Fine Arts EXCELLENCE EXPRESSED THROUGH THE ARTS
Theater Lower School students in 4th and 5th grade have the exciting opportunity to participate in our annual spring musical, The Lower School Evening at the Arts—a highlight of the year that showcases their growing confidence and creativity on stage. In Middle and Upper School, students can enroll in introductory-level theatre courses designed to spark curiosity and build foundational skills. These classes often inspire students to take the next step by auditioning for and participating in one of our mainstage productions. As student interest grows, we also offer a second-level Musical Theatre course, available as a semester class, for those eager to deepen their training and performance experience.
Chorus In chorus and music education, students learn by participating in activities such as singing, playing instruments, and moving. This hands-on approach provides the foundational skills they need for a comprehensive and sequential music education program. The Lower School students participate in general music, where they sing, dance, and learn basic music theory fundamentals. The Recorder is introduced in 3rd grade and ukuleles in 5th grade. In 5th grade, students take one semester of General Music and one semester of Theatre. All Lower School students take part in the annual Christmas Program, which is live-streamed online each December. Middle and Upper School chorus students explore choral literature across genres, styles, and languages as they prepare for the Fall and Spring Concerts, along with additional performance opportunities throughout the year.
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Fine Arts EXCELLENCE EXPRESSED THROUGH THE ARTS
Guitar Middle & Upper School students are welcome to explore the guitar. Each lesson, they build their skills by learning scales, arpeggios, and chords, applying them across a variety of musical genres. Throughout the year, students have opportunities to perform in the Fall and Spring Concerts, collaborating with peers from other ensembles and sharing their growth as musicians.
Keyboarding (Piano) Middle & Upper School Students are invited to join our Keyboarding class, where they develop piano skills through scales, arpeggios, and chords to perform both solo and in a band setting. They explore a variety of genres, including Jazz, Classical, and Worship, and have the opportunity to showcase their growth while collaborating with fellow musicians in the Fall and Spring Concerts.
Digital Media This Middle School course gives students a chance to get hands-on experience in media production. They learn the basics of video editing, camera work, producing, directing, and anchoring, while also creating their own projects using tools like Premiere Pro, Canva, and Photoshop. The goal is to help students understand what media is all about. thefirstacademy.org
Fine Arts EXCELLENCE EXPRESSED THROUGH THE ARTS
Band TFA Band begins in 6th grade with the introduction of fundamental skills needed to succeed in Concert Band (7th & 8th Grade) and Wind Ensemble (9th-12th grade). Band students in 7th-12th-grade have the opportunity to support our athletics by playing in the school’s Pep Band. Students who specialize in keyboard, guitar, and drums have the option to perfect their performance skills in the Contemporary Band, which is offered for both Middle & Upper School students.
Visual Art Lower, Middle, & Upper School Visual Art includes 2D and 3D in a variety of mediums including Ceramics, Digital Art, and 3D Printing in both College Prep and AP courses. These courses help prepare portfolios for students seeking degrees toward careers in the arts. All options are offered to Lower and Middle School students in our Royal Academies after-school program. The Visual Arts Program sponsors the National Art Honor Society for qualifying Upper School students and the National Junior Art Honor Society for qualifying Middle School students. Students participate in Visual Art-related exhibits and community service events on and off campus.
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Fine Arts EXCELLENCE EXPRESSED THROUGH THE ARTS
Media Production & Sports Broadcasting In the Upper School Media Production course, students take full ownership of creating Raw Footage, a weekly school news show. They have the chance to anchor, film, edit, direct, and produce while working in a real studio environment. Students collaborate as a team, lead production meetings, plan show segments, and manage deadlines to create high-quality video content. In Sports Broadcasting, students act as a live production crew covering athletic events annually; students gain realworld experience across roles like producer, commentator, and videographer while broadcasting professional streams for the community. Through this hands-on course, students develop technical skills, teamwork, and a professional demo reel to boost college and career opportunities.
Speech & Debate Speech and Debate helps Middle & Upper School students build confidence in public speaking while strengthening their critical thinking and communication. Through engaging discussions and structured debates, students learn how to research credible sources, use evidence to support their ideas, and respond thoughtfully to different viewpoints. The program may also offer opportunities to participate in debate competitions beyond the classroom, giving students valuable real-world experience in presenting and defending their ideas.
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Fine Arts EXCELLENCE EXPRESSED THROUGH THE ARTS
Yearbook The journalism program combines the foundations of writing, design, and photography to equip students to develop digital and print media. Journalism I is a semester class that provides a strong introduction to these skills through various hands-on activities and specific methodology. Continuing further into the program, Journalism II-IV are year-long honors classes that allow students to engage in journalism at the next level, culminating in the responsibility for producing our school’s yearbook.
The arts at TFA provide a vibrant, Christ-centered environment where students explore creativity, build skills, and grow in confidence. From visual arts to music, theatre, and speech and debate, every program emphasizes excellence, collaboration, and personal expression. Students engage in hands-on learning, performing, and showcasing their talents in concerts, exhibitions, and productions, all while developing discipline, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for God-given creativity. At TFA, the arts are more than activities—they are opportunities to cultivate character, inspire others, and celebrate the beauty of God’s design through artistic expression.
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