The Need

The Specifics

In 2006, we reinstated our dance program with one class of 12 students. Today the program includes over 400 students and 14 sections of dance, from the non-auditioned Exploratory Dance to Honors Dance 7-8. We now teach in 3 spaces, one of which is the mezzanine above the gym, making teacher-student communication difficult at best.
Our piano program numbers almost 300 students. We turn away students every year simply because we do not have room for additional students. Our second piano lab is essentially a closet with 16 keyboards crowded into a very small space.
With over 250 students in pottery and 100 students turned away annually, we are in desperate need of a second pottery studio. Our existing studio was, at one time, the cafeteria for the school. The structure of the room was never updated when reconfigured; a half-wall runs the length of the room, cutting off much-needed space for instruction.
Filmmaking and Music Technology share a long, galley-style classroom that can hold 20 students at the most, making it impossible to expand either program. Our beautiful recording studio is on another floor in back of the band room, making it nearly impossible for our music technology students to take advantage of it during the day.
Drama classes meet on our stage. Students lose their classroom approximately 70 times each year because of assemblies, rehearsals, programs, and events.

Supporting Vital Achievements

South High’s Visual and Performing Arts programs have produced successful working artists whose contributions to the cultural fabric of our society are evident throughout our community and nations. These programs have also contributed to the development of community leaders and successful business owners whose achievements can be attributed to the creativity, confidence, and critical thinking skills gained during their years at South.

With the completion of this new addition, South High will enjoy facilities that match the talent and drive of its student body; instructors will have the ability to maximize performance opportunities; visual artists will create and host exhibits on site; community artists will make use of the space for performances and exhibits.
Our current 85 performances/exhibits throughout the year attract over 40,000 community members. We anticipate that the new addition will increase by a minimum of 25% the number of events, and will exceed that same percentage of audience members and community participants.

What Will Be Included?

Two dance studios with sprung floors, mirrored walls, ballet barres, dressing rooms;
One guitar lab with guitar storage;
Two piano labs with Yamaha LC4 Music Lab systems;
Filmmaking/Music Technology lab with projection screen;
Vocal Music/Choir Room with practice rooms, storage rooms for robes and choral music;
Instrumental Music Room with practice rooms, storage rooms for uniforms, equipment, and music;
Black Box Studio Theatre, lighting system, second floor catwalk, sound system with control board;
Six Visual Arts rooms including two pottery studios, two 2-D painting/drawing studios, and two general art classrooms with space for Metalsmithing; spray booth in one art room; storage for clay and art supplies/equipment;
Art Gallery with gallery lighting; adjustable hanging system for art pieces;
Welcoming Entry/Commons area that will include honorarium bricks recognizing current and former students and staff;
Approximately 21,000 square feet to be released and repurposed for Dual Language, English as a Second Language, and language acquisition (German, French, Spanish, Chinese);
Five classrooms on the 4th floor and one classroom on the third floor to be repurposed for core academic areas.

The new Visual and Performing Arts center will be an aesthetically pleasing addition, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to fully train and prepare the next generation of working artists. Students will know that the dedication and knowledge of their instructors is now matched by workspaces designed specifically for their craft. Their progress will be greater, offering more opportunities to share their artistic journey with South High and the greater metropolitan community. Expanded connections with local artists and arts organizations will foster an even greater impact.