Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts

Articleissues
expand = August 2007
wikify = August 2007Infobox Secondary school
name = Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts

motto=
type = Public secondary
grades = 9–12
established=
city = Philadelphia
state = Pennsylvania
country = USA
enrollment =
mascot = Pegasus
principal = Johnny C. Whaley Jr.
television station =
newspaper =
website = http://www.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/capaThe Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts is a magnet school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students major in one of six areas: Creative Writing, Instrumental Music, Visual Arts, Theater, Dance, and Vocal Music. The school, commonly referred to as CAPA, is currently located on South Broad Street, in the old Ridgeway Library.

History

CAPA was started as an integration school. The program was first used above another school, which had a history of violence. However, CAPA managed to separate itself from this school and develop its focus on the arts, despite all the obstacles it encountered, such as fights with other kids around the area, officials believing the school would fail, and even not even having walls to separate the classes.

Eventually CAPA proved its worth as a school and in 1997 moved into a new location at Broad and Christian St (Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia),a restored library. They received a huge budget ($80,000) to help create CAPA's above average tools needed to succeed in the arts (film studios, dance studios, lights for professional theatre and backup generator for them)

The building itself has had an interesting past. It was first a morgue in the 1700s, then later made a library in 1800s, which later became abandoned and became the unofficial headquarters for drugs and crimes. Finally in 1997 it was finished cleaning up and rebuilt and became the home for CAPA.

From 1993-present CAPA has held and taught many students, and has become a permanent part of the Avenue of the Arts."If you truely care about your art, this school is a place that can take you through the ropes and expose you to everything that you can possibly delve into down the road."-Jordan Howell, student, 2008

Administrators

*Johnny C. Whaley Jr., CAPA Principal was assistant principal at CAPA for many years and was promoted to the office of principal in August, 2002.
*Michael J. Grosso, CAPA Assistant Principal Before becoming Assistant Principal, he was the Dean of Students.

Notable Alumni

*Boyz II Men have recorded five #1 hits and three of them broke the record for the longest time a single remained at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Boyz II Men is considered to be one of the most successful R&B male vocal groups of all time. Although Boyz II Men attended CAPA, not one of the 4 members actually graduated from the school.

*Angela Nissel, author and television writer. Nissel is best known for her first book, "The Broke Diaries: The Completely True and Hilarious Misadventures of a Good Girl Gone Broke" and her work as writer and co-producer on the television show Scrubs.

*Anye Elite, openly gay singer-songwriter and community activist

*Joey DeFrancesco, an organist who has played with the deceased Miles Davis in 1988, Joey DeFrancesco has recorded several albums, a couple of which are: "Live at the Hot Spot" and "Incredible." He is known as one of the major contributors to the rise of jazz in the 1980s.

*?uestlove (also known as Ahmir Khalib Thompson) is the drummer of hip-hop band, The Roots, and became friends with Black Thought (MC of The Roots) when they were both students at CAPA. ?uestlove has produced for artists such as Common, D'Angelo, and Al Green and is a member of Soulquarians, Grand Negaz, and Grand Wizzards production teams.

*Christian McBride is thought to be one of the best bassists of his generation. He has performed and recorded with artists such as James Brown, Sting, Carly Simon, and many more. McBride is also the co-director of the Jazz Museum in Harlem.

*Dan Trautz, Art Major, Creator of "Denver and me" Sunday Paper comic strip.

*Kurt Rosenwinkel, Guitar player who has worked with the best of young jazz players and has released a few original albums.

*Brian Howell, A young electric-turned-acoustic bassist who is always gigging and recording with people like Logan Richardson, Tony Micelli and Chico's Vibe. Son of [http://www.bobhowellsaxophone.com Bob Howell] ,a saxophonist who has played with Aretha Franklin, Dave Posmontier, Joe Sudler, Stanley Clarke... [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/alumni.html]

Basic Academic Courses

*9th Grade
**English I
**Algebra I/Algebra II
**Physical Science
**World History/Foreign Language
**Health & Physical Education

*10th Grade
**English 2
**Biology
**Geometry
**Foreign Language
**Health & Physical Education

*11th Grade
**English 3/AP English 3
**American History/World History
**Algebra 2/Pre-Calculus
**Chemistry
**Foreign Language

*12th Grade
**English 4
**Social Science
**Elementary Functions/Calculus
**Living Enivo./Physics/Biology

*Elective
**African American History (all years) [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/academics.html]

Creative Writing

Creative Writing (CW) is responsible, for the most part, of various school publications and events such as the United Writers and Artists magazine, the Painted Word newspaper, and the written scripts of some school productions. Many writers are also a part of the Yearbook staff.

