Fine Arts Academy
Fine Arts Academy Overview
The Houston Fine Arts Academy is a rigorous program in a variety of fine arts disciplines. Through the Academy experience, the whole student is immersed in a curriculum that integrates the visual and performing arts along with a data-driven, intellectual and creative learning environment.
Students in the program are required to complete:
4 Fine Arts Credits by the time of graduation
Community Service Hours
Fine Arts Practicum or Internship Experience
Faculty:
Band Director: Matt Taylor
Assistant Band Director: John Hagan
Orchestra Director: Long Long Kang
Vocal Music Director: Kinsey Moline
Visual Art: Bobby Spillman
Visual Art: Amanda Schulter
Theatre: Kell Christie
Media Art: Drew Hamilton
Admission Requirements
Online application
Auditions will be scheduled via email for those students selected
Auditions/Portfolio Reviews
Admission status letters are mailed to all applicants
Accepted students must accept admission
Documents Required for Online Application
Current GMSD students:
Image or PDF of applicant’s most recent report card
Two letters of teacher recommendation (one from a fine arts teacher and one from a general education teacher). You will need their email address when filling out the application. Someone from our team will reach out to these teachers.
If applying for an audition in Theater Arts/Television/Film Production a Performance/Production Resume and an optional Theatrical Headshot
Non-GMSD students:
PDF copy of applicant’s transcript
Two letters of teacher recommendation (one from a fine arts teacher and one from a general education teacher)
If applying for an audition in Theater Arts/Television/Film Production a Performance/Production Resume and an optional Theatrical Headshot
If applying for an adjudication in Visual Arts five digital images of recent works or art in varying mediums (still life, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, sculpture, and painting)
Complete the Open Enrollment application process if accepted.
Click here to access the online application.
Fine Arts Academy FAQs
Q: Whom do you send your teacher recommendations to?
A: The Fine Arts Academy Director, Mrs. Kell Christie (kell.gary@gmsdk12.org)
Q: If I am a transfer student, do I need to apply for open enrollment?
A: Transfer students need to apply for open enrollment during the Open Enrollment window after applying for the academy. Students who are selected for the academy will be notified of their acceptance and the list of acceptances will be sent to GMSD Student Services for verification of Open Enrollment status.
Q: If we want to perform in HHS theatre productions, do we have to take theatre classes?
A: No, productions are after school and open to all HHS students.
Q: If I am a current 8th grade GMSD (resident) student, do I have to apply to the academy to be in the visual art honors program?
A: No, the high school teachers will perform portfolio reviews for current HMS and RES students similar to last year.
Q: What is the advantage of the Fine Arts Academy?
A: Leadership opportunities, community service, honors recognition, and small cohort engagement.
Q: Can I apply to multiple academies?
A: Yes, you can apply for the Fine Arts Academy, the Honors Academy, and the Leadership Academy. However, we encourage you to choose one academy to focus your time.
Q: If I am a current Houston High School student, can I be grandfathered into the program?
A: Yes, talk to your current fine arts teacher for details.
Q: If I have content specific questions, whom should I contact?
Band: Matt Taylor // matthew.taylor@gmsdk12.org
Orchestra: Dr. Long Long Kang // longlong.kang@gmsdk12.org
Theatre: Kell Christie // kell.gary@gmsdk12.org
Visual Arts: Bobby Spillman // bobby.spillman@gmsdk12.org
Vocal Music: Kinsey Moline // kinsey.moline@gmsdk12.org
For more information contact the Fine Arts Academy Director, Mrs. Kell Christie.