting, dance, and vocal skills. Music students will refine their performance technique in Concert Band or Chorus classes, while also acquiring skills in music theory and electronic music. Visual arts students will take introductory classes in 2D and 3D design before focusing on one particular medium. All concentrations will culminate in a capstone course that prepares them for auditions, career and college placement, or portfolio development.

Arts students will also discover numerous opportunities to explore their concentration in a range of extra-curricular opportunities both at Delaware Valley and in the wider community. Performance/Theater concentration students will find opportunities to perform in play and musical productions on the DVR stage. Music students will have performance opportunities in Concerts, Recitals, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Chamber Choir. Visual artists will be able to take advantage of our Visiting Artists Series as well as form connections with other local artists and galleries.

Eligibility

In order to successfully graduate from the Arts Academy, students must complete at least 30 credits in their concentration area (which includes both fine and practical arts credits required by New Jersey for graduation).

Course Sequences:

Music​ (30 credits)

9th Grade - Performance Ensemble (Concert Band* or Chorus) OR Lab Courses (5 credits)

10th grade - Song Writing and Theory (5 credits)

11th Grade - Music Technology I/II & AP Music Theory* (10 credits)

12th Grade - Performance Ensemble & Senior Seminar (10 credits)

Note: We recommend that a student take a performance ensemble or lab course each year, but it is only required in the first and last. 

Musical Theater​ (35 credits)

9th Grade - Performing Arts I/II (5 credits)

10th grade - Introduction to Dance OR Chorus & Stagecraft and Design (Practical Art) (10 credits)

11th Grade - Introduction to Theater* and Dance OR Chorus (10 credits)

12th Grade - Senior Seminar and Dance OR Chorus (10 credits)

Visual Arts​ (35 credits)

9th Grade - Color and Design and Drawing I (5 credits)

10th grade - Drawing II and Sculpture and Wood I (Practical Art) (10 credits)

11th Grade - One semester each of a 2D and 3D course/AP Art History (10 credits)

12th Grade - Two semesters of 2D OR 3D/AP Studio Art (10 credits)

Concurrent Enrollment Opportunities

SETON HALL UNIVERSITY
-AP Art History with Mr. Tinnes (Art of the Western World, ARTH 1101, 3 credits)
-Concert Band with Mr. Hayden (Instrumental Chamber Ensemble, MUAP 1183, 1 credit)
-Audition Choir- Vox Auri with Mr. Noa (Chamber Choir, MUAP 1161, 1 credit)

-AP Music Theory with Mr. Noa (Theory of Music I, MUAP 1112, 4 credits)

-Advanced Photography with Ms. Ruppert (Advanced Digital Photography, ADIM3320-PDV, 3 credits)

RVCC

-Advanced Drama with Mr. Ambs (CRN 17273, THEA 103, Sec. 80, Introduction to Theater, 3 credits)