Conservatory of the Arts K-12 Lookbook

2026-2027

CONSERVATORY OF THE ARTS Mission: To discover and develop the extraordinary God-given talent of young artists to proclaim the arts as an expression of God’s love among the varied cultures of the world.

Key Verse: “In the beginning God created…” (Genesis 1:1).

Facilities: Black Box Theatre | Ceramics Room | Custom Music Classrooms | Dance Studio | Main Theatre | Piano Lab | Practice Suites | Proscenium Arch | Recording Studio | Rehearsal Hall | Scene Shop | Screening Room & Post Production Facility

conservatory.vcs.net CONSERVATORY OF THE ARTS CONTACT 100 Skyway Drive, San Jose, CA 95111 | Telephone: 408.362.7600 conservatory.vcs.net | conservatory@vcs.net | vcsconservatory | 2

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Table of Contents Achievements

5

Kidservatory | Elementary

6

Junior Conservatory | Junior High

7

Conservatory of the Arts | High School

8

AMSE Artist Honors

10

Dance Arts

11

Media Arts

12

Music Arts

13

Theatre Arts

14

Visual Arts

15

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CONSERVATORY OF THE ARTS The Conservatory of the Arts encourages students to discover and develop their extraordinary God-given talents as they proclaim the arts as an expression of God’s love.

ACHIEVEMENTS • We are proud to be an All-Steinway School, providing students access to more than 20 Steinway and Steinwaydesigned pianos in state-of-the-art practice rooms and teaching studios. Conservatory pianists are recognized for their amazing artistry and technical skill as they perform globally in venues of prominence, such as Carnegie Hall, Steinway Hall, the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, Poland, and the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas.

• Aneesh Chaganty (’09) has made a strong mark in film as a director and co-writer. His debut feature, Searching (2018), won two Sundance awards and captivated audiences worldwide. He went on to write and direct the thriller Run (2020), and co-wrote Missing (2023), the standalone sequel to Searching. As of 2025, Chaganty is set to write and direct Doppelgänger, a psychological thriller acquired by Skydance and produced by Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media and Search Party—another major step in his rising career.

• Tori Evans (’10) embarked on a global journey as a member of the renowned dance team accompanying music sensation Taylor Swift during her acclaimed Eras Tour.

The tour spanned 149 shows across five continents and was the highest-grossing tour of all time.

• Sophie Aknin (’15) made her Broadyway debut as Lydia in the on-stage production of Beetlejuice, a highly acclaimed show known for its innovative storytelling and dynamic performances. This achievement marks a significant professional milestone, joining the ranks of accomplished performers on Broadway’s prestigious stages.

• Jack Gunter (’26) was nominated and won Lead Actor at The Rita Moreno California High School Musical Honors for his portrayal of Freddy Eynsford-Hill in our 2026 production of My Fair Lady. As the top-performing lead actor from the Rita Moreno Awards, Jack was chosen to represent the region at the Jimmy Awards in New York City. The Jimmy Awards are a national celebration of outstanding student achievement, recognizing individual artistry in vocal, dance, and acting performance and elevating the importance of theatre arts education in schools.

• Valley Christian Junior High Jazz Combo was awarded DownBeat magazine’s 2026 Student Music Awards Junior High School Winner of the Small Jazz Combo category.

• Joshua Prabhakar (’26) received DownBeat magazine’s High School Award in the Original Composition - Small Ensemble category for his composition, “In Case.” He was also selected as a 2026 YoungArts Award with Distinction winner in Theatre (Spoken).

• Kayla Lee (’26) is a three-time YoungArts recipient (2024, 2025, and 2026), a winner of the inaugural Valley Christian Conservatory Concerto Competition, and concertmaster of both the California Youth Symphony and the National Youth Orchestra of the United States (NYO-USA).

As a concertmaster for NYO-USA’s 2025 Asia tour, she collaborated with conductor Gianandrea Noseda and violinists Ray Chen and Clara-Jumi Kang, while performing throughout Asia.

• Aiden Kim (’27) was named a 2025 National Young Arts Award Winner in Classical Music/Violoncello, recognized among the nation’s top young cellists. He also won the California Youth Symphony (CYS) Young Artist Competition, earning a solo performance of Ernest Bloch’s Schelomo: Rhapsodie Hébraïque for Violoncello and Orchestra with the CYS Senior Orchestra during the 2025-2026 season.

• Valley Christian had five high school students selected for the 2025–2026 California All-State Honors Ensemble for Bands and Strings. Students earned their spots through a rigorous audition process that identifies the top student musicians across California.

• The Performing Indoor Ensemble (PIE) traveled to the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, in April of 2026 and won silver in the Scholastic Open division with a score of 91.150. PIE participated in a two-week tour across China as part of a cultural exchange program in collaboration with Joy Educational Travel.