Every year, writers get together to put up their own show, the Writer's Cafe.

Course Syllabus

*Desktop Publishing
**The basics of computers and word processing along with scanning and computer art techniques are taught. Students learn to write and publish their own magazine.

*Screenwriting
**Students write movie scripts based on original ideas and concepts and learn the basics of writing for the "Big Screen."

*Poetry I+II
**This course uses personal reflections in developing individual poetic style.

*Critique
**Pupils learn how to analyze both works of literature and film.

*Fiction I+II
**Writers gain experience in fiction through reading and writing short stories in Fiction I and II.

*Nonfiction I+II
**These courses explore the creative aspects of essay writing. Freshmen writers take Nonfiction I and senior writers take Nonfiction II.

*Journalism I+II
**In Journalism I students write editorials, news and feature articles and even write their own newspapers. In Journalism II students explore the broadcast media.

*Playwriting
**Students learn to write original scripts for plays. [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/major_creativewriting.html]

Dance

The CAPA Dance Department instructs their students in different levels of Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip- Hop, and even Irish Step Dancing, also known as "River Funk." Dance majors perform annually in the Thanksgiving Day Parade [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/major_dance.html]

Instrumental

The CAPA Instrumental Department encompasses a wide variety of performances and ensembles, including Concert Band, Orchestra, String ensembles, Jazz ensemble and a number of smaller groups. Students participate in these ensembles on a daily basis and are also instructed in such topics as music theory, composition and improvisation. CAPA students are integral members of the All-Philadelphia High School music ensembles and have participated in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association ensemble program at the District, Regional and All-State levels.

Graduates of the CAPA instrumental program have attended some of America's finest Colleges, Universities and Conservatories, including the Julliard School, Curtis Institute, The Peabody Conservatory, Oberlin University and the New England conservatory of music.

The instrumentalists have taken trips to play all over the Tri-State area from Harrisburg to Atlantic City. The CAPA Concert band has also recorded their own CD entitled "Superlative."

Ensembles

*Orchestra
**Led by Ms. Foley, this full symphony orchestra's repertoire includes a vast library of classical music along with arrangements of more modern pieces. A smaller iteration of the same orchestra plays the music for the school musical each year.

*Concert Band
**Led by Mr. Rodgers, this large concert band also focuses on classical repertoire arranged for concert band.

*Jazz Band
**The CAPA Jazz Band, a full "Big Band", is also led by Mr. Rodgers and plays music from most eras of jazz history. Members of the Jazz Band often play in the Small Jazz Band. Both bands frequently travel to perform at charity events or paid gigs.

*String Ensemble
**Led by Ms. Foley, the string ensemble is a large group of string instruments which normally plays classical music.

*String Quartet
**String Quartet is reserved for more advanced string players. Those rostered into this class are split up into two quartets, both of which learn chamber pieces. The string quartet often plays professionally. The quartets are instructed by Ms. Foley.

*Woodwind Ensemble
**The woodwind ensemble is a large group of woodwind instruments which focuses on classical repertoire. This ensemble is led by Mr. Rodgers. [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/major_instrumental.html]

Theater

The Theater department is run by Ms. Elsa Johnson Bass. Students of the Theater department participate in at least two performances a year, and are active members of the [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/capacaravan.html| CAPA Caravan] .

Course Syllabus

*Method Acting
**Students learn how to get in touch with and become the character they are portraying.

*Children's Theater
**This course teaches how to do acting for theater for children, and the students even do the 'CAPA Caravan' - a traveling show that visits the elementary schools of Philadelphia.

*Film and TV
**Film and TV is a course that teaches how to act for the media. [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/major_theater.html]

Visual Arts

CAPA's Visual Arts department covers a variety of disciplines, including: drawing, painting, computer graphics, commercial arts, ceramics, and 3- dimensional sculpture.

