SCGSAH Viewbook by SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities

WHERE YOUNG ARTISTS THRIVE

20 years,

For over the SC Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School for the Arts and Humanities has cultivated young artists from across the state through exceptional

pre-professional arts training

led by established, practicing artists.

As a public residential high school, the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School offers students a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to explore and refine their talents in a unique, arts-centered community. Nestled beside Falls Park in scenic downtown Greenville, students live and learn in a safe and supportive environment where they have everything they need to pursue their artistic passion and discover who they are as individuals and as artists.

THE GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL EXPERIENCE “My time at the Governor’s School has been a turning point in my future, not only as an artist, but as a person. I made lifelong friendships, put my future into clear focus, and learned what it truly means to be an artist. I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a fantastic experience and know that it will serve me for the rest of my life.”

- John Marshall Peace, Drama Class of 2020

“I never felt like I fit in anywhere, but at the Governor’s School I fit in everywhere. It opened me up socially, artistically, and academically, allowing me to grow as a person like never before. This is truly a special place and a hidden gem within South Carolina.”

- Julia Jacobsen, Music Class of 2020 “My daughter is an alumnus (2012) of the Governor’s School, and she absolutely thrived there. It provides a world class education and a special place for those students who are especially passionate about the creative arts.”

- Timothy Moe, Govie Parent

“The Governor’s School experience taught me that going into the arts as a career is a very viable option.”

– Tia Hrubula, Visual Arts Class of 2017

“This school has changed our lives. My daughter’s life and my family’s life. A truly pre-professional program for them to grow as artists. Academics are top notch also. Now she has graduated and is off to a BFA program at a top university. Probably wouldn’t have happened without Govie.”

- Eric Johnston, Govie Parent

GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE HIGH SCHOOL For young artists seeking pre-professional arts training and a nationally-recognized high school education. • Offers Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Music, and Visual Arts • Serves juniors and seniors, as well as exceptional sophomores in Music and Dance • Students learn from scholars and established, practicing artists, while taking master classes with world-renowned guest artists • Numerous public performances and events provide many opportunities for students to share their talents and skills • Students apply in the 10th grade for Creative Writing, Drama, Music, and Visual Arts and in the 9th or 10th grade for Dance • Students live on campus for the typical school year • School days are divided with academic classes in the morning and arts studies in the afternoon

SUMMER PROGR AMS For artists-at-heart seeking to explore their talents in an artsimmersive experience. All summer programs are residential and offer students an in-depth perspective on the arts curriculum. Offerings vary from year-to-year. Arts Odyssey Program A one-week program for rising 8th and 9th grade students. Offers Creative Writing, Drama, Music, and Visual Arts. Students apply to attend. Academy Program A two-week program for rising 10th grade students. Offers Creative Writing, Drama, Music, and Visual Arts. Students apply and audition to attend. Summer Dance Program A five-week program for rising 7th-12th grade students. Students apply and audition to attend. COST TO AT TEND Tuition is free for the Residential High School. Students only pay for meals and a residence hall fee. Fees vary for the summer programs. Financial assistance is available for all programs through the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Foundation. Visit SCGSAH.org/fees-and-financial-assistance for details.

CREATIVE WRITING Young writers learn the value of craft and sound writing techniques from experienced, published authors. Creative Nonfiction | Fiction | Poetry | Screenwriting In the Creative Writing program, students spend their time in small, collaborative sessions where they are constantly reading, writing, editing, and critiquing works under the guidance of practicing writers/mentors and guest authors. A NATIONAL REPUTATION In the High School Creative Writing program, students give two public readings a year and submit their work to publishers and enter competitions for additional critique, publication, and awards. Creative Writing students have been named US Presidential Scholars in the Arts, an annual honor bestowed on only 20 high school seniors nationally; received $10,000 Portfolio Awards in the national Scholastic Writing Awards competition; and are consistently selected each year as YoungArts National Finalists.

