Fairfax Academy News 3/13
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 03/13/2023 04:21 PM EDTIn this email...
- From Your Academy Admin
- Program Highlight: Musical Theatre & Actor's Studio
- Staff Highlight: Erich DiCenzo, Musical Theatre & Actor's Studio
- Fairfax HS Cultural Celebration
- Ambassador Leadership & Vision Workshops
- Spotlight on the Arts and ARTSFairfax Scholarships
- Academy News Feature: "Move Til You Drop"
- Upcoming Events
From Your Academy Admin
Fairfax Academy Community,
It has been a busy week at Fairfax Academy as we wrapped up on-time registration; had guest presenters in dance, musical theatre and acting methods; and our Fashion Careers students had the chance to go on an exciting field trip to prepare for the upcoming Fashion Show. (Mark your calendars now for April 29 at 5pm!)
We also visited our classes to invite our Academy Ambassadors to an exciting workshop led by our business partner where they can work on their own presentation skills in addition to creating some promotional language that represents their unique experience here at Fairfax Academy. Those workshops are being held from 12-1pm on March 28 or March 29. Ambassadors can ride the existing shuttles over or drive. All paperwork was delivered to classrooms with a thank you treat from us. Stop by the Academy Office by March 17 to reserve your spot!
If you’re looking for something fun to bring the family to, consider joining the Fairfax community for our annual Cultural Celebration on Thursday, March 16. The Cultural Fair begins at 6:30pm and the Show at 7pm here at Fairfax High School. See below for more details.
We hope everyone has a fantastic week!
Mrs. Cook
Program Highlight: Musical Theatre & Actor's Studio (MTAS)
The Musical Theatre & Actors Studio [MTAS] is a thriving performing arts program that provides students with one-of-a-kind educational experiences, professional-level training, and unique industry exposure. Professional partnerships are a very special aspect of MTAS. The Tony Award®-winning professional theatre, Signature Theatre, gives our young artists access to Signature's staff and affiliated artists in an unprecedented manner, while Performing Arts Chairs of several colleges and conservatories deliberately plan visits to MTAS to pre-screen and scout students for admission to their programs.
Put simply, the Musical Theatre & Actor’s Studio at Fairfax Academy is all about opportunity…the perfect place for students who are passionate about the arts to spend their day singing, dancing, and acting with an equally passionate instructor and peers! By offering a diverse, specialized curriculum focused on professional pursuits and college & career readiness, students have the opportunity to build their craft, hone their skills, and discover their identities as artists.
Staff Highlight: Erich DiCenzo (MTAS)
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania [and big time Steelers fan], Erich DiCenzo attended the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University, where he graduated with his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Mr. DiCenzo has performed with some of the country’s most reputable regional theatres, including North Shore Music Theatre, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh Musical Theatre, and Prather Entertainment Group, with whom he toured in Disney’s High School Musical. However, it is Erich’s oceanic adventure on the seven seas which he gives most credit: Cast as a Featured Singer/Dancer aboard one of Regent’s luxury cruise liners, Erich had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail around-the-world, resulting in an exploration of over sixty countries. If you ever want to talk travel, he’s your man!
A newlywed as of New Year’s Eve, Mr. DiCenzo finds his balance by working as a fitness coach at Orangetheory Fitness and going on adventures with his husband and their pup, Blake...who you may have seen star as Rufus in our production of Legally Blonde the Musical. They hope to expand their family soon as they begin the adoption process. Until then…
Mr. DiCenzo looks forward to continuing blending his performance career with his teaching! "Producing professional theatrical productions through unique educational opportunities." That has been Mr. DiCenzo’s vision since he arrived in Fairfax, Virginia. Be sure to keep a look out for the Musical Theatre & Actors Studio calendar of performances.
Fairfax HS Presents: A Cultural Celebration
Fairfax High School's Cultural Celebration is coming up. The show will include dancing, fashion, instrumental music, drama, poetry, and more! There is something for the whole family. Food will be sold before the show and during intermission. Purchase tickets at etix or scan the QR code on the graphic.
For more information, contact Sara Chae at suchae@fcps.edu.
Ambassador Leadership & Vision Workshop
WHO: Fairfax Academy Ambassadors
WHAT: A special Ambassador leadership session with Julie Johnston of iContact Coaching
WHEN: Either March 28 or 29, 12pm-1pm (You pick the day!)
WHERE: Fairfax Academy
WHY: Ms. Johnston is hosting two one-hour sessions for our Ambassadors to develop your presenting and speaking skills, with the goal of helping you grow as Ambassador leaders and beyond!
HOW TO GET HERE: You can take a shuttle or drive (see us in E119 for a parking permit)
RSVP: Field trip forms were distributed to Ambassadors in class. Bring the completed and signed form back to E119 with the date marked.
For questions, please contact Sarah Tarvid at starvid@fcps.edu.
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.
Academy News Feature: Move til you Drop
On Friday, February 24, Fairfax Academy hosted 167 5th graders from Bailey’s Upper Elementary for Move ‘Til You Drop, an annual event aimed at bringing dancers from across the county together and highlighting the future of dance in FCPS for our youngest dancers. Upper level dance students from Fairfax Academy and West Potomac Academy led dance classes in Contemporary, Musical Theater and Hip-Hop.
Learn more about Move til you Drop (and see lots of pictures!).
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 17 | Cultural Celebration
- March 28 & 29: Ambassador Leadership & Vision Workshop
- 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.