• The 2025-2026 Vivid Dance Team won 47 regional titles and 9 first-place team awards, while earning a National Title and the Spirit Award at the Contest of Champions in Orlando, Florida.

The team also celebrated hosting the 11th annual West Coast Elite Dance Competition, welcoming over 620 dancers from 29 junior high and high schools across California.

• The Visual Arts department was well represented at the New Museum Los Gatos’ Art Now Exhibition with works by nine of our students. Tatyana Borovick (’29) won Judge’s Recognition - Printmaking.

• Nine Visual Arts students were recognized by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in 2026. These students collectively earned two Silver Keys regional awards, one Silver Key national award, and six Honorable Mentions. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are one of the nation’s longest running and most esteemed programs recognizing creative teens.

• The High School String Ensemble Honors program performed at the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference in February of 2026.

• Meining Wu (’27) was named a 2026-2031 MTAC Young Artist Guild (YAG) member, one of the highest honors awarded to California music students. She was selected for the live rounds of the 2026 Gina Bachauer International Young Artist Competition, earned Gold Prize at the 2026 San Francisco International Piano Competition, and First Place at the 2025 Lancaster International Piano Competition.

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KIDSERVATORY | ELEMENTARY Unlocking the Creative Potential in Every Student The Kidservatory introduces elementary students to the exciting world of creative arts with school-day and after-school enrichment, private lessons, art exhibitions, and seasonal performances.

SCHOOL-DAY ENRICHMENT CLASSES Artistic instruction is an integral part of VCES. Each student participates in music and art weekly during the regular school day. Vocal and instrumental groups perform several times yearly at events throughout the community, such as Christmas at the California and Festival of the Arts.

VISUAL ART All K-5 students receive a foundation in visual art. Students showcase their work at the annual art show, and selected art is used in VCS publications, including the all-school Christmas card and program illustrations.

KINDERGARTEN THROUGH THIRD GRADE CHOIR/MUSIC All K-3 students meet weekly for vocal and general music instruction utilizing the Orff Schulwerk approach to student learning. Students learn rhythm, beat, and melody. Learning is reinforced with hands-on participation in class with xylophones, conga drums, and various small, unpitched rhythm instruments. Student performers also sing at the annual Christmas at the California and Festival of the Arts concerts.

FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADE MUSIC WHEEL Students participate in a year-long rotation of performing arts, including strings, drama chorus, keyboards, and band.

AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS Students have the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the arts after school through the Kidservatory program. Music, visual art, theatre, and dance classes are taught by experienced and inspiring Conservatory faculty. Engaging electives like Fun with Drums, Adventures in Art, Musical Theatre, and Dance Express are just a few of the many after-school enrichment classes offered on the elementary campus.

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JUNIOR CONSERVATORY | JUNIOR HIGH Exploring and Developing Creativity The Junior Conservatory invites young artists to further develop their God-given talents with a full range of visual and performing arts disciplines. In a program of unmatched quality and breadth, the Junior Conservatory provides the foundational training required for successful and seamless matriculation to the high school Conservatory of the Arts.

DANCE ARTS The JH Dance Arts Department welcomes students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced dancers. Students can join The Company, a competitive dance team that performs at regional competitions and premier venues. Through training in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, world dance, lyrical, and contemporary styles, students develop technique, artistry, creativity, discipline, and collaboration while building a strong foundation for future opportunities.

MUSIC ARTS The Junior Conservatory Music department provides entry-level through advanced instruction in strings, band, percussion, piano, and choir.

Students have the chance to participate in overnight travel opportunities as they represent VCJH in music competitions and festivals statewide, enjoying performances in high-caliber concert venues.

THEATRE ARTS Junior Conservatory Theatre Arts focuses on cultivating a love for theatre through fun and engaging activities. Students are introduced to all aspects of theatre, including performance and technical theatre, with studies in acting, voice and movement, technical design, and production.

VISUAL ARTS Junior Conservatory Visual Arts provides inspiration and instruction in painting, drawing, and ceramics in state-of-the-art facilities. Students showcase their work at art shows and festivals.

STEAM ODYSSEY Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) Odyssey teaches students how to harness and unleash their innate creativity, enabling them to become adept problem solvers. Imagine the intimidation of being confronted with a challenge that demands an innovative solution. Now, envision fearlessly tackling that problem.

That challenge and problem-solving ability is precisely what participants will acquire. STEAM Odyssey emphasizes teamwork, budgeting, time management, public speaking, and other essential skills. The Conservatory partners with Odyssey of the Mind to offer a meticulously crafted program to foster the growth of students across all learning levels. This partnership nurtures each student as both an individual learner and a collaborative team member, empowering them to reach their fullest potential.