“We’re the one place in the state–the one place in the country–where young, talented writers receive training at this level.” - Scott Gould, Creative Writing faculty

DANCE Young dancers learn technical proficiency and strength, a deeper level of expressiveness, and a more sophisticated musicality from world-renowned faculty. Vaganova | Cecchetti | Royal Academy of Dance | Cuban Graham | Horton | Limon | Cunningham FORMAL AND FORWARD THINKING Based in classical ballet and enhanced with a strong modern/ contemporary dance component, the High School Dance program prepares students for the ever-changing, yet competitive, world of professional dance by providing a preprofessional training experience that supports and nurtures developing dancers. Students also receive ongoing assessment and support, personal career guidance, health curriculum, as well as an outstanding high school education—creating a well-rounded and versatile dance student eligible for a diverse range of future opportunities.

“Our dance students graduate ready and eager to face today’s diverse and fluid global dance community.” - Josée Garant, Dance Department Chair

DRAMA Young actors learn the foundational skills needed to pursue careers on stage and screen from professional actors, directors, producers, and playwrights. Acting | Voice and Singing Movement and Dance | Technical Theatre AC TING AS A PROCESS In the High School Drama program, young actors perform in a variety of settings including scene presentations, showcases, workshops, cabarets, and main stage productions. As seniors, students have the opportunity to participate in the Unified Theatre Auditions in New York and Chicago, where they audition to attend the nation’s top colleges and conservatory theatre programs. They also join a supportive network of Drama alumni who have attended the country’s most prestigious acting schools, performed in hit Broadway shows and on world-renowned stages, and have won or received nominations for Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Awards.

“The important thing is not how much previous experience students have. It’s about the depth of their desire, the scope of their creativity, their compassion for those around them, and their drive to prepare the mind, body, and spirit for the high calling of being an actor and an artist.” - Daniel Murray, Drama Department Chair

MUSIC Young musicians learn advanced musical skills and gain valuable knowledge through intensive guidance from professional, practicing musicians. Brass | Percussion | Piano | Strings | Voice | Woodwinds BUILT ON A CONSERVATORY MODEL In the Residential High School Music program, students receive regular private lessons and perform in large and small ensembles, solo recitals and master classes with faculty and prestigious guest artists. In addition to classes in music theory and history, they engage in orchestral and choral training, advanced vocal studies, chamber music, and instrument-specific seminars. Students have an opportunity to perform on nationally and internationallyrenowned stages and have been recognized on the state, regional, and national levels for their musical achievements. Alumni have distinguished themselves in college and conservatory programs throughout the nation and abroad, and professionally as performers and teachers.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Graduates of the Music Program come away with solid preparation for whatever will be their next steps in music. After constant subjection to the highest standards of excellence in musical performance and scholarship, they typically feel fully prepared for the rigors of college or conservatory training.â&#x20AC;? - Dr. Stephen Taylor, Music Department Chair

VISUAL ARTS Young visual artists learn creative processes and techniques across a wide array of mediums from established artists. Animation and Motion Design | Architecture | Ceramics | CGI Drawing | Graphic Design | Metal Work | Painting | Photography Printmaking | Sculpture A BROAD SPEC TRUM TO A REFINED FOCUS In the High School Visual Arts program, students gain handson experience in the studio developing conceptual skills and creativity. The opportunity to explore different mediums and techniques, under the guidance of teaching artists/mentors, allows students to find their unique style and artistic voice. Students also gain experience preparing portfolios, exhibiting artwork in regional exhibitions, and entering local and national competitions. During their senior year, students choose an art concentration, allowing them to dive deep into their medium of choice.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The culture of the Visual Arts Program compels students to mature as artists, thinkers, and creative, hard working young adults. In this challenging experience, students learn how to become better artists.â&#x20AC;?

- David Gerhard, Visual Arts Department Chair

MORE ABOUT THE HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMICS

STUDENT LIFE

The Governor’s School provides a challenging academic program that supports and enriches students’ arts training and meets the requirements for a high school diploma in South Carolina. Small class sizes allow individualized and personal attention, while an environment of respect and open dialogue creates a culture of learning that motivates students and weaves the arts and humanities together in the academic classroom.

