The Advance Prep Academy fine arts program is an integral part of it’s educational experience. We believe the arts offer students a unique opportunity to explore and develop their creative and personal artistic talents.
Through the arts, students cultivate essential life skills such as creative problem-solving, Persevering through challenges, Collaborating effectively with peers and Pursuing passion projects at the heart of the APA Fine Arts Department is a commitment to personal growth and creative expression. By nurturing these skills, our program contributes to the holistic development of students, empowering them to excel both artistically and academically.
Our high school offers two courses that introduce students to all aspects of theatrical arts and drama. Theatre focuses on acting, movement, reading of plays, theatre design and tech (including set, prop, costume, and makeup design), and viewing theatre performances. Technical Theatre explores the backstage world of theatre. Students will investigate several areas of production and design from a practical base. Students will be given the opportunity to learn about set construction, scenic painting, and lighting.
Students in 4th-8th grade (Greenfield and Val Vista only) will have the opportunity to learn foundational skills and music reading on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Students in band have the option of playing flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, or percussion (mallets and drums). As a performance-oriented class, students will perform in multiple concerts and community events each year. At the high school, students will continue to develop advanced skills on woodwind, brass and percussion. They will learn proper posture and playing position, development of characteristic tone quality, expressive musicality and training in music literacy.
Concert Band provides a variety of performance opportunities including pep band at athletic events, community outreach, All-Regionals/All-State auditions, and the performing arts traveling tour.
The choir program strives to inspire students to excel in their musical abilities. As they become more capable and confident with their singing voices, students will be better equipped to bless their families, communities, and churches through music. Students in 7th-8th grade will have the opportunity to participate in a performing ensemble that focuses on music literacy, vocal technique and presentation skills. At the high school, students will have the opportunity to participate in a non-auditioned ensemble as well as a variety of audition-only ensembles.
Concert Choir is an auditioned, advanced mixed chorale ensemble open to high school students with a strong musical and choral background. The course of study consists of continuing to develop proper vocal technique, music theory, sight-reading, historical knowledge, and fine ensemble singing. Concert Choir performs in all festivals, concerts, domestic tours, and community events. Students are encouraged to compete in events such as Solo/Ensemble Contest, Central Regional Choir, and Arizona All-State Choir. Only Concert Choir members may audition for Bel Canto Singers.
Advanced Women’s Chorale is an auditioned, full-year women’s choral ensemble open to high school students with a limited musical or choral background. The course of study consists of advanced vocal production, fundamentals of music theory, music listening, historical knowledge, and fine ensemble singing. Advanced Women’s Choir will perform in concerts, festivals, domestic tours, and community events. With the approval of the director, students will have the opportunity to compete in events such as Solo-Ensemble Contest, Central Regional Choir, and Arizona All-State Choir.
Bel Canto is the top-tier vocal ensemble at GCS open to high school students with a strong musical and choral background. The course of study consists of developing proper vocal technique, a strong emphasis on sight-reading and ear training, historical knowledge, and ensemble singing in a small group. All music in Bel Canto is performed a cappella. Bel Canto has a greater number of performances, festivals and tours than any ensemble at the school. Students are highly encouraged to compete in events such as Solo/ Ensemble Contest, Central Regional Choir, and Arizona All-State Choir.
The primary goal of the worship team is to lead the student body by example in and outside of the worship experience. As Scripture states (Ps. 34:1, Ps. 113:3, Heb. 13:15, etc.), we are to worship God, giving thanks and praise to Him, continuously throughout each day. Students will learn instruction and practice in vocal and instrumental performance, selection and vetting of worship set lists, and best practices for leading others in worship.
Students in 4th-8th grade (Agritopia only) will have the opportunity to learn foundational skills in the study of violin, viola, cello, and bass. As a performance-oriented class, students will perform in multiple concerts and community events each year. At the high school, students will continue in advanced concepts of excellent string-playing technique with an emphasis on scales for intonation and hand formation, review of shifting, intermediate music theory, and independent ensemble playing.
This course advances concepts of excellent string-playing technique with an emphasis on scales for intonation and hand formation, review of shifting, intermediate music theory, and independent ensemble playing. Music history is incorporated through the repertoire selected to reflect each era of music development. As a performance focused course, consistent practice of the materials is expected. Attendance is required for at least four performances per year for course credit.
Students at the elementary and middle school will learn the fundamentals of drawing and design in various genres of art. At the high school, students will continue to build and explore different genres of art such as, graphic design, ceramics, printmaking, painting, and sculpture.
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