Visual & Performing Arts Academy
Chorus
Finding Your Voice Through Music
The Chorus program gives students the opportunity to develop their vocal talents while building confidence, discipline, and lifelong performance skills. Through daily rehearsals, concerts, competitions, and collaborative performances, students strengthen both their musicianship and their ability to work as part of an ensemble.
Whether students are experienced singers or joining choir for the first time, they learn in a welcoming environment that encourages creativity, teamwork, and personal growth while preparing them for future musical opportunities.
Course Sequence
Students progress through a four-year sequence that builds both technical skills and business knowledge.
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Certifications
Students participate in prestigious regional, state, and national performance experiences.
Notable performance opportunities include:
- Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) All-State Choir
- American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Regional Honor Choir
- Florida ACDA Honor Choir
- Dade County Music Educators Association Superintendent's Honor Choir
- Carnegie Hall Performance (New York City)
- Florida Vocal Association Music Performance Assessment (MPA)
- Merrick Festival Caroling Competition
Students develop college-level portfolio experience through AP College Board courses, studio projects, exhibitions, and portfolio development for AP and college admissions.
"I enjoy getting to work with everybody and seeing everyone's parts come together. I love being on stage and seeing it all pay off. It's a great experience."
- Elizabeth Ima (12th grade)
Competitions and Achievements
Students regularly perform in adjudicated festivals, honor choirs, and statewide music performance assessments.
Program achievements include:
- Performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City
- Selection to FMEA All-State Choir
- Selection to ACDA Regional and Florida Honor Choirs
- Participation in the Dade County Superintendent's Honor Choir
- Superior and Excellent ratings at Florida Vocal Association MPAs
- Recognition at the Merrick Festival Caroling Competition
Career Pathways
The Chorus program prepares students for careers and college programs in music and the performing arts.
Possible pathways include:
- Vocal Performance
- Music Education
- Music Therapy
- Musical Theatre
- Music Production
- Music Business
- Recording Artist
- Arts Administration
Students also develop transferable skills such as collaboration, leadership, public speaking, confidence, and creative expression.
Student Voices
Learning Through Real Experience
Students strengthen their musical abilities through rehearsals, performances, sectionals, and ensemble experiences.
From preparing for concerts and Music Performance Assessments to performing alongside classmates, students continuously develop vocal technique, musicianship, and confidence while learning to perform as a unified ensemble.
"I enjoy hanging out with my friends in sectionals. We get to communicate better and learn the music, but we also have fun."
- Kennedy Farrington (12th grade)
"I'd like to be more confident when I'm singing. It can be hard to sing alone, but being in a supportive setting helps me feel more confident."
- Jordan Davis (12th grade)
Teacher Perspective
Ms. Elyse Roscoe
"I want students to remember how they felt in this room—welcomed, able to be themselves, and capable of more than they thought."
Students develop both musical and personal skills, including:
- Vocal technique and music literacy
- Ensemble performance and collaboration
- Teamwork and communication
- Discipline and time management
- Confidence through public performance
Beyond musical instruction, students learn resilience, creativity, and self-expression while performing in a supportive environment. Through rehearsals, performances, and collaborative experiences, they build skills that prepare them for college, careers, and lifelong participation in the arts.
Advice for Future Students
Current students encourage future singers to embrace the experience, work hard, and enjoy performing together.
Program Legacy
The Chorus program has a tradition of excellence through regional, state, and national performances. Students have represented the school at prestigious honor choirs, music performance assessments, and even Carnegie Hall, demonstrating both musical achievement and dedication.
Graduates leave the program with strong vocal skills, confidence, and the collaboration and leadership abilities needed to succeed in music and in any future career path.
