State of the Art: Patriot High School's Cutting Edge Extends to Fine and Performing Arts Department

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On Jan 5 at 3 p.m., four Patriot High School sophomores practiced their singing. Though concerned for their tone and pitch, they felt confident about acoustics. When they stepped on stage to audition for the upcoming school production of the “Wizard of Oz,” they would be doing so in a brand new, massive, modern auditorium.

The auditorium is just one example of the leading edge technology and materials available to students who take part in the fine and performing arts at Patriot High School. While arts departments are often underfunded, Patriot is one school that gives new meaning to “state of the art,” a fact no one is taking for granted least of all art and music teachers.

Overjoyed to have large classrooms, studios filled with natural light, throwing wheels, sound proof music rooms, cavernous dark rooms, walk-in storage closets and Promethean boards in every room, teachers are ready to get down to work.

But for the fine and performing arts department chair, Elizabeth Reid, it is more than just having great supplies and amble space, it is how the new building has breathed life into the program.

“The equipment is not broken down, we’re not fighting, saying, ‘I need this.’ We have the best of everything and people take advantage of that,” Reid said.

Band teacher David Vangelder agreed the new school has invigorated the teachers and students, but suggested it was no accident.

“The materials that we’re working with are of the finest quality. I think there is an energy at this school where every staff member wants to bring a part of themselves to this new place. The principal got to hand select the staff, gathering a staff that is passionate,” Vangelder said.

Reid, who is also an art teacher, wants to harness some of this enthusiasm to create what she hopes will be the best art department in the Prince William County by supporting her teachers and  students, the later whom she described as very motivated and willing to reach high expectations.

Like their teachers, Patriot students appreciate the new state of the art materials and workspace, and especially the opportunities Patriot has offered them.

“(The music program) is definitely more advanced here,” said Alexandra Lazarescu, who attended Brentsville last year.

“We auditioned to be here (in top choir),” said sophomore Anne Oyhenart, “so we feel it’s based on talent.”

Although Patriot High's students will one day soon have to share the stage with a senior class, they can rest assured their teachers are doing everything in their power to promote their program and get students into top colleges; because even though it is not a specialty program, the fine and performing arts at Patriot, works much like one, progressing students through classes to build upon their skills set.

Senior students who have progressed throughout the program in the visual arts will go on to create a portfolio of their work, often the key ingredient to getting into a prestigious art college.

In addition their teachers are fostering the arts outside of the classroom, encouraging students to attend plays, concerts and art shows as well as enter contests and join extra-curricular groups in their field of interest.

Most of all Reid likes the idea of having the visual and performing arts under one banner. She realizes it is an unusual way to organize a department, but believes it is one that will build coöperation and camaraderie between the school’s creative communities.

“We’re blessed with equipment and support,” said Reid.

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