Cranford High School
Performing Arts
The Performing Arts Department provides a diverse offering of courses that allow students to meet graduation requirements for the arts. The department includes the band, choral, and string programs, along with courses in acting, dance, technical theater, and film. Instrumental students are encouraged to continue playing in either the String Orchestra or Concert/Marching Band. Any student who played an instrument during their middle school years may join the Orchestra or Concert/ Marching Band at Cranford High School. It is strongly recommended that students continue their music studies in grade 9 to continue their growth and development as musicians.
Dance 1, Acting 1, Musical Theater Dance, Treble Chorus, and Tenor/ Bass Chorus are open to any student at Cranford High School. As sophomores, juniors and seniors, music students have the opportunity to audition into Concert Choir, Madrigal Choir, and Jazz Ensemble and may begin to progress through three levels of music theory courses.
Cranford High School students also have the opportunity to participate in one of our career academy CTE tracks. The career academy CTE tracks cultivate artistic literacy, technical proficiency in the arts, and college and career readiness. The career academy includes four tracks of study: Acting, Dance, Music (Instrumental and Vocal) and Technical Theatre. Students are accepted through an audition or application process. Career academy students receive daily instruction, performance opportunities, internship experiences, master classes, and guidance in the development of a portfolio.
Students interested in the career academy CTE tracks should prepare to audition during the spring of their 8th grade year. Students may also apply in their 9th grade year
High School Performing Arts Faculty
Daniel Chernosky- Marching Band Director, Orchestra Director, Guitar
chernosky@cranfordschools.org
Emily Donahue- Dance Program Director, Work Based Learning Coordinator
donahue@cranfordschools.org
Michael McQuade - Acting, Technical Theater, Film
mcquade.michael@cranfordschools.org
Anthony Rafaniello- Choral Director, Vocal Music, Music Theory
rafaniello@cranfordschools.org
Academy of the Performing Arts
The Academy of Performing Arts cultivates artistic literacy, technical proficiency in the arts, and college and career readiness. The academy includes four areas of study: Acting, Dance, Music (Instrumental or Vocal) and Technical Theatre. Students are accepted through an audition or application process. Academy students receive daily instruction, performance opportunities, internship experiences, master classes, and mentorship.
Audition/ Application Process
Students seeking entrance to Cranford High School’s Academy of Performing Arts are required to complete an application . Please review the process for your proposed area of study.
Elective Courses/ Visual & Performing Arts Requirement
CHS students who do not wish to audition or apply for the academy can still enroll in performing arts classes to fulfill their visual and performing arts requirements for graduation. Some courses will require a prerequisite or audition.
Honor Societies
International Thespian Society (Troupe #516)
ITS is an international honor society committed to ensuring that every student will have access to theatre taught by qualified educators as a vital part of a well-rounded education. Their mission is to shape lives through theatre education. Since 1929, they've inducted 2.3 million members from all fifty states and thirteen countries. ITS provides students access to master classes, scholarship opportunities, and a network of peers.
Induction Requirements: Students must be accepted into Acting I and/or Technical Theatre following an audition, portfolio review, and/or interview. Inductions are typically held at the start of each school year. Students must have a 3.0 GPA prior to induction.
National Honor Society for Dance Arts (Chapter 010)
NHSDA is sponsored by the National Dance Education Organization and seeks to recognize outstanding artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in students studying dance in public and private schools in K-12 education, dance studios, cultural/community centers, performing arts organizations, and post-secondary education. Their mission is to foster an appreciation for dance as a true art form and one worthy of recognition and prestige. NHSDA provides an annual opportunity for juniors and seniors to apply for scholarships, and all students are welcome to contribute to the quarterly online newsletter.
Induction Requirements: Students must be enrolled in at least Dance 1 and will be inducted the following fall semester. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and participate in a service outreach project through dance. Students are required to choreograph at least one piece prior to graduation.
Student Advisement
Students accepted into the CHS Academy of the Performing Arts are required to participate in advisory meetings during the year with academy advisors. During these meetings students will discuss course selection; artistic progression; college, university, or conservatory preparation; and portfolio development.
Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts: Tony Good
Success and achievement in the arts demands engagement in the four fundamental creative practices of imagination, investigation, construction, and reflection in multiple contexts. These meta-cognitive activities nurture the effective work habits of curiosity, creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, communication, and collaboration, each of which transfers to the many diverse aspects of learning and life in the 21st century.
- National Coalition for Core Arts Standards