Public charter school Arlington Classics Academy is still basking in the glory of its recent fine arts success during the last two competition seasons. Middle schoolers from the academy’s band, choir, visual arts, and theater programs all took home regional, and in some cases, state awards.
“We believe fine arts are not just extracurricular activities, but essential components of a well-rounded curriculum,” said Craig Sims, Executive Director of Schools at Arlington Classics Academy. “ACA has exemplified this belief for 25 years. We integrate arts education at every grade level, from kindergarten through 8th grade.”
In 2023, ACA’s Middle School Advanced Band began competing in the UIL under the direction of the founding band teacher Laura Russell with the assistance of Rachel Perkins. UIL, or University Interscholastic League, governs Texas public school competitions in athletics, music, and academics. The students’ performances of three prepared pieces earned a Division 1 rating on stage, the highest honor. They also took home a Division 1 honor in sight reading. The same year, the Beginning Band competed at UIL for the first time and also received all 1 ratings.
This year, the Symphonic Band competed at the middle school varsity level for the first time and again achieved division 1 ratings in both stage performance and sight reading.
Arlington Classics’ choir program has also made great strides under the direction of Choir Director Stephen Evans. Last year, the 7th grade girls and 8th grade girls and tenor/bass Choirs competed at UIL for the first time and all three received superior ratings both in concert and sight reading at the non-varsity level. This year, the 8th grade girls choir and tenor/bass Choir were back to compete at the varsity level and once again earned superior ratings at concert and sight reading.
One of the UIL judges wrote, “You are being taught a high level of choral skill and rising to the challenge! Congratulations, I hope you will take these skills and use them in the coming years through many musical experiences. Thanks for your dedication and obvious hard work!”
Along with the UIL ratings, many individual members received accolades as well. Thirty-four middle school choir students auditioned for the Texas Music Education Association Region 5 Honor Choir. Out of 750 students who auditioned, 14 from ACA made the list.
Middle School art teacher Jennifer Boyd’s visual art students also earned awards. All 15 of ACA’s submissions to the Junior Visual Art Scholastic Event hosted by the Texas Art Education Association scored the highest rating of four and one student received a platinum award.
Lastly, through the direction of teacher Ben Fort, ACA’s theater students competed in a One Act Play with their version of Anne of Green Gables. They won the top spot at the Private Schools Interscholastic Association competition. The victory in their division paved the way for the team to attend the state meet, where individuals won statewide awards for Best Tech Crew Member and All-Star Cast and two others won Honorable mentions All-Star cast. Students also won district awards, including Best Performer, All-Start Cast (2), Honorable Mention Cast (2) and Outstanding Tech Crew.
“Building Arlington Classics Academy’s fine arts program into an award-winning endeavor has been a journey of dedication and perseverance,” said Sims. “We are immensely grateful for the unwavering commitment of our staff, students and parents, starting in kindergarten and persevering all the way through eighth grade. Alongside the previously mentioned teachers, Amber Johnson, Kimberly Kwah, Linda Gaston, and Julie Hernandez build the foundation in grades K – 5th so that students are ready for competition in ACA’s Middle School.
“The opportunities the fine arts programs at ACA afford our students and their families would not be possible without passionate, talented staff, supportive parents, committed students, and community partners.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed community partners, the Ann L. & Carol Green Rhodes Charitable Trust and Sid W. Richardson Foundations, whose past generous support has been instrumental in our growth and success. Together, we continue to nurture beauty through artistic excellence and inspire future generations.”
