Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts
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| Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts | |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Buffalo, New York, United States | |
| Information | |
| Type | Magnet 4-year |
| Principal | Mr. Darren Brown |
| Number of students | 734 |
| Color(s) | Black, Yellow |
| Affiliations | Hallwalls, Channel 7, Buffalo State College, University at Buffalo |
| Website | www.facebook.com/bavpa & http://buffaloschools.org/Visual_PerformingArts.cfm |
The Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, also known as BAVPA, is a magnet performing arts high school and part of Buffalo's public school system.
The school holds classes from grade 5 to 12 and requires students to apply (as if for a job) in the field of their desired "major concentration". Majors taught in the school are Visual Art, Television and Film Production, Dance, Theater, and Music (vocal or instrumental).
The Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts was founded as a part of the desegregation program in 1977. The goal was simple:
provide an exciting college prepartory program for students in the arts and academics that will attract students from all parts of the city of Buffalo.
Since its beginnings at 333 Clinton Street, the school has grown in numbers, as well as in depth. The Academy claims many successful alumnae, including Jesse L. Martain (Law & Order, RENT), Ani DiFranco (recording artist, founder of Righteous Babe Record label and Babeville), Claudine Ewing, Pete Gallivan, Stefan Mychajliw (WGRZ-TV) and many more. Its students continue to exceed the NYS targets for academic performance in similar schools grades 5 - 12. Students produce award winning visual art work, participate in All County and all WNY musical groups, perform with the Buffalo Philharmonic, dance in the NYS School for the Arts competitive summer program, and work in countless local theatrical programs.
The school is currently partnered with Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Centre through an Empire State partnership grant (New York State Council on the Arts). The partnership focuses on intergrating the various arts experiences as well as helping students and staff to discover where artistic knowledge and other knowledge naturally intersect.
Throughout its existence, the school's TV/Film Production Department has been home to many talented and aspiring young filmmakers who have won countless[citation needed] awards and esteemed recognition for their revolutionary work in amateur filmmaking. usually near the end of the school year, the TV/Film Production Department has a film festival at Delaware Park. The film festival shows the work the TV/Film Production students have throughout the year. The Academy has been noted for its many theatrical productions such as "Oliver!", "Working", "Stand And Deliver", "Big", "Honk", and countless others.
Contents |
[edit] Auditions
The Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts Audition Process
· Students must bring two letters of recommendation to the audition. At least one letter should be from someone who can attest to his/her artistic ability.
· Student must fulfill the requirements listed below for the art area of his/her choice.
· Student must submit a copy of their most recent report card to the audition.
Dance:
a. Student must be prepared to dance in proper dance attire: · Leotard and tights (without feet) · Hair pulled back neatly · NO t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, or other such clothing · NO jewelry
b. Students should not prepare a separate dance solo. Students are judged based upon their performance in a technique class that is led by a dance instructor.
c. Upon the conclusion of the class, each student will participate in a personal interview.
d. Students should be well rested and prepared to participate with full energy in class.
e. It is recommended that students have a light breakfast.
f. The student will be asked to write a short composition about why they would like to study dance at BAVPA. Do not write this in advance.
Music:
Instrumental students must bring their instrument to the audition. Students should work with their music teacher to prepare their audition.
a. Students may audition for either vocal or instrumental music.
b. The student should either play or sing a 3-4 minute prepared written composition.
c. No taped or pre-recorded music is allowed.
d. The student should bring the sheet music of the prepared composition for the interviewer to follow.
e. The student will be interviewed at the audition.
f. The student should be prepared to write a composition on the topic: “Why I Wish to Study Music at the Arts Academy”. Do not write this in advance.
Theatre Arts:
a. Students must perform a memorized 2-4 minute monologue. A monologue is a long speech spoken by one character in a play and revealing thoughts and feelings. The monologue is chosen by the student, memorized, prior to the audition. Bookstores such as Barnes & Noble, Borders, Walden Books, etc. as well as the Public Library are sources for monologues. Orators speeches, essays and poems are not allowed. At least one copy of the monologue must be brought to the audition.
b. The monologue will be performed for two instructors and will not be delivered in front of a large audience.
c. Props are not necessary.
d. Costumes are not required.
e. The student will be noted on memorization and stage presence.
f. The student will be personally interviewed as part of the audition, and will be asked to write a brief essay that will be completed at the audition.
g. Bring a pen.
Visual Arts:
a. The student must bring a portfolio with a minimum of 10 works art to the audition. Subjects such as cartoon characters, superheroes and athletes should not be included. Works that are traced or copied from another picture will also not be accepted.
b. The students should be prepared to draw a still-life during the audition. Please bring a pencil.
c. The student will have a personal interview with an art instructor, and will be expected to discuss their portfolio.
d. The student will be asked to write a short composition about him/her self. Please do not write this in advance.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PORTFOLIO ITEMS: · Object Drawings: Simple, descriptive works picturing household objects, a cluttered table at the end of the meal, a floral arrangement, a lamp, etc.
· Portraits: A work in any medium (crayons, paint, pen, pencil, etc.) showing yourself, a friend, a pet, members of your family, or even a group of people.
· Imaginative Works: Any fantasy or dreamlike world in any medium. The idea should be original and not borrowed from anyone or anything.
· Abstract or Non-Objective Works: A work in any medium which is about art elements only, such as an exploration of lines and shapes or colors and textures.
· Drawings from Life: A favorite spot at home, a view from the window (such as an image across the street) a backyard, rooftops, etc.
· 3-Dimensional Media: Weavings, ceramics (no molds), stitching, and collage are highly encouraged.
