Fairfax Academy News 2/28: Program Highlights (MCT), Guest Speaker Series, & Lots of Events!
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 02/28/2023 07:40 AM ESTIn this email...
- From Your Academy Admin
- Program Highlight: MCT
- Staff Highlight: Matt Carlin, MCT
- Spotlight on the Arts and ARTSFairfax Scholarships
- Instruction2Industry Virtual Career Expo
- Upcoming Events
A Reminder about Lanyards
A reminder that students traveling to Fairfax Academy from other schools are required to wear their lanyards when arriving to and leaving from Fairfax Academy. See Ms. Tarvid in E119 for a temporary pass or to obtain a replacement lanyard (cost: $5).
From Your Academy Admin
Fairfax Academy Community,
Thank you for a fantastic February! We had an amazing run of our winter musical, a fantastically successful benefit concert where our dance program fundraised $1750 for NEDA (check out the feature below) and record breaking registrations for next year! It has been terrific meeting many of our hopeful future Academy students over the past few weeks through Open House, auditions, portfolio review and more.
Over the next two months we have a number of fantastic guest speakers coming to work with students during their classes and give them a glimpse at the opportunities that exist for them. Be sure to check out the schedule for your program below. Make sure you also mark your calendar with all of our amazing spring events, culminating in our annual Academy Awards. For those of you who cannot get enough performing, consider auditioning to be part of the Cappies Gala Orchestra, Singers or Dancers. More information is below!
A reminder to get those Academy registrations in this week and we have a final call for the Rotary Club music contest!
Looking forward to the second half of the 3rd quarter with our amazing students!
Mrs. Cook
Academy Registration, Auditions, Portfolio Review
LAST CALL! Current 8th through 11th graders - don't forget to sign up for your Academy course for next year by March 7. Check in with your base school counselor to do so.
Program Highlight: Music & Computer Technology (MCT)
The MCT program is one of a kind. With only two programs in the school district, the classes offer students opportunities to harness their creativity through state of the art software. In this program, composers (yup, you are a composer) get to work on various projects that develop their abilities in music production. Whether it's making beats, or a full out film orchestration, students should have the opportunity to establish their music voice and identity the way modern composers do.
This year, the program has also added live sound and audio engineering into the mix (no pun intended). In MCT, you can find a series of dedicated musicians ready to collaborate, and grow together. As your instructor, Mr. Carlin is here to help you navigate the music industry however you choose!
Staff Highlight: Matt Carlin (MCT)
Originally a native of New York, Mr. Carlin moved to Northern Virginia in 2020. He completed his Bachelor of Music Degree in music education and trombone performance at the Eastman School of Music, a Master of Science in music education from CUNY Queens College, and a Master’s Degree in audio technology from American University. Mr. Carlin is a multi-instrumentalist who studied piano, trombone, and voice for over 25 years. He is a professional musician, performer, producer, and engineer passionate about education.
Mr. Carlin began his career in New York, teaching choir and audio engineering to middle and high school students. As a freelance musician, he collaborates with multiple entertainment agencies that provide music for weddings, dueling piano shows, and corporate events. His alternative rock band Night Without Cars has toured nationally alongside acts such as The Plain White T's, Sister Hazel, Andy Grammer, American Authors, Unlikely Candidates, and Switchfoot. Other performances and arrangements took place on national stages, such as NBC's The Sing-Off and Fox's The X-Factor. Mr. Carlin has traveled internationally, performing in countries such as Spain, Kenya, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. After the performance industry closed in 2020, he entered the recording studio and studied audio engineering. Mr. Carlin’s pursuit of knowledge and experience has enabled him to navigate the music industry successfully. He is a registered songwriter through the BMI music group, composing original music with his band and willing collaborators. His work as a music producer is rewarding and a teaching tool for MCT I and II students.
As a resident of Annandale, VA, Mr. Carlin is grateful to be a member of the Fairfax Academy. He is eager and optimistic about becoming an integral part of this remarkable community. Mr. Carlin has been searching for a teaching position that integrates his experiences in the music industry with performance, education, and production. He has big plans for his new home and is thrilled to have found the perfect fit at Fairfax Academy!
