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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New to MoCo, parent of a pre-pro dancer, and I'm wondering if there was ever a push to have an arts magnet school in MoCo equivalent to Duke Ellington in DC, LACHSA and OCSA in CA, etc?

Sorry, but no. Nothing we have comes close and BTW, it's all going downhill fast. No joke.

Yes, there was a push to have Woodward be an arts magnet (full county). Like Blair, it would have only been a segment of the student population. Not whole school like Duke Ellington. I believe that move even spent some time researching this and how it would work - to do this right.

Instead, we will have the watered down regional program and tbd how good it will be.

Woodward was doom to fail. The community did not want an arts magnet. Arts programs did well in schools like Blake and Einstein because the communities are very arts focused and built upon that.

[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.

Honestly, it’s hard to see Northwood getting the theater or dance programs when Einstein’s are just stronger. Without extra funding, it makes way more sense to give Einstein all the regional arts programs, just like Blake and Woodward. Hopefully, Einstein PACE is already talking about advocating for this.

[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.

Honestly, it’s hard to see Northwood getting the theater or dance programs when Einstein’s are just stronger. Without extra funding, it makes way more sense to give Einstein all the regional arts programs, just like Blake and Woodward. Hopefully, Einstein PACE is already talking about advocating for this.

These are arts programs on paper only as none of the schools are getting more staff or funding specifically for the arts. All schools should have strong arts, humanities and stem.

[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.

Honestly, it’s hard to see Northwood getting the theater or dance programs when Einstein’s are just stronger. Without extra funding, it makes way more sense to give Einstein all the regional arts programs, just like Blake and Woodward. Hopefully, Einstein PACE is already talking about advocating for this.

These are arts programs on paper only as none of the schools are getting more staff or funding specifically for the arts. All schools should have strong arts, humanities and stem.

No one is denying this. However, this is what’s on the table. Einstein has built a strong arts program with what they have. To keep Einstein in the conversation, they should retain what they’ve built.

[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.

Honestly, it’s hard to see Northwood getting the theater or dance programs when Einstein’s are just stronger. Without extra funding, it makes way more sense to give Einstein all the regional arts programs, just like Blake and Woodward. Hopefully, Einstein PACE is already talking about advocating for this.

Northwood has both a good dance and theater program. Why do Einstein's parents have to put down other schools and students?

[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.

Honestly, it’s hard to see Northwood getting the theater or dance programs when Einstein’s are just stronger. Without extra funding, it makes way more sense to give Einstein all the regional arts programs, just like Blake and Woodward. Hopefully, Einstein PACE is already talking about advocating for this.

Northwood has both a good dance and theater program. Why do Einstein's parents have to put down other schools and students?

Enough with the dramatics. I never said Northwood didn’t. However, Einstein has a stronger program in all disciplines of the arts and there’s no denying it. Einstein should have dance, theater, added to its regional program.

[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.

Honestly, it’s hard to see Northwood getting the theater or dance programs when Einstein’s are just stronger. Without extra funding, it makes way more sense to give Einstein all the regional arts programs, just like Blake and Woodward. Hopefully, Einstein PACE is already talking about advocating for this.

They refused to take the Humanities program away from Whitman (as if Whitman needs an academic magnet!) so they had to give Northwood something. If theater and dance go to Einstein then Humanities needs to go to Northwood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, but your kid can apply to Duke Ellington and could be accepted as an out of District resident. You’d have to pay tuition though, or move to DC.

Nothing MCPS has compares with that. But I also know from parents at Duke Ellington that the academics aren’t great, so you’d be giving up quite a bit to have your kid attend it.

+1

[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.

Honestly, it’s hard to see Northwood getting the theater or dance programs when Einstein’s are just stronger. Without extra funding, it makes way more sense to give Einstein all the regional arts programs, just like Blake and Woodward. Hopefully, Einstein PACE is already talking about advocating for this.

These are arts programs on paper only as none of the schools are getting more staff or funding specifically for the arts. All schools should have strong arts, humanities and stem.

No one is denying this. However, this is what’s on the table. Einstein has built a strong arts program with what they have. To keep Einstein in the conversation, they should retain what they’ve built.

Look, with the DCC being disbanded, the whole game changes. If Einstein doesn’t get the regional arts designation, they just have to double down on their own turf. They can use the VAC’s and S.T.A.G.E reputation to carry the rest of the arts programs and basically build a 'shadow magnet' culture. They can make VAPA an elite audition base PA program within its own school. That way, their public product stays so sharp that a brand-new regional program at Northwood or Woodward won't even be able to compete.

[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.

Honestly, it’s hard to see Northwood getting the theater or dance programs when Einstein’s are just stronger. Without extra funding, it makes way more sense to give Einstein all the regional arts programs, just like Blake and Woodward. Hopefully, Einstein PACE is already talking about advocating for this.

These are arts programs on paper only as none of the schools are getting more staff or funding specifically for the arts. All schools should have strong arts, humanities and stem.

No one is denying this. However, this is what’s on the table. Einstein has built a strong arts program with what they have. To keep Einstein in the conversation, they should retain what they’ve built.

