Page 13 - District Highlight Brochure

visual & performing arts

The elementary Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) program began on September 8, 2015 at all 27 elementary
school sites. This program includes the restoration of music for all fifth and sixth grade students and the
facilitation of a 21st Century Integrated Arts Wheel and is in addition to the music, theater, and arts programs
that have remained available at the middle and high school levels across the District.

Through mastery of the arts, students become effective communicators, enhancing and expanding their
academic and life experiences. Participation in this program nurtures the development of the creative and
collaborative skills that will positively impact students’ future educational and career paths. This school
year the Office of Curriculum & Instruction is piloting an after-school Mariachi Band Program at Handy
Elementary, which focuses on the traditional blend of music, singing and dance. The vision of the C&I office
is to expand this opportunity to other school sites next year. In addition to this, musical theatre has also been
incorporated at two school sites where students will be performing The Jungle Book and The Aristocats.

Orange Unified would like to thank all staff and community members for their support and contribution
to our elementary Visual and Performing Arts program. More information is available online at
www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/vapa/.

Did you know?

During the 2015-16 school year, students
received 1,944 shiny new instruments,
including euphoniums, trombones,
trumpets, flutes, clarinets, cellos, violas,
and violins to take home. Students were
also provided with music books for
orchestra and band, as well as all materials
and supplies necessary for general music,
theatre, and visual arts.