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CONSERVATORY OF THE ARTS | HIGH SCHOOL Where Artists Thrive The High School Conservatory serves as a dynamic and thriving community dedicated to nurturing the artistic talents of its students by continuously encouraging them to explore and surpass their creative limits. This immersive experience not only enhances their artistic abilities but also equips them with invaluable skills relevant to the real world, enabling them to confidently pursue their future aspirations.

CONSERVATORY HONORS PROGRAM The Conservatory has a three-tiered program: Honors Member, Honors Artist, and Honors Fellow, plus an option to combine applied math, science, & engineering (AMSE) and Conservatory with the AMSE Artist Honors program. These programs allow the Conservatory to create distinct pathways for recognizing the top high-achieving students in their respective fields while broadening the scope of student involvement.

For detailed information and applications, go to vcs.net/conservatory

HONORS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION The Conservatory Honors Program creates a multi-year pathway for artistic progress. The Honors Program has four tracks to meet students’ unique needs and goals.

Requirements

Honors Member

Honors Artist

AMSE Artist Honors

Honors Fellow

Graduation Cord

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Declaration of Discipline (Dance Arts, Media Arts, Music Arts, Theatre Arts, or Visual Arts)

—

Yes

Yes

Yes

Conservatory Courses

1*

3

3

6

Discipline-Specific Extracurriculars (art shows, media festivals, dance & theatre productions, private lessons, etc.) View each discipline for specific extracurricular requirements.

1*

Two Annual Fellows Projects

—

View each discipline for specific extracurricular requirements.

—

—

Yes

*Members: Choose one course or extracurricular per year.

CONSERVATORY HONORS MEMBER PROGRAM Conservatory Honors membership is a yearlong commitment open to all high school students with no additional course requirements beyond the requisite VCHS requirements. Honors membership calls for students to participate in one Conservatory class or extracurricular activity (see requirements below) per year. Students will receive invitations to Conservatory special events, be placed on the information email list, and be eligible to apply for and participate in select programs and activities.

Students may apply for membership at any time and can renew membership yearly.

Requirements: 1.

2.

No Declaration of Emphasis.

Participate in one Conservatory-approved class or extracurricular activity.

Choose either Option One or Option Two to fulfill this requirement.

Option One: Become a Patron of the Arts by taking a Conservatory class.

Option Two: Participate in a minimum of one of the following groups or events:

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• • • • • • •

Fall Film Production Spring Film Production Fall Theatre Production (Performance/Tech) Spring Theatre Production (Performance/Tech) Advanced Vocal Ensemble Symphonic Chorale Open Air Ensemble

• • • • • •

Performing Indoor Ensemble Fall Dance Show (Performance/Tech) Spring Dance Show (Performance/Tech) National Honors Society of Dance Arts National Art Honor Society Visual Arts Show

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CONSERVATORY OF THE ARTS | HIGH SCHOOL

AMSE ARTIST HONORS The AMSE Artist Honors distinction is extended to students with a deep passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the Arts, creating a path to participate in key components of both honors programs. As an AMSE Artist Honors participant, students automatically receive AMSE and Conservatory membership.

Students interested in pursuing AMSE Artist Honors status must complete a separate application.

AMSE ARTIST HONORS REQUIREMENTS Requirements Conservatory Declaration of Emphasis

Yes

Years of Science

3

Years of Math

4

AP Courses

2

Discipline-Specific Conservatory Courses

3

Discipline-Specific Conservatory Extracurriculars AMSE Program GPA

10

Number

See department requirements 1 3.6+

DANCE ARTS The Dance Arts Department is one of the region’s premier and most comprehensive programs, offering rigorous training in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, world dance, lyrical, and contemporary styles. Home to the nationally recognized VIVID Dance Team, students develop technical excellence, artistry, and performance skills through mainstage productions and pre-professional training.

DANCE ARTS - HONORS ARTIST PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete three dance classes in the same genre

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS: •

Participation in one VCS dance show per year

•

One VCS dance show choreography project each year in the program

•

Participation in the National Honors Society of Dance Arts each year in the program

DANCE ARTS - AMSE ARTIST HONORS PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete three dance classes in the same genre

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS: •

Participation in one VCS dance show per year

•

Participation in the National Honors Society of Dance Arts each year in the program

DANCE ARTS - HONORS FELLOW PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete six classes - four in dance technique and two in Dance Technique IV (H), which focuses on production and choreography

•

Participate on the VIVID Dance Team or a verified professional level conservatory performance ensemble

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS: •

Involvement in performance or technical aspects of at least two dance shows per year

•

Participate in two VCS dance show choreography projects each year in the program

•

Participation in the National Honors Society of Dance Arts each year in the program

•

Take technique classes at an outside studio for at least two hours weekly

•

Serve as a Conservatory ambassador, showcasing talents at special activities and events

•

Complete two Valley Christian Conservatory dance arts fellowship projects each year in the program

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CONSERVATORY OF THE ARTS | HIGH SCHOOL

MEDIA ARTS The Media Arts department offers courses focused on live-action filmmaking and screenwriting. Students gain practical experience with top-tier equipment while being expertly guided through industry-standard techniques for crafting compelling narratives. This hands-on training empowers students to develop their skills and capabilities in line with professional standards, fostering their proficiency in visual storytelling.

