VPA Endorsement
Requirements
The Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Magnet Program at North Port High School provides ALL students with the opportunity to experience arts education, and offers progressive, highly specialized, intensive training for students who possess special talents in the visual and performing arts areas of dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. The experiences and training provided by the VPA Magnet Program are designed to enrich and enliven the lives of all students and NPHS community members while enabling the serious student of the arts to prepare for future study and professional aspirations.
All students are encouraged to participate in VPA courses, regardless of prior experience or ability. Students seeking increased rigor in the intermediate and advanced level VPA courses are placed by audition/portfolio review or in-class assessment. These may be students who have prior experience in their VPA discipline, are considering a career in the arts field, wish to major or minor in the arts in college, or consider the arts a personal passion. Students who are new to NPHS VPA classes should complete the VPA application and placement audition process. All students who participate in VPA courses are encouraged to pursue a VPA graduation endorsement.
Endorsement Levels
VPA Endorsement
6 or 7 VPA course credits earned within a discipline.
VPA Endorsement with Merit
8 or 9 VPA course credits earned within a discipline.
VPA Endorsement with Distinction
10 or more VPA course credits earned within a discipline.
VPA Endorsement Requirements
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Students must earn a 2.5 unweighted GPA by the end of Semester 1 of their graduating year.
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Students must take at least 6 credits within the endorsement track. At least two thirds of the total courses must pertain to the student’s VPA track.
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Students must successfully complete at least one course in their VPA track their graduating year, as assigned by their discipline’s lead teacher.
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Students may earn higher recognition for VPA achievement with additional course work within their discipline or extracurricular activities related to their discipline at the lead teacher’s discretion.
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The endorsement may be awarded to transfer students with 2 fewer credits required per attainment level if the student did not have the opportunity to take courses in their chosen discipline at their prior school and at the discretion of the discipline’s lead teacher.
Acting
Lead Teacher: Ms. Dena Henderson
VPA Acting Course Progression
Students wishing to pursue a VPA Graduation Endorsement and/ or The Florida Seal of Fine Arts in Acting should plan to enroll in at least two classes each year. The recommended progression outlined below is will place student on track to earn the VPA Graduation Endorsement with Merit or Distinction.
Grade 9
Acting 1 - 0400370
Theatre 1 - 0400310
Optional suggested course: Technical Theatre Design & Production 1 - 0400410
Grade 10
Acting 2 - 0400380
Theatre 2 - 0400320
Optional course by invitation: Pre-AICE Drama - 0400345
Grade 11
Acting 3 - 0400390
Theatre 3 Honors - 0400330
Optional course by invitation: AICE Drama - 0400436
Grade 12
Acting 4 Honors - 0400400
Theatre 4 Honors - 0400340
Optional course by invitation: Theatre Direction & Stage Management - 0400500
Band
Lead Teacher: Mrs. Lorianne Alegria
VPA Band Course Progression
Students wishing to pursue a VPA Graduation Endorsement and/ or The Florida Seal of Fine Arts in Band should plan to enroll in at least two classes each year. The recommended progression outlined below is will place student on track to earn the VPA Graduation Endorsement with Merit or Distinction.
Grade 9
Band 3 - 1302320
Band 1 - 1302300
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Techniques 1 - 1302420 (Percussion)
Grade 10
Band 4 - 1302330
Band 2 - 1302310
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 1 - 1302460 (Band)
Grade 11
Band 5 Honors - 1302340
Instrumental Ensemble 2 -1302470 (Band)
Optional course by invitation: Music Theory 1 - 1300300
Grade 12
Band 6 Honors - 1302350
Instrumental Ensemble 3 - 1302480 (Band)
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 4 Honors - 1302490 (Band)
Chorus
Lead Teacher: Mr. David Sommer
VPA Chorus Course Progression
Students wishing to pursue a VPA Graduation Endorsement and/ or The Florida Seal of Fine Arts in Chorus should plan to enroll in at least two classes each year. The recommended progression outlined below is will place student on track to earn the VPA Graduation Endorsement with Merit or Distinction.
Grade 9
Chorus 1 - 1303300
Keyboard 1 - 1301360
Optional course by invitation: Chorus 3 - 1303320
Grade 10
Chorus 2 - 1303310
Chorus 4 - 1303330
Optional course by invitation: Vocal Techniques 1 - 1303400
Grade 11
Chorus 5 Honors - 1303340
Music Theory 1 - 1300300
Optional course by invitation: Vocal Techniques 2 - 1303410
Grade 12
Chorus 6 Honors - 1303350
Vocal Techniques 3 – 1303420
Optional course by invitation: Vocal Techniques 4 Honors - 1303430
Commercial Music
Lead Teacher: Ms. Shannon Clark
VPA Band Course Progression
Students wishing to pursue a VPA Graduation Endorsement and/ or The Florida Seal of Fine Arts in Commercial Music- Jazz Band should plan to enroll in at least two classes each year. The recommended progression outlined below is will place student on track to earn the VPA Graduation Endorsement with Merit or Distinction.
