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

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]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. [/quote]

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. [/quote]

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.[/quote]

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.[/quote]

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.[/quote]

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.  [/quote]

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. [/quote]

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