Freshmen and sophomores focus on drawing and quick sketching. Also, students study the human body and perspective. The Freshman students are introduced to plaster relief and 3-D clay design and learn the skill of woodcutting.

The juniors and seniors learn computer commercial art, continue painting, and work on college portfolios.

Throughout all four years at CAPA, art major students are required to enter a variety of contests, and complete various projects. [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/major_visualarts.html]

Vocal

CAPA's Vocal Music Department is conducted by Mr. Timothy Cormier and Ms. Dorina Morrow. Vocal Music includes choral singing in large and small ensembles, individual voice training and development, solfeggio, harmony, music theory, and composition.

There are two choirs: Concert Choir and Mixed Choir. The Concert Choir is made up of juniors, seniors, and some very exceptional Sophomores. The Mixed Choir is made up of only Freshman and Sophomore students. All vocal majors have to take at least one year of Solfeggio, a sight reading and ear training course. In addition, a theory class is available for juniors and seniors to teach them how to master the art of harmony.

The CAPA choirs have achieved a position of excellence among choral groups in the Delaware Valley.

A few of the choir's important singing engagements:
*Multiple appearances on daily news shows

*Berlioz' "Romeo et Juliet" with Riccardo Muti and The Philadelphia Orchestra

*Two appearances with Barry Manilow at The Mann Music Center

*Appearance in the CBS special "Dreams" for which the school received an Emmy

*Appearance with Peter Nero and the "Philly Pops" at The Academy of Music

*Performed at then-Mayor Rendell's inauguration at the Academy

*Appearances in the Channel 6 Thanksgiving Day Parade [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/major_vocal.html]

Activities

Besides academic and art courses, CAPA offers many extracurricular activities, organizations, and sports teams to the students.

Extracurricular Activities

* [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/uwa/index.html| United Writers and Artists(UWA)]
**CAPA's literary magazine is staffed by selected visual artists and writers, based on merit and talent, and is run like a professional magazine. These students are responsible for the publication of the magazine, both in print and online. Writing and art published in the magazine is the original work of CAPA students. The Internet department maintains the school website.

*The Painted World
**The school newspaper is written and maintained by a staff of diligent students, under the supervision of Journalism/English teacher, Karen Flynn.

*Yearbooks
**The organization responsible for the production of the senior yearbooks. Yearbook is managed by Ms. Litman.

Councils and Committees

* [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/capacampus/index.html| Student Council]
**CAPA's student council is comprised of student representatives elected or selected by each advisory, so that all grade levels and majors are accounted for. Student Council operates as a venue through which student voices are heard. Also, this group organizes various activities

*Class Committees
**Class committees include the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior committees. These committees are responsible for the organization of class meetings, fundraisers, dances, etc.

*Seasonal/Holiday Committees
**When holidays and events arise at CAPA, students are encouraged to join these committees. They are the primary directors of the activity and work together to make it a success. For example, during Halloween, students rally together to create a committee whose primary responsibility is to create the CAPA Halloween "Spooktacular".

Clubs & Organizations

*Bible Study - Coordinator: Ms. Espinosa
*Down to Earth - Coordinator: Dr. Moon
*Gay Straight Alliance - Coordinators: Ms. Litman, Mr. Silverman, Dr. Moon
*NHS Peer Tutoring - Coordinator: Ms. Kulesza
*Mock Trial - Coordinator: Ms. Young
*TV/Film Club - Coordinator: Mr. Kaufman
*Tech Team - Coordinator: Mr. Hecker
*Darfur STAND - Coordinator: Ms. Cooke
*CAPA Step Team - Coordinator: Ms. Williams

ports Teams

*Basketball - Coach: Mr. Dunphy
*Cross Country - Coach: Ms. Williams
*Softball - Coach: Mr. John Hecker
*Tennis - Coach: Mr. Dunphy
*Volleyball - Coach: Mr. Shields

Yearly Events

*Writer's Cafe - Writing Department [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/activities.html]

ee also

*List of schools of the School District of Philadelphia

External links

* [http://www.capa.phila.k12.pa.us/| School Website]
*Flickr-inline|capa
*Geolinks-US-hoodscale|39.9395|-75.1658

References