Jazz Band- Wind Instruments
Grade 9
Jazz Ensemble 1 - 1302500
Band 1 - 1302300
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 1 - 1302460 (Jazz Band)
Grade 10
Jazz Ensemble 2 - 1302510
Band 2 - 1302310
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 2 -1302470 (Jazz Band)
Grade 11
Jazz Ensemble 3 - 1302520
Band 3 - 1302330
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 3 - 1302480 (Jazz Band)
Grade 12
Jazz Ensemble 4 Honors - 1302530
Instrumental Ensemble 4 Honors - 1302490 (Jazz Band)
Optional course by invitation: Music Theory 1 - 1300300
Jazz- Rhythm Section (Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, AUX, Drum set)
Grade 9
Jazz Ensemble 1 - 1302500
Music Ensemble 1 - 1305400 (Rock Band)
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 1 – 1302460 (Jazz Band)
Grade 10
Jazz Ensemble 2 - 1302510
Music Ensemble 2 - 1305410 (Rock Band)
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 2 -1302470 (Jazz Band)
Grade 11
Jazz Ensemble 3 - 1302520
Music Ensemble 3 - 1305420 (Rock Band)
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 3 - 1302480 (Jazz Band)
VPA Commercial Music- Rock Band Course Progression
Students wishing to pursue a VPA Graduation Endorsement and/ or The Florida Seal of Fine Arts in Commercial Music- Rock Band should plan to enroll in at least two classes each year. The recommended progression outlined below is will place student on track to earn the VPA Graduation Endorsement with Merit or Distinction.
Commercial Music-Rock Band
Grade 9
Music Ensemble 1 - 1305400 (Rock Band)
Guitar 1 - 1301320
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 1 - 1302460 (Rock Band)
Grade 10
Music Ensemble 2 - 1305410 (Rock Band)
Keyboard 1 - 1301360
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 2 -1302470 (Rock Band)
Grade 11
Music Ensemble 3 - 1305420 (Rock Band)
Instrumental Techniques 1 - 1302420 (Percussion)
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 3 - 1302480 (Rock Band)
Grade 12
Music Ensemble 4 Honors - 1305430 (Rock Band)
Music Theory 1 - 1300300
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 4 Honors - 1302490 (Rock Band)
Dance
Lead Teacher: Mrs. Heather Helson & Mrs. Michelle Slay
VPA Dance Course Progression
Students wishing to pursue a VPA Graduation Endorsement and/ or The Florida Seal of Fine Arts in Dance should plan to enroll in at least two classes each year. The recommended progression outlined below is will place student on track to earn the VPA Graduation Endorsement with Merit or Distinction.
Grade 9
Ballet 1 - 0300340
Dance Techniques 1 - 0300310
Optional course by invitation: Dance Repertory 1 - 0300400
Grade 10
Ballet 2 - 0300350
Dance Techniques 2 - 0300320
Optional course by invitation: Dance Repertory 2 - 0300410
Grade 11
Ballet 3 - 0300360
Dance Techniques 3 Honors - 0300330
Optional course by invitation: Dance Repertory 3 Honors - 0300420
Grade 12
Ballet 4 Honors - 0300370
Dance Techniques 4 Honors - 0300334
Optional course by invitation: Dance Repertory 4 Honors - 0300430
Musical Theatre
Lead Teacher: Ms. Dena Henderson
VPA Musical Theatre Course Progression
Students wishing to pursue a VPA Graduation Endorsement and/ or The Florida Seal of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre should plan to enroll in at least two classes each year. The recommended progression outlined below is will place student on track to earn the VPA Graduation Endorsement with Merit or Distinction.
Grade 9
Voice & Diction - 0400540 (Musical Theatre)
Vocal Ensemble 1 - 1303440
Optional suggested course: Dance Techniques 1 - 0300310
Grade 10
Musical Theatre 1 - 0400700
Vocal Ensemble 2 - 1303450
Optional course by invitation: Pre-AICE Drama - 0400345
Grade 11
Musical Theatre 2 - 0400710
Vocal Ensemble 3 - 1303460
Optional course by invitation: AICE Drama - 0400436
Grade 12
Musical Theatre 3 - 0400720
Vocal Ensemble 4 Honors - 1303470
Optional course by invitation: Theatre Direction & Stage Management - 0400500
Orchestra
Lead Teacher: Dr. Laura Hill
VPA Orchestra Course Progression
Students wishing to pursue a VPA Graduation Endorsement and/ or The Florida Seal of Fine Arts in Orchestra should plan to enroll in at least two classes each year. The recommended progression outlined below is will place student on track to earn the VPA Graduation Endorsement with Merit or Distinction.
