Hello, Creative Community,
Shannon here taking over Michelle’s space this week to share information about MSA class scheduling for next year. While students are getting ready for final exams and we’re all looking forward to a well-deserved Winter Break, many are also asking questions about MSA course requests for next year. Rising sophomores and juniors have instructions to start requesting academic classes and rising seniors will begin course request for next year’s classes in the January.
MSA students do not need to enter their arts classes in Aeries or on course request sheets for next year. Instead, ALL students in MSA classes will fill out the MSA Recommitment Form in their Google classrooms in late January. Students complete the form to confirm their MSA classes for next year. They can advance in their current programs, request to drop a class and/or join a new program. I will follow up with students who request a program change and will set up any needed interviews or placement auditions mainly for Dance, Instrumental and Vocal Music) Current MSA students do not need to fill out an application on the MSA website to change their arts focus.
Any students interested in joining Rock Band can sign up for an audition time that will be posted in late January on the Rock Band door—students should pick a song from the list on the Rock Band audition guidelines here. Anyone interested in joining as a Rock Band vocalist must have completed a year of Vocal Music first and will need to maintain a Vocal class if accepted to the program.
Ms. Starr will hold placement auditions for Contemporary Choir in late January for any current Vocal students who would like to advance. Students should look for the sign up sheet posted on the Vocal Room door in late January and confirm the process with Ms. Starr. If not currently in Vocal Music, but interested in a Vocal audition, please contact me. Current students do not need to go through the January 24 auditions we hold for incoming students.
In the meantime, current MSA students have been doing a fantastic job hosting middle school students interested in joining MSA/NHS next year. We have toured over 200 families this fall and continue to host 8th grade groups from our local middle schools for more in depth visits to MSA classes. Last week nearly 20 students from San Jose MS joined Mr. Gersh’s class and tomorrow Product Design will have its time to shine for another middle school visit.
We are blessed to have amazing students who help mentor prospective students and describe their arts experiences for visiting families. It is just one more example of the many skills they are learning through their arts classes. Our artists are compelling public speakers who are effective leaders, creators and collaborators and I am so grateful for their support through this fall semester of visits.
I look forward to helping students plan their next steps when we return from the holiday break.
Shannon Miller
MSA Program Specialist