Welcome to the High School Arts Department of CVCS. We offer students a wide variety of courses in the Fine Arts as well as the Performing Arts.
News & Highlights
In June of 2007, the Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI) awarded CVCS an Exemplary School Program for the 2007-2008 school year. This prestigious award was presented to CVCS from more than 120 applications. This affirmation of the Performing Arts program at CVCS demonstrates the commitment of our staff and school in promoting a wide variety of exceptional performing arts programs at CVCS.
At the 2007 Music & Art Commendation for Youth (MACY) award ceremony 6 individual awards were received by students for their performances in My Fair Lady, the CVCS 2007 Spring Musical. This followed on the heels of the 6 MACY awards received in the spring of 2006 including Best Show of the Day, Best Ensemble and a Spotlight Award for one of the 5 Best Shows in addition to the 8 individual awards received by cast members.
In 2005, the Performing Arts Department became a charter member of the InternationalThespian Society and now includes 18 members. Students who join this prestigious organization exemplify the commitment our students have for the performing arts.
Performances
Fall ‘07 Semester - Each Christmas, the Junior High School Dickens’ Carolers sing traditional songs celebrating the birth of Jesus. Barefoot in the Park is planned for the Fall of 2007 with performances in November.
Spring ’08 Semester – A tap dancing extravaganza is envisioned for the spring musical. Past performances have included:
2007 – My Fair Lady (HS), Godspell (Jr. HS)
Into the Woods (Summer School)
2006 – Carousel (HS), Aladdin (Jr. HS)
A Secret Garden (Summer School)
2005 - Beauty and the Beast (HS), Cinderella (JH)
&
Seussical the Musical (All School)
2004 – Anything Goes (HS), Annie (JH)
2003 – Music Man (HS)
Art classes are taught by Mrs. Carol Thompson, and consist of Art I, Art ll, Art lll, and Art lV. Each of the classes develop the students’ skills progressively. Color theory is studied as they begin acrylic painting. They will do work from a variety of historical periods. They will study face and body proportions, still life and landscapes, use different mediums such as charcoal, pastels, acrylic paints, pen and ink, pencil, and mixed media. The more advanced classes include Art History, exploring the works of many of the masters.
Music
AP Music Theory class is designed to present the basic ingredients of the art of music. Students will study different aspects of music, such as harmony, melody, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, and elementary composition. This class makes design and language clear and accessible to the student.
Performing Arts Classes
Musical Theatre – High School and Junior High School students learn many aspects of producing a musical performance. They are instructed in elements of dance, choir, and drama.
Dance – Students participate in many dance styles including tap, jazz, ballroom, ballet and modern dance.
Choir –In Fall 2006, our Choir joined 2 adult choir groups and sang at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Students have also participated in regional ASCI choir competitions in the past as well as performances at CVCS.
Extra-Curricular Classes Offered
Stage Management – Students earn credit for managing sound and lighting systems, set construction and performance set management.
Costume Design and Sewing – Students design, create, alter, and maintain wardrobes for various productions throughout the year. They also have an opportunity to create items of personal interest.
Performing Arts Department Staff
Jo Beveridge – is the Head of the Performing Arts Department and Producer of both the CVCS Junior High and High School musicals. She also teaches Costume Design and Sewing as an elective for high school students. Mrs. Beveridge is also the owner of Showtime Rentals, a Broadway-oriented costume rental business located on-site at CVCS. She donates the use of her costumes for various events at the school while renting her extensive collection of period costumes to other local school and public performing arts groups.
Heather McLean - is the CVCS Director and Choreographer for both the Junior High and High School musicals. She also instructs Dance, and Musical Theatre classes during the academic year. Under her inspired direction in 2006, CVCS won three prestigious MACY awards for their performance of Carousel and 8 individual MACY awards for cast members. At the 2007 MACY awards, 6 individuals won MACY awards for their performances.
Amanda Strader - teaches K-5 MIND Piano Lab, 6th grade musical in the fall, choir in the spring, Dickens Carolers, AP Music Theory, and is the Junior High and High School Musical Music Director. Her musical background includes vocal talent and an instrumentalist on the bassoon and flute. She is a recent UC Berkeley graduate, and a new faculty member.
Kirk Weiss – is the stage manager who builds our beautiful sets, teaches students how to manage sound and lighting systems all while he instructs numerous High School math classes.