Spotlight on the Arts and ARTSFairfax Scholarships
Fairfax Academy is pleased to announce that Spotlight on the Arts in partnership with ARTSFairfax is offering two $1000 scholarships for two graduating seniors: one for a student majoring in music and one for a student majoring in dance who will attend any university or college for the 2023-2024 school year. All applications are due by April 18, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Cook at amcook@fcps.edu.
Students interested in the music scholarship are required to submit:
- A video link of a 3 minute solo music performance or a 3 minute recording of an original composition.
- A 400 to 500 word essay from the applicant stating why they are pursuing a music degree in college and why they are applying for this scholarship.
- A completed application form (which includes a link to the student essay and video).
- Students will need to request two recommendation letters be emailed to amcook@fcps.edu by the deadline:
- One from a music teacher with an emphasis on musical abilities.
- One from any teacher, counselor or community member who can speak to the applicant’s character.
Students interested in the dance scholarship are required to submit:
- A video link of a 3 minute solo or group performance in which the individual is identified and featured.
- A 400 to 500 word essay from the applicant stating why they are pursuing a dance degree in college and why they are applying for this scholarship.
- A completed application form (which includes a link to the student essay and video).
- Students will need to request two recommendation letters be emailed to amcook@fcps.edu by the deadline:
- One from a dance teacher with an emphasis on technical abilities.
- One from any teacher, counselor or community member who can speak to the applicant’s character.
Rotary Club of Fairfax Youth Music Contest
Object: To help promising musicians gain notice in their communities and beyond, and to introduce young people to the mission of Rotary and its youth-based equivalents, Interact and Rotaract.
Applicants: High school musicians who either attend Fairfax High School as their primary school, OR live in the City of Fairfax. If a student does not fall under these categories, please contact our POC below.
Categories: Composition and Solo performances of vocal, keyboard and instrumental, are invited.
District Level Contest Awards: (Note: Winners announced no later than April 15, 2023)
First place ($1000)
Second place ($500)
Third place ($250)
Click here to view the full details of the Rotary Club music contest.
For questions, please contact Matt Edgar at 703-213-4168 or matthew.edgar@edwardjones.com
Academy News Feature: Dance Benefit for NEDA
On February 16th, at 8 pm, the Fairfax Academy Dance program hosted its annual benefit concert. Each year, the students select an organization that directly impacts our community. The students chose to partner with NEDA, the National Eating Disorders Association. NEDA provides support for people struggling with eating disorders and their families.
Learn more about the dance benefit concert.
Fairfax Academy Guest Speaker Series
We're excited to announce our 2023 Guest Speaker Series at Fairfax Academy. Industry experts will come to Academy classes to talk with students about career pathways and share professional insights. Learn more from your teacher and save the date!
Auditions: Cappies Dancers, Singers, & Orchestra
The Cappies Gala is an awards ceremony for high school performers. This year's Gala is on June 12, 2023 and will be an exciting program of performances and awards. Audition to perform at the Gala as a dancer or singer, or in the orchestra.
Click here for the dancer audition information.
Click here for the singer audition information.
Click here for the orchestra audition information.
MCT Fest
Save the date for the 18th annual MCT Fest - hear music from student artists and composers!
April 22, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. - Sherwood Center, Fairfax
For questions, please contact MCT Instructor Mr. Carlin (mjcarlin@fcps.edu).
Upcoming Events
- March 2 | 2-Hour Early Release: AM shuttles only; no MD or PM
- March 3 | Student Holiday - Professional Workday
- March 7 | On-Time Registration Deadline: all new and current students must register through their base school counselor.
- April 22 | MCT Fest
- April 29 | Academy Fashion Show
- May 5, 6 | Dance Showcase
- May 12 | MTAS Showcase
- May 15 | MTAS Signature Showcase at Signature Theatre
- May 23 | Academy Awards
Check out our events page for more information.
FCPS Cares
Do you want to celebrate a Fairfax employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.