Mission Statement
The Fine Arts Academy at Mt. Vernon Senior High School believes a student’s education is enriched by experiences in the arts; because of their interdisciplinary nature, the arts influence all areas of academic study.
We believe an environment that acknowledges and empowers creative expression in its varied forms also fosters personal growth, maturity and responsibility. The Fine Arts Academy provides an artist-scholar environment that addresses a variety of learning styles.
We believe the arts provide an opportunity for lifelong learning and participants in the arts are among the best representatives of our school and community.
Academy Description
The Fine Arts Academy at Mt. Vernon Senior High School is comprised of award winning students and faculty in music, theatre and the visual arts. A commitment to academic excellence and a belief that through the arts, students find lifelong fulfillment is at the core of our teaching philosophy. Students are provided opportunities in instrumental and vocal music, musical theatre, acting, technical theatre and traditional and digital visual arts. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for post-secondary endeavors and arts related careers. The Fine Arts Academy provides over forty events each year to further student’s skills and artistic talents.
News
Anonymous 4 to Present Demonstration Class: Feb. 5, 2012
The internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble, Anonymous 4 will present a demonstration class on Feb. 5, 2012 from 1:30-2:30 at Wheeler Concert Hall (University of Evansville). Sponsored by the Fine Arts Academy, the masterclass is free and open to the public.
Angelus and Anonymous 4
Angelus members were the special guests of Anonymous 4 at their Feb. 4 concert in New Harmomy. Having collaborated on two different occasions, Anonymous 4 received the women of Angelus warmly and in the spirit of collegialty. Pictured are both ensembles at the post concert meet and greet.
Vocal Music Department Spring Musical an Indiana High School Premiere
Ring of Fire is the story of Johnny Cash as told through his songs.
The production will be performed on Mar. 8, 9 and 10 in the MVHS Performing Arts Center.
Grammy Award Winning Composer at Fine Arts Academy
On May 6, 2012 the Fine Arts Academy will present the 2011 Grammy Award winning work Calling All Dawns.Featuring Fine Arts Academy and area singers, the performance will be conducted by Maestro Alfred Savia and accompanied by the Evansville Philharmonic.Composer, Christopher Tin will be in residence during the final rehearsals and performance.
Audrey Summers Receives Scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design
Mt. Vernon High School Senior, Audrey Summers, has been selected to receive the Artistic Honors Scholarship and the Academic Honors Scholarship at the Savannah College of Art and Design for the 2012-13 school year. The scholarships are for four years based on her art portfolio and academic record. The college is located in Savannah, Georgia and is one of the preeminent universities in the arts in the United States. Audrey is the daughter of Jenna and Brent Summers of Mt. Vernon.
Academy Students Excel at Brescia University
Brescia University’s 32st Annual Juried High School Art Exhibition held its Awards Ceremony and Reception on Saturday, December 9th at 5 pm. The ceremony was held at Fine Arts Gallery of Brescia University in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Calling All Dawns Information Page
Please follow the link on the right for news and information related to Calling All Dawns
Angelus Releases Michael McGlynn: Music for Women’s Voices
Celebrating the music of one of their favorite composers, Angelus’ newest recording features both sacred and secular works rich in Mr. McGlynn’s melodic and harmonic vocabulary. The recording is currently available by clicking on the image at the left. It will soon be available in itunes, amazon and other digital music providers.
Mr. Huddleson Receives National Award
Mt. Vernon High School Visual Art teacher, Otis Huddleson, has been notified that he has been awarded a National Medal and Certificate of Recognition from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards in New York City. The awards are based on student results in the Awards.
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writer and is the largest and longest running recognition program for teenage artists and writers.
Virginia McEnerney, Executive Director of the Awards wrote, “Congratulations! As a teacher, you should be very proud of your students’ recognition in the 2011 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. To honor your dedication to your students, please accept the enclosed medal as a commemoration of this milestone in your career. We are thrilled that your students have demonstrated such outstanding creative potential and that you choose to share it with us.”
Mr. Huddleson teaches Digital Design, Photography, Visual Communications, and AP Studio Art. This is the eighth time he has received a national award in his teaching career.
Our New Logo
Created by Academy student Tessa Anderson
Theatrical Rigging Workshop Oct. 1
The Fine Arts Academy will host a “Theatrical Rigging Skills Workshop” on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9:00am-4:00pm at the Centre in Evansville. The presenter will be Bill Sapsis and will cover rigging fundamentals, system components, fall arrest, system maintainence and related topics. The workshop is designed to assist individuals who work withing educational and professional theatre as well as houses of worship. Call 812-833-5932 for more information.
Mr. Taylor Earns Local and National Awards
Dana Taylor, Director of Vocal Music and technical theatre instructor was awarded the 2011 Founders’ Award by the Educational Theatre Association for significant contributions to the growth and development of theatre education in the United States.
The award was presented on Saturday, June 25 at the International Thespian Festival (Lincoln, NE).
On Tuesday, June 28, the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana named Mr. Taylor its Artist of the Year for his work in choral music and technical theatre. During Mr. Taylor’s tenure at MVHS, the technical theatre program has gained national recognition and students are involved in numerous school productions as well as servicing clients ranging from area high schools to the Evansville Philharmonic. Additionally, the vocal music program has gained national attention through its unique women’s ensemble “Angelus”
Angelus’ San Francisco Tour a Success
Angelus outside of Grace Cathedral following Friday's performance.
Angelus’ was warmly received by concert audiences during their recent tour to San Francisco. Featuring concert appearances at Grace Cathedral, Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption and St. Dominic’s (San Francisco) as well as performances at St. Patrick’s (Kenwood) and St. Alban’s (Albany) the ensemble premiered three new works “Lorica” and “Wild Song” by Michael McGlynn and a new setting of “Sounds of Silence” after the British ensemble “All Angels”. Auditions for the 2011-2012 edition of Angelus will begin in August.
Mikey Stephens-Emerson in “Lost in Yonkers”
MVHS rising sophomore Mikey Stephens-Emerson earns rave reviews in his performance of “Jay” in Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers”. Read Roger McBain’s review at the following link.
“Yonkers’ Set Stage for High Expectations”
Technical Theatre Students Help “Peter Pan” Fly
MVHS Techical Theatre students Jessica King, Brandon Lauderdale and Spencer Boyle recently worked for the Evansville Ballet’s production of “Peter Pan” at the Henderson Fine Arts Center (Henderson, KY). After Tuesday’s load in and light hang, the students spent the balance of the time working as flymen for the aerial effects. (Photo from “The Gleaner”)
