CCHS Fine Arts Overview Brochure

CALVARY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL FINE ARTS PROGR AM OVERVIE W 2021–2022

MR. MICHAEL MARTELL Director of Fine Arts / Band Director

My name is Michael Martell and it is my honor to serve as the Director of Fine Arts and Band Director at Calvary Christian High School. I have been involved with Christian education both as a student and as a teacher for as long as I can remember and I am passionate about Christian education because of the impact it has had on my life. I have served at Calvary since the 2011–2012 school year. Prior to my time at Calvary, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree from Clearwater Christian College and in 2017 I earned my Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Florida. It is my joy to lead and serve alongside our talented fine arts faculty as we seek to provide students with a college preparatory fine arts education rooted in a Christian worldview.

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In our Fine Arts department, discovering God’s truth and worshipping Him through artistic expression is a core value. Although receiving recognition for an outstanding performance or product is an encouragement to our students, it is not the highest aim of our department.

Rather, our goal is to use the arts as a means of worshipping God and furthering His kingdom. This goal stems from Matthew 6:33 which says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” It is our hope that you will consider joining us as we seek to use the arts to bring glory to our Creator.

“The mission of the Fine Arts Department at Calvary Christian High School is to provide a challenging college preparatory fine arts education that inspires and equips students to become lifelong practitioners and patrons of the arts, rooted in a Christian worldview.”

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IN THE CLASSROOM Calvary students have many fine arts courses to choose from including Visual Art, Marching/ Concert Band, Choir, Dance, Drama, Yearbook, and Creative Writing. Additionally, our fine arts faculty offers a wealth of experience to our students who are interested in studying the arts at the college level. With their diverse backgrounds, our fine arts faculty is able to successfully prepare students for college auditions and portfolio submissions.

Our fine arts faculty members hold degrees

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from a variety of post-secondary institutions including state universities, Christian colleges, and conservatories. With this diversity of post-secondary experiences, our faculty is wellequipped to help students find the best place to study the arts at the college level.

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM CCHS fine arts students have the opportunity to be a part of the Warrior Marching Band, Color Guard, Calvary Choir, Fall Play, Spring Musical, Christmas Concert, and Worship Team. The best of our Visual Art students’ work is displayed in our Ruach Art Gallery throughout the year.

Our students also have the opportunity to participate in several festivals and competitions such as: • FBA & FVA music performance assessments • ACSI Choral Festival • FMBC Marching Band Competitions • FFCC Color Guard Competitions • FMEA All-State Music Ensembles

• PCMEA All-County Music Ensembles • Disney’s Candlelight Processional at EPCOT • ITS District and State Competitions • Disney Broadway Magic Workshop • Dance Revolution Conference • Scholastic Art Competition

The International Thespian Society (ITS) and Film Society are extra-curricular clubs that encourage our students to think critically about the arts from a Christian worldview. Our students serve their community by performing at senior living facilities and exchange performances with other local middle and elementary schools.

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PERFORMING ARTS • Beginning Band • Marching Band / Concert Band* • Directed Study in Instrumental Music • Beginning Guitar • Beginning Choir • Calvary Choir* • Music Theory Honors • Color Guard • Theater Arts 1 • Theater Arts 2 • Dance Techniques and Strengthening • Warrior Worship Dance Troupe* • Dance • Praise and Worship*

* Course Placement Audition Required 6

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VISUAL ART, JOURNALISM, AND COMMUNICATION COURSE OFFERINGS Visual Art • Elements of Art • Principles of Design • Advanced Design • AP Studio Art Drawing* • AP Studio Art 2D* • AP Studio Art 3D*

Journalism & Communication • Creative Writing • Yearbook

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MR. MICHAEL MARTELL Director of Fine Arts / Band Director

EMAIL martell.michael@cchs.us

BIO

Clearwater Christian College Bachelor of Science in Music Education

As a band student at a Christian high school, God provided me with the opportunity to be the drum major of my marching band. Through that experience, God called me to use my love of music as a way to reach students for Christ. It is my joy to serve in my role at Calvary teaching students to pursue musical excellence and a vibrant relationship with the Lord.

