HANCEVILLE– After the success of Wallace State Community College’s Fast Track Academy and Fast Track for Industry programs that give area high school students the opportunity to start their collegiate careers early, the college is again partnering with Cullman County Schools to offer high school students another pathway for success, as well as an outlet for their artistic endeavors – a Fine and Performing Arts Academy.
“With budget cuts that have unfortunately caused many school systems to completely cut funding for the arts, this dual enrollment program for Fine and Performing Arts students is a perfect way to make sure our local students receive a well-rounded education that includes some form of art,” said Dr. Vicki Karolewics, President of Wallace State. “Studies have shown that arts in education prepare students for success in school, in work and in life, which are the goals we strive for at Wallace State.”
Through the Fine and Performing Arts Academy, students in grades 11 and 12 can take courses in art, dance, music, theater and visual communications, along with their academic courses. They can choose to participate in this program through the Wallace State Fast Track program or they can stay at their local high school, coming in late or leaving early to accommodate their Wallace State Fine Arts courses. The Wallace State Fast Track facility is open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., each weekday for the students’ convenience.
"We are so excited to add yet another component to our partnership with Wallace State Community College. Our newest partnership will bring the Fine Arts Academy to Cullman County students. Research continues to show the important role that the arts play in the education of a child. This program will help us provide additional learning opportunities for our students, especially those whose gifts and talents are in the arts."
Students can participate in the college’s bands, choirs and theater productions if it works with their schedule. One caveat is that students cannot leave a program that is available to them at their high school to perform in a similar program at the college. However, if their schedule allows, they may perform in both programs.
An example of the Fine and Performing Arts classes offered include drawing, ceramics, sculpture, computer graphics and graphic animation in the Art and Visual Communications programs; private voice and instrument lessons, ensembles for jazz band, show choir and concert band in the music programs; acting techniques, theater workshops, intro to dance in theater and modern and jazz dance in the theater and dance programs.
For more information about the Fast Track programs at Wallace State, call 256-352-805 or email diana.majerik@wallacestate.edu. Visit http://www.wallacestate.edu/ for more information about the college or call 256-352-8000.
