Classen School of Advanced Studies Middle School
Visual & Performing Arts
Visual & Performing Arts
The Visual and Performing Arts Program offered at Classen School of Advanced Studies provides artistically talented young people with rigorous conservatory-style training in the visual arts; dance, drama, vocal and instrumental music including strings, guitar, band, and piano. Students also complete a comprehensive academic, college preparatory program. Therefore, all Classen SAS Visual and Performing Arts students essentially complete a double program consisting of a major (Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Band, Strings, Guitar, Drama, Piano, or Dance), along with an academic program.
VPA Audition Dates and Times
Thursday, February 15th
Visual Art @ 4:30
Band @ 4 - 7pm
Piano @ 4 -7pm (Only attend one)
Vocal @ 4:30 - 7pm (Only attend one)
Please choose your area of interest by clicking on the appropriate major drop down menu. Applicants will read the description for the major and follow all submission requirements and expectations.
Dance: Modern & Ballet
Dance majors receive exceptional instruction in academic courses while participating in a rigorous physical training program in ballet and modern dance techniques. The purpose of the program is to provide students with a realistic understanding of the physical demands and artistic skills required for a successful career in dance. The vision is to prepare students to compete on a national level for university scholarships and/or employment with a professional ballet or modern dance company.
Drama: Theatre, Technical Theatre, & Musical Theatre
The Classen Theatre Department combines respect for history with immersion in contemporary issues, intellectual engagement with creative expression, and the opportunity to study and practice theatre. The faculty view theatre as a form of human expression, shaped by social, economic, technological, personal, and artistic forces. As such, the study and practice of theatre are valuable components of a liberal arts education. A combination of academic coursework and production experience is a hallmark of the approach in theatre studies. Students compete in interscholastic speech, drama, and debate tournaments to gain skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives, as good communication is the lifeblood of any successful person.
Music Programs
The music program at Classen SAS provides a stimulating and nurturing environment filled with musical experiences that will last a lifetime. Students build technical skills while also developing expressive playing and an appreciation of musical styles through carefully supervised instruction, listening, and analysis. The music program may also serve as a foundation for those students who would like to enter post-secondary conservatories and/or colleges furthering their studies in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, composition, arrangement and orchestration, music business, advanced pedagogy, music therapy, collaborative musicianship, or music law.
Visual Arts
The mission of the visual arts program is to provide students with an accessible and supportive learning environment that emphasizes the importance of visual arts in society. The faculty and administration strive to maintain a liberal arts program that provides a valuable education in the visual arts, prepares students for college/conservatory, enhances career opportunities for all students, as well as promotes an appreciation of life-long learning. The visual arts program is dedicated to nurturing the creative and scholarly potential of students, supporting faculty in the development of excellence in teaching and research, and promoting visual arts in the community.
