Ninth & Tenth Graders: Mapping Out School Activities for Visual and Performing Artists

The first two years of high school is the time to explore new interests. If you already know you want to pursue a visual or performing arts major in college, these early years are also the time to lay the foundation for your specialty, create valuable connections with your advisors, and learn from your fellow students. In addition to private lessons or coachings and extracurriculars outside of school, it’s easy to take advantage of the opportunities available at your high school. If you prove yourself as dedicated and dependable, you will start to be offered leadership positions.

Musicians: 

• Show your talent, reliability, and leadership in orchestra, band, or choir and you may eventually get picked as a section leader. 

• Practice consistently and first chair could be in your future.

• Audition for competitions such as solo festivals or all-county choir, band, or orchestra.

• Try out for a chamber ensemble or select choir.

Other clubs & activities: 

Join these early to have a better chance at being considered for leadership positions.

• Jazz or stage band

• Pit orchestra

• Glee club 

• A cappella 

• Marching band

Actors & Dancers: 

• Audition for school plays & school musicals beginning in ninth grade to improve your skills.

• Aim to be a student director or stage manager as a junior or senior.

• Join the production & stage crew for high school productions.

Other clubs & activities: 

Join these early to have a better chance at being considered for leadership positions.

• Glee club

• Drama club

• Dance clubs (e.g., hip-hop, step dancing, ballroom, etc.)

• Dance team

• Improv Club

Artists: 

• Become a regular in the art room after school. Hone your craft, get to know your art teacher, and begin to apply for school, local, regional, and even national art competitions.

• Volunteer to paint sets for the theater department.

• Submit your work to school contests or the school newspaper.

Other clubs & activities:

Join these early to have a better chance at being considered for leadership positions.

• Visual arts club

• Ceramics club

• Anime club

• Comic book club

• Photography club

• Video production club

No matter what direction you go in, it’s important to get involved early and challenge yourself!