What is PAMA?

The Perfoming Arts Multimedia Academy is a certification program for CdM High School Students who would like to desginate one of the art paths as their focus for their high school career.  Upon completion of the program in their senior year, PAMA students recieve special recognation on their transcripts, and will be given a medallion that they can wear at graduation.

What are the PAMA pathways?

The PAMA Program offers pathways in Theater, Musical Theater,  Vocal and Instrumental Music, Fine and Digital Arts, and Dance.  Each pathway is coordinated by the CdM faculty member that heads their respective visual/performing art program.

What is the focus of PAMA Instrumental Music?

The PAMA Instrumental Music branch encourages students to take xtra steps to develop theur musical skills and to promote artistic growth.  The program also prepares students for the possibility of continuing their musical training in a collegiate setting, or in the professional world.  PAMA students are NOT required to seek enrollment in a commercial music school or college/university as a music major.  We only want to help prepare for the audition process, and to help provide the technical and theoretical background a continuing music student would need.

Who can enroll in PAMA?

The program is intended for high school students, and are highly encourage to enroll in their freshman year.  Transfer students can inquire about joining after their freshman year if they have been active in their previous school's music program.  8th graders may also apply to join in their 9th grade year.  Students do not have to have a particular background or level of training before they enter the PAMA program.  So long as they complete the program requirements for certification, they will be designated as a PAMA graduate in their senior year.

What are the PAMA requirements?

For the PAMA Instrumental Music pathway, the requirements are as follows:

• A total of 25 performance hours over their 4 high school years  performances with a CdM ensemble count towards this requirement

• Mentoring: Verified 40 hours of instruction by an specialist (established private teacher, college instructor, or working professional) on their main instrument.  Hours must be completed during the candidates 4 years of high school.  

• Large ensemble experience: Three years of enrollment in one of the advanced CdM ensembles Concert Band, Orchestra or Jazz Ensemble.  PAMA students are expected to maintain an 'A' grade throughout their enrollment, as well as consistent 'Satisfactory' marks for citizenship and professionalism.  The candidate must be enrolled in said ensemble during their high school years, and must include their senior year.  (please note, enrollment in groups outside of CdM does not count towards this requirement.)

• Small ensemble experience:  Student must perform in a small ensemble (Number of performers: 2-6)  at least once during their 4-year high school program.

• External experience:  Student must participate in ONE of the following during their 4 years in high school -  A solo/ensemble competition, a masterclass for their instrument, or an honor group hosted by a musical institution (Pacific Symphony Youth, Orange County Youth, Four Seasons Youth, SCSBOA All-Southern, MENC All-State, etc.) 

• Senior performance: Completing a senior recital project in the senior year. This may be a solo performance featuring at least 2 short, contrasting compositions for their instrument, a solo work (1 movement) for their instrument and one of the large ensembles, or a small ensemble piece that features them as the main performer.  Performing a solo within the context of a band, orchestra or jazz piece does not satisfy this requirement.

The completion of the requirement will be registered in an individual log, to be updated by biannual meetings with the program director.  Completion of the program certification will be determined in the 2nd semester of thestudent's senior year.

How do I enroll in PAMA?

Fill out the linked form.  Mr. Jamora will contact you to schedule a meeting and finalize your enrollment.

PAMA Instrumental Music Application