MEDIA ARTS - HONORS ARTIST PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete three media arts classes in succession of emphasis

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete a media arts project each year in the program, as outlined by the advisor

MEDIA ARTS - AMSE ARTIST HONORS PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete three media arts classes in succession of emphasis

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS: •

•

Participate in one media arts extracurricular activity each year in the program -

Attend a VCS quarterly film festival and write a one-page essay on the experience

-

Participate in an advanced applied filmmaking production

Complete a media project each year in the program

MEDIA ARTS - HONORS FELLOW PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete six media arts classes

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:

12

•

Participation in the technical aspects of at least two VCS productions each year in the program

•

Serve as a Conservatory ambassador, showcasing talents at special activities and events

•

Complete two Valley Christian Conservatory media arts fellowship projects each year in the program

MUSIC ARTS The Music Arts department ignites a passion for creativity, fosters artistic expression, and cultivates exceptional talent through a rich curriculum, expert guidance, and cooperative learning. With nationally ranked competitive ensembles and soloists, opportunities abound for students of all abilities with a broad range of classes, including band, choir, orchestra, piano, guitar, music theory, and worship & production.

MUSIC ARTS - HONORS ARTIST & AMSE ARTIST HONORS PROGRAMS COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete three music performance classes over four years

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete a minimum of twelve hours of private instrumental or vocal lessons each year in the program

MUSIC ARTS - HONORS FELLOW PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete four music performance classes over four years

•

History and Music class

•

Either a piano class or AP Music Theory (Piano students will take AP Music Theory)

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete a minimum of twelve hours of private instrumental or vocal lessons each year in the program

•

Serve as a Conservatory ambassador, showcasing talents at special activities and events

•

Complete two Valley Christian Conservatory music arts fellowship projects each year in the program

13

CONSERVATORY OF THE ARTS | HIGH SCHOOL

THEATRE ARTS The Theatre Arts department favors a holistic theatrical education with well-rounded training in all production and performance aspects. In classes and after-school productions, students hone acting, design, and technical theatre skills.

THEATRE ARTS - HONORS ARTIST & AMSE ARTIST HONORS PROGRAMS COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Three theatre classes in sequence with no emphasis

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS: •

Involvement in performance or technical aspects of at least one Fall, Spring, or Summer VCS Theatre production each year in the program

THEATRE ARTS - HONORS FELLOW PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Four theatre classes in sequence with no emphasis

•

Two additional classes in theatre, dance, and/or choir

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:

14

•

Involvement in performance or technical aspects of at least two VCS Theatre department productions each year in the program

•

Private voice and/or studio dance training or a leadership role in technical theatre for a VCS production

•

Serve as a Conservatory ambassador, showcasing talents at special activities and events

•

Complete two Valley Christian Conservatory theatre arts fellowship projects each year in the program

VISUAL ARTS The Visual Arts department allows students to explore various art forms, including painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, and graphic design. Our state-of-the-art visual arts complex includes natural light-filled classrooms and creative studio spaces, which provide students with the optimum environment for art production. Students are provided with advanced art materials and resources that enable them to explore creativity in new and exciting ways.

VISUAL ARTS - HONORS ARTIST PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete three visual arts classes over four years

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS: •

Off-site art experience essay each year in the program

•

Art portfolio each year in the program

VISUAL ARTS - AMSE ARTIST HONORS PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete three visual arts classes each year in the program

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete one AMSE Artist in Visual Arts project each year in the program (choose a project at sfmoma.org/series/open-studio).

VISUAL ARTS - HONORS FELLOW PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS: •

Complete six visual arts classes, including AP Art History over four years

EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS: •

Art portfolio each year in the program

•

Off-campus art experience essay project each year in the program

•

Serve as a Conservatory ambassador, showcasing talents at special activities and events

•

Complete two Valley Christian Conservatory visual arts fellowship projects each year in the program

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MISSION STATEMENT Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment offering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.

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VISION STATEMENT A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™.

FOUNDING STATEMENT Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth-grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence. valleychristian Valley Christian Schools (San Jose)

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Elementary (408) 559-4400 | 1450 Leigh Ave, San Jose, CA 95125 Junior High (408) 513-2460 | High School (408) 513-2400 vcs.net | (408) 513-2500 | 100 Skyway Drive, San Jose, CA 95111