Nurturing artistic development and growth.Students in the VPAC program will prepare themselves for continued study and artistic growth, no matter their post-secondary plans.

The Visual and Performing Arts Concentration (VPAC) program is part of an arts curriculum known for its longstanding commitment to excellence and individual growth. It is offered for Upper School students who wish to undertake a deep and rigorous study in the arts.

Not every VPAC student will enter a specialized conservatory or university program in the arts after graduating from Potomac, but every student will acquire the skills, techniques, and confidence necessary for future artistic development. 

Members of VPAC participate in the academic exploration of their discipline by completing recommended classes and dedicating significant time each week to their work in the studio, theater, or rehearsal space. 

To be admitted to the program, students must be able to demonstrate a special passion for and sustained commitment to their own artistic development. Concentrations are offered in music, theater, and visual arts.

Students apply for the program during the second semester of their ninth grade year and begin the following fall. Those who are accepted will participate in the academic exploration of their discipline by completing recommended classes and dedicating significant time each week to their work in the studio, theater, or rehearsal space.

Music students

• complete two semesters of Advanced Music Theory
• complete one music history course
• take weekly private instrumental or voice lessons
• practice four afternoons per week for two hours each day
• participate in at least one ensemble group
• perform a solo recital in the spring of the senior year

Theater students

• Select an emphasis in performance or production
• Complete Ensemble Theater or get permission from the instructor
• Production track: Complete Stagecraft I and II, Director’s Workshop, and an independent study with the Technical Director, and as a senior work with the theatre director on the production of the fall play and on an independent project in the spring
• Performance track: Complete Actor’s Workshop I and II, History of Theater, and Scene Study. Seniors work with the theater director during the fall on the advanced skills necessary for the demands of a college program and during the spring on a practical demonstration of skills acquired

Visual Arts students

• complete at least one visual arts course each year
• complete the full-year art history course in either junior or senior year
• work in the art studios on projects four afternoons a week, two hours daily, during the winter athletic season
• exhibit work during the year as appropriate
• mount a solo art exhibition in the spring of senior year

The status of program participants will be reviewed at the end of each year. The appropriate arts faculty will evaluate each student’s artistic progress, commitment to the program’s goals and expectations, and overall progress in school.

View the Upper School Course Catalog to read full course descriptions.

DISCIPLINE	SAMPLE FOCUS
MUSIC	Participation in Potomac’s Band, Bells, Chorus, or Strings ensemble each semester
THEATER	Actor's workshop
VISUAL ARTS	Solo art exhibition in senior year