Living on campus in a safe and structured environment allows students to truly immerse themselves in their art discipline and their studies. The Govie community is supportive and collaborative, and students learn from, and make connections with, caring faculty and staff, as well as their peers. While students have very busy schedules and challenging workloads, the Governor’s School provides a holistic student life experience, which includes support with life skills, nutrition, academics, and other needs while they’re away from home.

• Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered in 12 subjects • Academic assistance/tutoring for all students • Academic support staff for students with special needs HUMANITIES Humanities is an introduction to college-level thinking and discussion. The class is an investigation of this main question— What does it mean to be human? Throughout the course, students examine art that represents our contemporary culture through discussion and critical analysis. By the end, they gain a deeper appreciation for many of the popular artists we know and love. The successful completion of Humanities, along with their work in the arts, allows students to earn a Scholars Diploma in addition to their South Carolina high school diploma.

GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL OUTCOMES SAT and ACT scores consistently rank above national and state averages Nationally recognized as one of the top high schools in the United States based on academic measures by U.S. News and World Report, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast, and Niche Graduates are accepted into the nation’s top colleges, universities, and conservatories, and many students attend in-state institutions Consistent recognition in national and regional arts competitions including YoungArts, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Youth America Grand Prix, and the Music Teachers National Association Competition In the school’s first twenty years, ten students were named U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, the highest national honor bestowed on only 20 high school seniors each year

“While Governor’s School students gain advanced arts training and an excellent academic experience, they also learn important soft skills, such as self-reliance, innovative thinking, time-management, and teamwork that will help them succeed in college and in their future careers.” - Dr. Cedric Adderley, SCGSAH President

ADMISSIONS PROCESS The Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School seeks students who possess a high level of commitment, motivation, and maturity so that they can thrive in this challenging environment. All students who are South Carolina residents are welcome to apply. While the admissions process differs for each art area, it generally involves an audition, portfolio review, workshop, interview, and a review of academic and school records. APPLICATIONS The application period for all programs is in the fall and early winter. Students can apply and audition for more than one art area but will have to choose one if accepted into both. AUDITIONS Students are required to apply and audition for the Residential High School, Summer Dance, and Academy programs. Auditions for these programs are held in late winter. Arts Odyssey applicants do not audition and are chosen based on their application.

Apply online and find more details about the admissions process at SCGSAH.org.

OUTREACH The Governor’s School is committed to the growth of South Carolina’s vibrant arts education community. As part of the school’s mission to serve as a resource to teachers and students in South Carolina, the Office of Outreach offers a comprehensive and ever-growing series of programs designed to bring together artists, educators, community organizations, and students. These opportunities seek to match available resources with the needs and interests of schools and partners statewide. PROGR AMS INCLUDE: • In-Classroom Guest Artist Experiences and Workshops • Professional Learning Opportunities for Arts Teachers • Virtual Experiences Designed for the Arts Classroom Learn more about Outreach initiatives at SCGSAH.org/Outreach.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE ACCEPTED?

HOW IS THE GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FUNDED?

The Governor’s School’s residential capacity is 238 students, based on bed count. The High School generally admits 115 new students each year. The school serves approximately 420 students through summer programs.

The Governor’s School is a tuition-free, public school financially supported by the SC General Assembly. While state funds cover tuition for the high school, there are student fees for meal plans. Summer programs require an inclusive fee for tuition, room, and board. Thanks to the support of the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Foundation, financial assistance is available for students with validated needs. The foundation also supports special programs, projects and experiences provided by the school thanks to corporate and individual donors. The South Carolina Arts Commission also provides funding for various programs through the Arts in Basic Curriculum Grant.

HOW ARE STUDENTS SELEC TED TO AT TEND THE GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL? Once students apply and audition (if an audition is required for their program of choice), students are selected based on several factors which include exhibited artistic talent and potential, teacher recommendations, and school records.

SC GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL for the ARTS & HUMANITIES MISSION The mission of the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities is to serve the artistically talented high school students of South Carolina through programs of pre-professional instruction in an environment of artistic and academic excellence. The school is a resource for all teachers and students in South Carolina.