CCHS COURSES

SCRIPTURE

DEGREES University of Florida Master of Music in Music Education

• Marching / Concert Band

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Matthew 6:33

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BAND PROGRAM PROGRAM OVERVIEW The band program at Calvary Christian High School prepares students to be effective Christian producers and consumers of instrumental music in college and beyond. The band program’s course offerings: Beginning Band, Directed Study in Instrumental Music, and Marching/Concert Band are designed to equip instrumental music students to achieve their best according to their skill levels.

Students in the Marching/Concert band class have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the school year including FMBC competitions, FBA assessments, jazz band, pit orchestra, FMEA All-State Band, PCMEA All-County Band, and the FBA solo and ensemble festival. The band program emphasizes excellence in performance, glorifying God through performance, and having fun within a family atmosphere.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS Highly regarded in the state, the Warrior Band has earned a reputation for excellence. The following are just a few recent examples of their accomplishments: • FMBC Class 1A State Marching Band Champions 2018 and 2019 • CSJA Class 1A Virtual National Marching Band Champions, 2020 • Superior Ratings at FBA Band Assessments, 2016-2020 • Numerous students accepted to All-County, Tri-State, and FMEA honor bands, 2012-2021

THE NEXT LEVEL Several of our band graduates are pursuing or have earned undergraduate degrees in instrumental music, music education, and composition from reputable colleges and universities including: University of Florida, University of South Florida, University of Miami, Liberty University, Stetson University, and Toccoa Falls College. Several band graduates have also participated in their university’s marching band.

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MR. BRANDON MARTELL Choral Director

EMAIL martell.brandon@cchs.us DEGREES Eastman School of Music Bachelor of Music in Music Education Bachelor of Music in Applied Music Performer’s Certificate

CCHS COURSES • Calvary Choir • Beginning Choir • Music Theory Honors

BIO Mr. Martell is a well-rounded musician who is skilled in the arts of music performance, music composition, music arranging, and music pedagogy. He performs professionally as a member of The Dickens Carolers, and has performed with The Florida Orchestra. Mr. Martell is a published composer through the Excelcia Music Publishing company. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by numerous high school and college ensembles, including ensembles at the University of South Florida and the Eastman School of Music. As a music pedagogue, his appointments have included positions at the Salvation Army, Eastman Community Music School, Clearwater Christian College, and Calvary Christian High School.

SCRIPTURE I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5

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CHORAL PROGRAM PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Choral Program at Calvary Christian High School provides a comprehensive Christian vocal music education for all students that equips them to become effective producers of vocal music in our society. Designed to meet each student’s individual learning needs, the program has two classes: Beginning Choir and Calvary Choir. Both choirs perform at various events during the year: at concerts, school events, and community outreach performances. Throughout the year, students are selected to participate in smaller vocal ensembles, solo performances, and are offered extra curricular vocal music opportunities such as All-State auditions. The Choral Program operates within the larger realm of the Fine Arts Department, and frequently collaborates with other classes at our school, such as the Concert Band and Praise and Worship Band.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Superior Rating at FVA District 9 Choral Music Performance Assessment; qualified for State MPA, 2019 and 2020 • Superior Rating at the ACSI Choral Festival, 2018-2020 • Warrior Voices selected to perform National Anthem for Tampa Bay Rays Game at Tropicana Field, 2019–2021 • Selected to perform at Disney’s Candlelight Processional, 2015-2019

THE NEXT LEVEL Graduates of the Choral Program have gone on to pursue music degrees at The University Of Miami’s Frost School of Music, Vanderbilt University, Montclaire State University, Oklahoma City University, and Liberty University, among others.

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MS. KARAH RUSHING Drama & Dance Director

EMAIL rushing.karah@cchs.us DEGREES Liberty University Bachelor of Music, Instrumental Music Education with Minors in Theatre Arts and History

CCHS COURSES • Theater Arts 1 • Theater Arts 2 • Dance Techniques and Strengthening • Warrior Worship Dance Troupe

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BIO Ms. Rushing has extensively studied dance, theatre, and music and is passionate about utilizing all of the performing arts as tools to worship Jesus Christ. She has previously taught performing arts at Premier Dance Academy, NorthBay Christian Academy, Skycrest Christian School, Bedford County Schools, Calvary Church, and in extra-curricular groups at Liberty University. Ms. Rushing is overjoyed to now be encouraging Calvary students to submit their artistic gifts and passions with excellence as worship to the King.