Look, with the DCC being disbanded, the whole game changes. If Einstein doesn’t get the regional arts designation, they just have to double down on their own turf. They can use the VAC’s and S.T.A.G.E reputation to carry the rest of the arts programs and basically build a 'shadow magnet' culture. They can make VAPA an elite audition base PA program within its own school. That way, their public product stays so sharp that a brand-new regional program at Northwood or Woodward won't even be able to compete.

I hope the academy head is taking notes. This isn’t a bad idea.

[Anonymous]

Northwood dance and theater is pretty good for a HS but it is nothing amazing. The shows etc are pretty decent but many high schools all over DC, MD, VA and other states have similar or better programs. Jackson Reed HS in DC has better theater than Northwood but I don’t think they have any dance program

[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.

Honestly, it’s hard to see Northwood getting the theater or dance programs when Einstein’s are just stronger. Without extra funding, it makes way more sense to give Einstein all the regional arts programs, just like Blake and Woodward. Hopefully, Einstein PACE is already talking about advocating for this.

These are arts programs on paper only as none of the schools are getting more staff or funding specifically for the arts. All schools should have strong arts, humanities and stem.

No one is denying this. However, this is what’s on the table. Einstein has built a strong arts program with what they have. To keep Einstein in the conversation, they should retain what they’ve built.

Look, with the DCC being disbanded, the whole game changes. If Einstein doesn’t get the regional arts designation, they just have to double down on their own turf. They can use the VAC’s and S.T.A.G.E reputation to carry the rest of the arts programs and basically build a 'shadow magnet' culture. They can make VAPA an elite audition base PA program within its own school. That way, their public product stays so sharp that a brand-new regional program at Northwood or Woodward won't even be able to compete.

You may not draw the students you think it will as the academics are lacking and will get worse with the student reduction. Several of the higher level teachers are leaving this year. And, it woukd be impossible without more staff. The music and theatre teachers don’t have time to add more classes. The principal is never going to agree to reallocating teachers to the arts. Einstein is going to go down hill fast. We don’t plan to send our youngest there due to the 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.

Honestly, it’s hard to see Northwood getting the theater or dance programs when Einstein’s are just stronger. Without extra funding, it makes way more sense to give Einstein all the regional arts programs, just like Blake and Woodward. Hopefully, Einstein PACE is already talking about advocating for this.

They refused to take the Humanities program away from Whitman (as if Whitman needs an academic magnet!) so they had to give Northwood something. If theater and dance go to Einstein then Humanities needs to go to Northwood.

None of these are real programs. They are taking what is in the schools and ca,,ing it special programs. It doesn’t matter if you put both at Einstein and Northwood as there are no extra staff or funding to make them true programs and draw kids to them.

[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.

Honestly, it’s hard to see Northwood getting the theater or dance programs when Einstein’s are just stronger. Without extra funding, it makes way more sense to give Einstein all the regional arts programs, just like Blake and Woodward. Hopefully, Einstein PACE is already talking about advocating for this.

Northwood has both a good dance and theater program. Why do Einstein's parents have to put down other schools and students?

Enough with the dramatics. I never said Northwood didn’t. However, Einstein has a stronger program in all disciplines of the arts and there’s no denying it. Einstein should have dance, theater, added to its regional program.

None, it’s not necessarily stronger. Einstein has dance and theater. Theater has a strong teacher but she will probably not stay. The issue is staffing. You can put the programs in but without more staff and funding it’s meaningless. The pta and booster clubs don’t fundraise enough to provide and the current group of parents are ok with only doing the minimum.

[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.

Honestly, it’s hard to see Northwood getting the theater or dance programs when Einstein’s are just stronger. Without extra funding, it makes way more sense to give Einstein all the regional arts programs, just like Blake and Woodward. Hopefully, Einstein PACE is already talking about advocating for this.

These are arts programs on paper only as none of the schools are getting more staff or funding specifically for the arts. All schools should have strong arts, humanities and stem.

No one is denying this. However, this is what’s on the table. Einstein has built a strong arts program with what they have. To keep Einstein in the conversation, they should retain what they’ve built.

Look, with the DCC being disbanded, the whole game changes. If Einstein doesn’t get the regional arts designation, they just have to double down on their own turf. They can use the VAC’s and S.T.A.G.E reputation to carry the rest of the arts programs and basically build a 'shadow magnet' culture. They can make VAPA an elite audition base PA program within its own school. That way, their public product stays so sharp that a brand-new regional program at Northwood or Woodward won't even be able to compete.

You may not draw the students you think it will as the academics are lacking and will get worse with the student reduction. Several of the higher level teachers are leaving this year. And, it woukd be impossible without more staff. The music and theatre teachers don’t have time to add more classes. The principal is never going to agree to reallocating teachers to the arts. Einstein is going to go down hill fast. We don’t plan to send our youngest there due to the academics.

The theater teacher always taught theater and choir courses. My oldest had Mr. Smealie as his choir and musical theatre instructor back in 2014. This isn’t something new sweetheart.

He did a great job and one of the best in the country.