TV/Film (note that this major is ONLY available for grades 9-12)
a. Student will be personally interviewed by the TV/Film instructor. The student should determine before the interview why he/she desires to enter this department before the interview why he/she desires to enter this department and be able to communicate those ideas orally to the interviewer.
b. Student will be expected to write a short report about a current news event at the interview. Each student will write about the same assigned topic.
c. In most cases, the student will be requested to read aloud what he/she has written, while being videotaped.
[edit] About the majors
Dance
For the student inspired by the "joy of dance", the Arts Academy Dance curriculum seeks to transform that "joy" into inspiration, challenging both the body and the mind. Along with academic courses, Arts Academy Dance Majors are called upon daily to "center stage" as our three studios come alive with music and movement in ballet, modern dance, and Afro-Caribbean techniques.
While daily classroom dance experience prepares the student to "communicate", the artistic process comes full circle only in the presence of an audience, connecting dancer and viewer in a dynamic dialogue of mind, body and spirit. To complete this circle, Arts Academy Dance Majors participate in an unparalleled range of performance opportunities. Our goal is not only to train young dancers, but to provide them with a vibrant dance education, an education made possible only by our unique program.
STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DEVELOP CREATIVITY AND INDIVIDUAL STYLE THROUGH A VARIED CURRICULUM WHICH INCLUDES: Classical Ballet Modern Dance Afro-Caribbean Dance Dance History Dance Composition and Choreography
Music
The music program at the Arts Academy is a comprehensive course of study encompassing all areas of general classroom and applied music education. Stretching from the fifth through the twelfth grade, music study at the Academy evolves along a steady continuum of instruction that begins with identification of basic music skills (melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic awareness). Concurrently, students examine a variety of musical styles from ancient to contemporary and enjoy a broad exposure to a variety of cultures and their music through listening, performing, and reading within the classroom setting.
The high school academic curriculum involves an in-depth study of Music Theory (levels I, II, and III) and the History of Music. A.P. Music Theory allows selective students to study at advanced levels for college credit.
Applied music takes the form of numerous performance ensembles. Four choirs, three bands, a string ensemble, and a number of smaller student-run groups rehearse daily and perform regularly throughout the region. In addition, small-group instruction is available in all instruments and voice.
The high school academic curriculum involves an in-depth study of Music Theory (levels I, II, and III) and the History of Music. A.P. Music Theory allows selective students to study at advanced levels for college credit.
Theatre Arts
The major in Theatre is tailored to the student who is excited by being involved in theatre both on stage and as an audience member. He or she thrives on collaboration, and craves creative problem solving.
Theatre majors take an active role in the hands-on discovery of the many facets of theatre, and in the development of personal and group skills. This extensive theatre course work compliments a well-rounded academic curriculum.
The skills nurtured in our program go beyond raw acting talent. Through the elements of theatre, the successful student will develop skills of observation, analysis and creative problem solving. Additionally, self reliance, team work, and social conscience are developed through lab, seminar and performance.
OUR VARIED THEATRE CURRICULUM INCLUDES: Playwriting Improvisation Acting Voice and Movement Theatre History Scene Study Internships Directing Audition and Resume Preparation Technical Theatre
TV & Film
Our purpose is to cultivate the individual talents of our students while exposing them to a world of technology and ideas in order to prepare them for success. The Communication Arts program is designed to provide a complete preparation for a diversity of communication oriented careers. Whether the student desires a connection with the world of broadcasting, the challenging fields of public relations and advertising or the myriad of opportunities emerging in marketing and business, our program provides a strong foundation.
Emphasizing technical and journalistic writing skills, public speaking, research projects and audio-visual production, our studios become proving grounds for young people who wish to express their ideas through a variety of media. Typically, our facility is a place where video documentaries are scripted and taped, television programs are planned and produced, musical groups are professionally recorded with digital sound equipment and contemporary issues involving news media are confronted and explored.
SOME COURSES INCLUDE: Audio-Video Production Journalism Filmmaking Broadcasting Advertising
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts program develops individual and collaborative skills, technological competencies, flexible thinking, and an appreciation for diversity. By offering specialized units of study we are able to help students collect a portfolio of work that displays an understanding of the elements and principles of art and design. This portfolio can be used when the student applies for scholarships, colleges or jobs.Students are given the opportunity to explore art in the community by visiting local artists in their studios and galleries. Field trips to New York City are also offered to interested students. These trips help the students experience the hub of the art world by visiting museums, galleries, theatre performances, as well as tours of art schools.
Students are encouraged to participate in community projects. Some of the past volunteer programs students have assisted with include; Shea's theatre restoration project, planting stamp designs on the post office windows, and replicating a scaled model of the McKinley monuments as part of Hillary Clinton's "Save America's Treasures"
Through these varied activities and daily classes in the art studio, it is our hope that students will develop excellence in their art skills and give voice to their creative spirit.
Visual Art courses of study include:
Studio Art- Sculpture and Ceramics- Design
Computer Art- Photography- Printmaking
Drawing and Painting- Art History
Differentiated Technical Theater and Maintenance
GRADES 7-12
The Differentiated Technical Theater and Maintenance Program (DTTM) is for students who have an Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.). Instruction develops skills and techniques necessary stage production and design. In addition, the DTTM Program focuses on the following skills: designs, project execution, teamwork, responsibility, trade skills, and creative expression. This is a new program designed for students who are motivated by applied technology and hands-on construction tasks. The DTTM classroom activities will support the on-going student production program at the Buffalo Academy for Visual & Performing Arts. The Arts Academy is offering this program in cooperation with the Buffalo Board of Education Career & Technical Education Department and the Department of Special Education.
Mr. Darren Brown is the current principal.[when?]
[edit] Famous alumni
- Ani DiFranco (Class of 1986)
- Jesse L. Martin (Class of 1987)
- John-Henry Grant(Class of 2009)
- Jay-Louis Dref (Class of 2009)
[edit] External links