SCRIPTURE Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21

DRAMA & DANCE PROGRAM DRAMA PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Drama Program at Calvary Christian High School provides a comprehensive theatre education that is rooted in a Christian worldview. Theatre courses and extra-curricular opportunities are designed to help students achieve their best according to their skill levels. There are several opportunities to learn and perform for students whose skill level ranges from novice to college preparatory. Each year, students may participate in one or more of our many events including: the fall play, the spring musical, and International Thespian Society Festivals. Graduates of our Drama Program have gone on to receive college scholarships in theatre and have performed in local and regional theatrical productions.

DRAMA ACCOMPLISHMENTS The Drama Program has received top honors at district and state festivals including critics’ choice and honorable mention recognitions. Students have also consistently received many superior ratings at the ITS district and state level festivals.

DANCE PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Dance Program at Calvary Christian High School offers an introductory level course, Dance Techniques and Strengthening, which trains students in the basics of dance technique. The course satisfies the PE credit needed for high school graduation as there is an emphasis on building strength needed for dance performance. The dance program also offers a college preparatory level course, the Warrior Worship Dance Troupe, which is a performance based class that performs regularly at on-campus and off-campus events.

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MRS. KRISTIN CHENEY Visual Arts Instructor

EMAIL cheney.kristin@cchs.us

BIO

• Advanced Design (Art III)

“I cannot remember a time when I have not made art!” states Mrs. Cheney. Her passion for visual art grew during high school as she attended classes at the Art Academy of Cincinnati in the evenings and then went on to earn her multifaceted degree in art at Ohio University and continued with master level courses at Ohio State. Ms. Cheney is originally from the mid-west first teaching in Columbus, Ohio and then at Loudon County schools outside of Washington DC. She was a School Bell award winner in Ohio (School’s Teacher of the Year award) and also a Golden Apple award winner (Teacher of the Year) for the county in Virginia. In addition to teaching at Calvary, she maintains an active studio practice and continues to work with art galleries that exhibit and sell her original works of art in Southwest Florida and Maine.

• AP Drawing

SCRIPTURE

• AP 2D

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

DEGREES Ohio University Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Ceramics; Education and Reading Validation

CCHS COURSES • Elements of Art (Art I) • Principals of Design (Art II)

• AP 3D

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- Proverbs 27:19

VISUAL ART PROGRAM PROGRAM OVERVIEW Calvary Christian High School’s Visual Art Program exists to provide college preparatory training in the field of Visual Art with a Christian purpose. We aim for students to have the knowledge and skill sets they need to succeed while exhibiting the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and Christian values. Our Visual Art Program’s philosophy is that we believe art is an intellectual and God inspired process. We stress visual thinking, creativity, skill development, and critical analysis. Our program emphasizes the skills of seeing and drawing, problem solving, persistence, and personal expression. Learning to take informed risks and being inventive in making images and objects are central to the program. We use the critique process regularly to clarify conceptual issues and to celebrate the uniqueness of personal vision. Students will be able to recognize and become successful at using the elements of art and principles of design in their work.

Fundamental and advanced levels of design, drawing, painting, art history, and contemporary art are pillars of the curriculum. Students will work through a wide variety of mediums, and see works of art live with the field trip opportunities offered in the Tampa Bay area’s nationally recognized museums and galleries.

Students have the opportunity to compete in local and area competitions. Advanced art classes are designed to equip students with the foundation that will position them to move to the next level of art education. For those who have satisfied all requirements, three AP courses are offered to develop their own portfolio of work- AP Drawing, AP 2D, and AP 3D.

VISUAL ART ACCOMPLISHMENTS Mrs. Cheney’s Advanced Placement Studio Art students have an impressive ninety-percent pass rate, one of the highest in the country. Students in the Visual Art program routinely receive Best of Show awards at our regional ACSI Art festival and have been the recipients of the Young Arts Award, and Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions in the Scholastic Arts program.

