Is there a MoCo equivalent to Duke Ellington School for the Arts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. There is nothing audition/criteria based for the arts in MCPS other than the visual arts program at Einstein.

People talking about Northwood or Einstein or Loiederman are describing interest-based programs within a standard curriculum.

So, maybe you get 4 different levels of dance class rather than 3, but it's not an arts curriculum or facilities the way a school like DE or LaGuardia would be.

It may not be the level of Ellington, but Loiederman is the only MCPS middle school that is close and it is NOT the standard MCPS middle school curriculum. Students at Loiederman have access to high school level fine arts classes and get high school credit for them, have a new (built in 2020) professional-grade black box theater with the ability to hang advanced lighting and sound equipment (no other MCPS middle school has a standalone theater - they are all part of the cafeteria), have audition based dance companies, audition-based acapella groups that compete, and multiple classes in film production, digital music (level 1 & 2), digital art (including digital art high school level classes), high school credit theater classes including technical theater. All dance classes beyond beginner require auditions.

Here is the course offerings:
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I would be very curious to know from the PP what other MCPS middle school comes close to this level of arts offerings at the middle school level.
Again, not the same level as Ellington, but MUCH more than just the "standard" MCPS curriculum.

Except they don't put on shows that provide evidence of this. I've been to much better plays/dance shows held in cafeteriums at other MCPS schools than anything I've seen at Loiederman. Not sure they retain quality teachers.

Interesting. When I attendee shows there in 2021-2022 I thought the Loiedeman theater productions were very well done. Robyn Paley is head of the theater department and is a wonderful teacher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

VAPA is terrific, but it's not an audition-based program. Any Einstein student can check a box on a form and join VAPA, just like the other academies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

VAPA is terrific, but it's not an audition-based program. Any Einstein student can check a box on a form and join VAPA, just like the other academies.

The highest level courses are audition based and are adding stricter criteria to the audition process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

VAPA is terrific, but it's not an audition-based program. Any Einstein student can check a box on a form and join VAPA, just like the other academies.

The highest level courses are audition based and are adding stricter criteria to the audition process.

They take the best of the bunch but it’s not Ellington standards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

[/b]Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

[b]

God I hope you’re right. I have a child who wants to be apart of Einstein S.T.A.G.E and VAPA very badly but it’s not her home school. We are exploring ways of getting her to Einstein but it’s been stressful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t know, but your kids won’t can do early release if they are passionate about their dance. They can leave high school 3 hours (I think or maybe it’s 2) hours early to dance if their dance school has an early release program.

Tell me more-- I tried googling and "early release" that I find refers to when schools close early for teacher work sessions. Is this an actual policy in place to modify student schedules?

NP to say I knew ballet students who did this, dropping the last class of the day to go to the top level class at schools like Washington School of Ballet or Maryland Youth Ballet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

[/b]Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

[b]

God I hope you’re right. I have a child who wants to be apart of Einstein S.T.A.G.E and VAPA very badly but it’s not her home school. We are exploring ways of getting her to Einstein but it’s been stressful.

Move or cosa.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

[/b]Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

[b]

God I hope you’re right. I have a child who wants to be apart of Einstein S.T.A.G.E and VAPA very badly but it’s not her home school. We are exploring ways of getting her to Einstein but it’s been stressful.

Look into YAA. It’s a great theater program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t know, but your kids won’t can do early release if they are passionate about their dance. They can leave high school 3 hours (I think or maybe it’s 2) hours early to dance if their dance school has an early release program.

Tell me more-- I tried googling and "early release" that I find refers to when schools close early for teacher work sessions. Is this an actual policy in place to modify student schedules?

NP to say I knew ballet students who did this, dropping the last class of the day to go to the top level class at schools like Washington School of Ballet or Maryland Youth Ballet.

“Early release” is not the correct term. I think pp meant “abbreviated schedule,” where students can leave school early.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

[/b]Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.[b]

God I hope you’re right. I have a child who wants to be apart of Einstein S.T.A.G.E and VAPA very badly but it’s not her home school. We are exploring ways of getting her to Einstein but it’s been stressful.

Move or cosa.

Ah, MCPS...how you worship equity (not)!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

[/b]Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

[b]

God I hope you’re right. I have a child who wants to be apart of Einstein S.T.A.G.E and VAPA very badly but it’s not her home school. We are exploring ways of getting her to Einstein but it’s been stressful.

This is a much larger issue in itself. I have many theater students who want to attend Einstein specifically for its theater program. Am I supposed to reach out to every parent and tell them to put up a "For Sale" sign so their child can have access to that opportunity?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

[/b]Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

[b]

God I hope you’re right. I have a child who wants to be apart of Einstein S.T.A.G.E and VAPA very badly but it’s not her home school. We are exploring ways of getting her to Einstein but it’s been stressful.

This is a much larger issue in itself. I have many theater students who want to attend Einstein specifically for its theater program. Am I supposed to reach out to every parent and tell them to put up a "For Sale" sign so their child can have access to that opportunity?

Yes, they removed the DCC, so not a lot of options. The academics at Einstein are weak. Theater teacher is very good, involved and engaged. Northwood might be a better choice if they have stronger academics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

VAPA is terrific, but it's not an audition-based program. Any Einstein student can check a box on a form and join VAPA, just like the other academies.

And they don’t actually offer all of the courses listed in the various VAPA pathways. We’ve been waiting years for AP Music Theory!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's to the level you're describing/hoping for but from what I gathered, Northwood HS was the Arts option for the Downcounty Consortium (DCC):

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/downcounty/northwood/

The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)

This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics. Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development. The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre. Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.

Einstein’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) is arguably the closest thing to Duke Ellington that MCPS has. It is one of the largest and most prominent programs at the school, and the audition process will become increasingly competitive for next year. Applicants are now required to complete both an in-person audition and a video submission.

[/b]Currently, Northwood hosts the regional Theater and Dance programs, though it wouldn't be surprising to see those put in Einstein before 2027.

[b]

God I hope you’re right. I have a child who wants to be apart of Einstein S.T.A.G.E and VAPA very badly but it’s not her home school. We are exploring ways of getting her to Einstein but it’s been stressful.

This is a much larger issue in itself. I have many theater students who want to attend Einstein specifically for its theater program. Am I supposed to reach out to every parent and tell them to put up a "For Sale" sign so their child can have access to that opportunity?

Yes, they removed the DCC, so not a lot of options. The academics at Einstein are weak. Theater teacher is very good, involved and engaged. Northwood might be a better choice if they have stronger academics.

Important to note that the Einstein theater teacher is also the chorus teacher. Hands down, Ellington is the better school!