Grade 9
Orchestra 3 - 1302380
Orchestra 1 - 13023600
Optional third level 1 music course: Keyboard 1 - 1301360/ Band 1 - 1302300/ Chorus 1 - 1303300/ etc.
Grade 10
Orchestra 4 - 1302390
Orchestra 2 - 1302370
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 1 - 1302460 (Orchestra)
Grade 11
Orchestra 5 Honors - 1302340
Instrumental Ensemble 2 - 1302470 (Orchestra)
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 3 - 1302480 (Orchestra)
Grade 12
Orchestra 6 Honors - 1302410
Music Theory 1 - 1300300
Optional course by invitation: Instrumental Ensemble 4 Honors - 1302490 (Orchestra)
Percussion
Lead Teacher: Mrs. Lorianne Alegria
VPA Percussion Course Progression
Students wishing to pursue a VPA Graduation Endorsement and/ or The Florida Seal of Fine Arts in Percussion should plan to enroll in at least two classes each year. The recommended progression outlined below is will place student on track to earn the VPA Graduation Endorsement with Merit or Distinction.
Grade 9
Instrumental Techniques 1 – 1302420 (Percussion)
Instrumental Ensemble 1 - 1302460 (Percussion)
Optional course by invitation: Band 1 - 1302300
Grade 10
Instrumental Techniques 2 – 1302430 (Percussion)
Instrumental Ensemble 2 -1302470 (Percussion)
Optional course by invitation: Band 2 - 1302310
Grade 11
Instrumental Techniques 3 - 1302440 (Percussion)
Instrumental Ensemble 3 - 1302480 (Percussion)
Optional course by invitation: Band 3 - 1302320
Grade 12
Instrumental Techniques 4 Honors - 1302440 (Percussion)
Instrumental Ensemble 4 Honors - 1302490 (Percussion)
Optional course by invitation: Music Theory 1 - 1300300
Technical Theatre
Lead Teacher: Ms. Dena Henderson
VPA Technical Theatre Course Progression
Students wishing to pursue a VPA Graduation Endorsement and/ or The Florida Seal of Fine Arts in Technical Theatre should plan to enroll in at least two classes each year. The recommended progression outlined below is will place student on track to earn the VPA Graduation Endorsement with Merit or Distinction.
Grade 9
Technical Theatre Design & Production 1 - 0400410
Technical Theatre Design & Production Costume, Makeup, Hair - 0400409
Optional suggested course: 2D Art Honors - 0101320
Grade 10
Technical Theatre Design & Production 2 - 0400420
Technical Theatre Design & Production Scenery & Props - 0400407
Optional suggested course: 3D Studio Art 1 - 0101330
Grade 11
Technical Theatre Design & Production 3 - 0400430
Theatre Direction & Stage Management - 0400500
Optional course by invitation: Theatre 1 - 0400310
Grade 12
Technical Theatre Design & Production 4 Honors - 0400430
Theatre Direction & Stage Management 2 Honors - 0400510
Optional course by invitation: Pre-AICE Drama - 0400345
Visual Arts
Lead Teacher: Mrs. Chloe DuBois
VPA Visual Arts Course Progression
Students wishing to pursue a VPA Graduation Endorsement and/ or The Florida Seal of Fine Arts in Visual Arts should plan to enroll in at least two classes each year. The recommended progression outlined below is will place student on track to earn the VPA Graduation Endorsement with Merit or Distinction.
Grade 9
2D Art Honors - 0101320
Drawing 1 - 0104340 or Fine Craft Studio Art 1 - 0101440
Optional course by invitation: 3D Studio Art 1 - 0101330
Grade 10
Ceramics 1 - 0102300
Drawing 2 - 0104350
Optional course by invitation: AP Art History – 0100300
Grade 11
Ceramics 2 - 0102310
AP 2D Art & Design - 0109350
Optional course by invitation: Portfolio: 2D Design Honors - 0109320 (Block Period Optional)
Grade 12
Ceramics 3 Honors - 0102320
AP Drawing – 0104300
Optional course by invitation: Portfolio: Drawing Honors – 0109310 (Block Period Optional)