Reply to Visi Performing Arts Problematic

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Our family was happy when our daughter was accepted to Visi last year.  One reason is that our performing arts-interested girl was promised high quality instrumental, dance, vocal and drama programs.  This occurred during discussions with admissions personnel, instructors and was affirmed by administrators.  I am not a stage parent and she is not obsessed with performing, but these promises were an important part of why she chose Visi.  Regretfully, the performing arts instruction and activities are so low in quality that our daughter believes she was lied-to and is unhappy.  She wants to go elsewhere for her sophomore year.

[b]The promises of high-quality performing arts instruction were supported by the school’s website[/b].  For example, it includes media interviews with professional classical ballet alumnae who impliedly were inspired toward a professional career by Visi’s dance program.  The reality is that there is no dance program in any normal sense.  Only a club with a small number of girls who work out and occasionally adapt music video moves.  The performances are painful to watch.

Instrumental and choral offerings are similar.  Both are taught by well-intentioned part-timers who visit campus.  Instruction is simplistic and music choice is from the elementary level.   The sound generated by these performing groups is awful.  I always expect music by developing musicians to be loaded with mistakes, but these results are below the quality experienced at our daughter’s junior high school.  Musically experienced Visi girls avoid association with the performing groups out of embarrassment and are encouraged by sympathetic staff to find music instruction outside the school.

Drama offerings (one play and one musical) are taught by the sole full-time performing arts employee, who is also responsible for dance.  Despite efforts of some talented girls, the overall experience is disappointing and the results are far inferior to other private and public schools.  Inexplicably, junior high students are allowed to perform.

Organization is problematic.  Little flow of information, last minute changes and unexplained solicitations for contributions.  For example, the full-time employee recently demanded involved girls buy/sell $100 of lottery tickets with no explanation.  For the second year in a row, he cancelled the only performing arts trip without explanation.

There are good things about Visi (academics, sports, etc.), but it is shameful for management to allow these circumstances.  For a high school, Visi’s performing arts instruction and performances are substandard and unserious.  Potential students who prioritize performing arts should think carefully about this.  I feel stupid for having been duped and for not having protected my daughter.

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Wait until they promise very advanced math.That's the problem with many of the area private schools.  They promise lot of things supported by the school's website and catalogs  but once you get there.....[/quote]

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