CFPA Auditions for 2020-21
Updated audition packets for each concentration are available here .
Important dates for auditions:
PWCS County Information Nights
with representatives from the various specialty programs
October 21 Gar-Field HS 7 PM
October 22 Stonewall Jackson HS 7 PM
Colgan High School CFPA Information Night
October 28 starting at 6:30 in the auditorium followed by 2 break out sessions where parents and students can visit 2 different concentrations for information
Specialty Program Application available online on or about November 1
You can find the link here but it will not be live until Nov.1
IMPORTANT NOTE: On the application you must make Colgan Center for Fine and Performing Arts your #1 choice. Due to the high number of applicants, we can only schedule auditions for students who make Colgan their primary choice. If you are also interested in the IT Program at Forest Park, you can choose that as your second choice and if you are not chosen for Colgan, your name will still be entered in their lottery.
CFPA Application Deadline December 9, 11:59 PM
CFPA Audition Time Letters mailed on or about 12/20/19
If you have not received an audition time letter by 1/3/20 please email Vicki Burns for Visual Arts and Creative Writing at BurnsVT@pwcs.edu or Kristina Nelson at Nelsonkm@pwcs.edu for Performing Arts
CFPA Auditions for Theatre, Vocal and Orchestra applicants
Saturday, January 11, 2020 starting at 8:00 AM- specific times for each applicant will be mailed
CFPA Auditions for Band, Creative Writing, Dance, Music Technology, Piano and Visual Arts applicants
Saturday, January 18, 2020 starting at 8:00 AM- specific times for each applicant will be mailed
Summer Residential Governor's School Information
October 3-24- Sign up for local audition times; complete preliminary application
(both online at https://tinyurl.com/https-tinyurl-com-SRGS-PWCS)
October 24- Last day for students to sign up for local audition time
November 4- Local auditions at Colgan HS for Vocal Music and Visual Art
November 5- Local auditions at Colgan HS for Instrumental Music, Theatre and Dance
Mid- November- Students notified of local audition results
December 2- Students are to notify CFPA Coordinators of their intent to apply and request two teacher recommendations
December 18- Application with letters due to CFPA Coordinators
January 11- Anticipated date of state auditions
Early March- State nomination selection results mailed to students
Mid April- Students notified of state results
Late June-July- Program dates
What is the CFPA Program?
Mission and Vision
The mission statement for Colgan High School is “Preparing and inspiring students for their future.” Ours is a state of the art facility specifically designed to support students involved in the arts. Our vision is to encourage and develop creativity, self-expression, academic achievement and critical thinking in the young artist in a nurturing environment. Upon graduation, students will have mastered a common core of learning that supports the broader education of the artist and promotes a respect for cultural diversity and artistic expression. As a result of this training, the student will have the skills necessary to be successful in a college or university arts program and to become an active consumer, strong advocate, and valued participant in the larger arts community.
As part of the Prince William County Schools Specialty Programs, any student who resides in Prince William County may apply to attend Colgan High School as a participant in CFPA. The application process includes an audition and/or the submission of a portfolio of works and grade transcripts. Students who would like to pursue a more in-depth study in the areas of creative writing, dance, instrumental music, music technology, piano, theatre, visual arts or vocal music are encouraged to apply. Any student new to Prince William County after the deadline has 30 days from the official date of residence to request an audition for the program
In addition to the five required credits in the particular art concentration (6 required credits for Band students), students in the CFPA program maintain a rigorous academic load. Colgan High School offers multiple Advanced Placement courses and, with careful planning, CFPA students are able to successfully complete an advanced track of course work that includes the required arts electives.
The staff and faculty of CFPA seek to create and maintain a nurturing environment that allows for intellectual and artistic creativity and expression. To this end, we encourage both individual and ensemble activities that sustain and support the contributions of the arts to the human spirit.
The Goals of CFPA
- To provide students with opportunities for arts-integrated learning
- To encourage critical and creative thinking through complex problem solving
- To promote a supportive atmosphere conducive to artistic freedom and expression
- To provide cultural enrichment activities
- To prepare students for entry into college or university arts programs and careers
- To offer quality curriculum and instruction which promotes the development of the complete student
- To encourage partnerships with local artists and arts organizations
CFPA Student Expectations
The Center for Fine and Performing Arts is a rigorous course of study that includes both academic and fine arts components. The program strives to prepare students for entrance into the college and/or professional arena with complete portfolios and solid core academic skills. Students who do not meet the requirements will be notified at mid-semester. Student’s year-end, overall GPA must be a 2.0 ‘C’ or better. Student’s year-end grade in their concentration must be a 3.0 ‘B’ or better. Students must also adhere to the PWCS Code of Behavior and a student who receives disciplinary referrals/actions could be subject to dismissal from the program. Concentration teachers will assist these students by developing an improvement plan and monitoring progress. Any student who has not demonstrated progress by the end of the final marking period may be removed from the program. If the student is a transfer, he or she must return to the base school for the ensuing year.
Students will choose one area to specialize in for the diploma, but are welcome to explore other classes in the arts as electives.
In addition to attending master classes each year, students are required to complete participation activities. These vary by concentration and the requirements for each area can be found in the handbook under the specific concentration description.
CFPA Master Classes
Need a Master Class? Check here for classes you can take. This list will be updated as we get the information.
Band
(Contact Don Magee at mageede@pwcs.edu for more information)
Choir
(Contact McKenna Stenson at Stensomm@pwcs.edu for more information)
All Choir Master Classes are held in the Choir Room from 2:30-4:00 unless otherwise noted
September 5th/6th, Signature Theater Ensemble Workshop In classes
October 3rd, Braden & Brenda Harris Recital Class with Sophomore Class
October 8th, Senior Honor Choir Workshop with Dr. Alvarez from George Mason University
October 28th, College Vocal Performance Class with Dr. Ariana Wyatt from Virginia Tech University
November 12th, Performance Anxiety Masterclass with Dr. Harold McKiney from Appalachian State University