THE NEXT LEVEL Our Visual Art alumni have continued their art education at such universities as Samford University, Ohio State, University of South Florida, Savannah College of Art and Design, Flagler College, and many others and have earned degrees ranging from architecture, art therapy, art education, film, and photography.

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MR. STATHIS LINARDOS Assistant Director of Band, Choir, & Color Guard

EMAIL linardos.stathis@cchs.us

BIO

• Directed Study Instrumental music

Mr. Linardos is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a B.S. in Music Education. After joining the band in middle school, his passion for music grew throughout high school as he joined the marching band and praise team at his high school. He has held a variety of positions teaching and performing music throughout his career and is delighted to be serving in Christian ministry at Calvary. Mr. Linardos has worked with the Calvary Christian High School Warrior Marching Band as the drill writer and visual coordinator since its inaugural season in 2011.

In addition to working with the Warrior Band, Mr. Linardos has toured nationally performing and teaching for the Teal Sound, Heatwave, and Colts Drum and Bugle Corps.

• Color Guard Assistant

SCRIPTURE

• Calvary Choir Assistant

Make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

DEGREES University of South Florida Bachelor of Science in Music Education

CCHS COURSES • Beginning Guitar • Beginning Band

- Psalm 98:5–6 16

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MS. MARISA COLONEY Color Guard Director EMAIL coloney.marisa@cchs.us DEGREES University of Florida Bachelor of Arts in Theater

CCHS COURSES • Color Guard

BIO Marisa Coloney has participated in color guard as a student and as an instructor for over ten years. While she was earning her degree from the University of Florida, she was a four year color guard member with UF’s Pride of the Sunshine Marching Band. Prior to joining the Fine Arts instructional team at CCHS, she served as the JV Color Guard Instructor at Northside Christian School, where her students routinely earned top placements at the regional and state levels of FFCC competition. Marisa brings a wealth of color guard experience to CCHS and has a passion for building relationships with students to help them grow in their faith.

COLOR GUARD PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Color Guard program at Calvary Christian High School explores visual expression through movement and use of equipment. In the color guard class, students learn, rehearse, and memorize technique and choreography as it relates to the marching band and winter color guard shows.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS • FMBC Class 1A State Marching Band Champions, 2018 and 2019 • 4th place FFCC State Championships in B Class Round 3, 2021 • 1st place Seminole Visual Spectacular Competition, 2021 • 1st place Braden River Arts in Motion Competition, 2021

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MS. TAYLOR FRY Fine Arts Assistant EMAIL fry.taylor@cchs.us DEGREES Palm Beach Atlantic University Bachelor in Journalism Minor in Graphic Design

BIO During Taylor’s time at Palm Beach Atlantic she worked as the Editor-inChief for the student publication. Her responsibilities included managing a team of 20 reporters and overseeing every area of the publication (website, print, video and social media). Additionally, she was an intern and employed by PBA’s marketing department. In this role she wrote articles and photographed various events. Ms. Fry has been photographer for many years and she is very passionate about all areas of fine arts.

SCRIPTURE You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

- Romans 5:6–8 “This passage means a lot to me because it shows that even though we are all imperfect and powerless, Christ chose to love us and die for us. Even when people hurt us, we should have this mindset as we go through life. We should always choose love.”

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RUACH GALLERY Ruach Gallery is a 1,000 sq. ft. space located on the third floor of Calvary Christian High School. The gallery exists for students to learn valuable lessons through exhibiting their work and hosting guest artist exhibitions.

Ruach Gallery serves the community by offering local, emerging, and established artists a place to exhibit.

Ruach, a dynamic Hebrew word, literally means spirit, wind or breath as it relates to the Creator God who powerfully and actively filled all living creatures with His breath of life. Ruach does not exist outside of God. It is our desire to honor and please the Creator through our own creations. It is the Ruach that enables us to participate in that creative process. This gallery shows artwork created through Ruach to honor our Creator God.

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The mission of the Fine Arts Department at Calvary Christian High School is to provide a challenging college preparatory fine arts education that inspires and equips students to become lifelong practitioners and patrons of the arts, rooted in a Christian worldview.

C ALVARY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL 110 N. McMullen Booth Rd. | Clearwater, Florida 33759 www.cchs.us/arts.aspx