GMSD Distance Learning and Pandemic Updates

Fine Arts Academy

The Fine Arts Academy

The Houston Fine Arts Academy is a rigorous program in a variety of fine arts disciplines. Through the Academy experience, the whole student is immersed in a curriculum that integrates the visual and performing arts along with a data-driven, intellectual and creative learning environment.

Students in the program are required to complete:
  • 4 Fine Arts Credits by the time of graduation 
  • Community Service Hours
  • Fine Arts Practicum or Internship Experience
Faculty:
Band Director: Matt Taylor  
Assistant Band Director: John Hagan 
Orchestra Director: Long Long Kang 
Vocal Music Director: Kinsey Moline
Visual Art: Bobby Spillman
Visual Art: Amanda Schulter
Theatre: Kell Christie
Media Art: Drew Hamilton 

Admission Requirements

Documents Required for Online Application

 
Current GMSD students:
  • Image or PDF of applicant’s most recent report card
  • Two letters of teacher recommendation (one from a fine arts teacher and one from a general education teacher).  You will need their email address when filling out the application.  Someone from our team will reach out to these teachers.
  • If applying for an audition in Theater Arts/Television/Film Production a Performance/Production Resume and an optional Theatrical Headshot

Non-GMSD students:
  • PDF copy of applicant’s transcript
  • Two letters of teacher recommendation (one from a fine arts teacher and one from a general education teacher)
  • If applying for an audition in Theater Arts/Television/Film Production a Performance/Production Resume and an optional Theatrical Headshot
  • If applying for an adjudication in Visual Arts five digital images of recent works or art in varying mediums (still life, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, sculpture, and painting)
  • Complete the Open Enrollment application process if accepted. 
Click here to access the online application.
https://form.jotform.com/63337463212956

Questions and Answers

Q: Whom do you send your teacher recommendations to?
A: The Fine Arts Academy Director, Mrs. Kell Christie
  
Q: If I am a transfer student, do I need to apply for open enrollment?
A: Transfer students need to apply for open enrollment during the Open Enrollment window after applying for the academy.  Students who are selected for the academy will be notified of their acceptance and the list of acceptances will be sent to GMSD Student Services for verification of Open Enrollment status.
 
Q: If we want to perform in HHS theatre productions, do we have to take theatre classes?
A: No, productions are after school and open to all HHS students.
 
Q: If I am a current 8th grade GMSD (resident) student, do I have to apply to the academy to be in the visual art honors program?
A: No, the high school teachers will perform portfolio reviews for current HMS and RES students similar to last year. 
 
Q: What is the advantage of the Fine Arts Academy?  
A: Leadership opportunities, community service, honors recognition, and small cohort engagement.
 
Q: Can I apply to multiple academies?
A: Yes, you can apply for the Fine Arts Academy, the Honors Academy, and the Leadership Academy.  However, we encourage you to choose one academy to focus your time.
 
Q: If I am a current Houston High School student, can I be grandfathered into the program?
A: Yes, talk to your current fine arts teacher for details.
 
Q: If I have content specific questions, whom should I contact?
Band - Matt Taylor [email protected]
Orchestra: Dr. Long Long Kang [email protected]
Theatre - Kell Gary [email protected] 
Visual Arts: Bobby Spillman [email protected]
 Vocal Music - Kinsey Moline [email protected]

Contact Us

For more information contact the Fine Arts Academy Director, Mrs. Kell Christie
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