Search Results

Principal Message SENIORS Class of 2024 Class of 2022 Grade 8 Class of 2023 Grade 7 Grade 6 Grade 5 Staff Sports ARTS Majors Candids Web Site Menu VICTORY OVER ADVERSITY 2020-2021 Virtual Yearbook LOVINGLY DEDICATED TO OUR FRONTLINE WORKERS Nurse Donovan THANK YOU for all you do to keep BAVPA Safe, Clean, & Healthy! Be Able to have Victory and Power over Adversity Greetings to the Class of 2021 and the Arts Academy family! We have made it through another school year of having to adjust our lives around the challenges presented by the pandemic. What I find most remarkable is that this also marks another year where the strength and resilience of our students have shown the tremendous ability to overcome insurmountable obstacles towards success. Seniors, you truly exemplify what it means to “Be Able to have Victory and Power over Adversity.” One can only imagine what the next months and years will have in store, however, what I am certain about is the capacity that each of you has in mastering what your heart desires for life. You may have plans to attend college, or pursue a career in the military, or join the workforce after high school. Whatever your plans are you have been undoubtedly equipped to take on the demands of committing to your goals. There’s no better time than now to reflect on your momentous accomplishments as BAVPA alumni, no matter how big or how small during your tenure at the Arts Academy. As you begin your journey as a young adult I encourage you to start with a focus on what’s in your immediate control. Build your home-court advantage by taking care of your physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being. Know the importance of personal accountability and the responsibility you owe to your neighbor-that being the person that is in need. Look to use your talent to uplift positivity in your community and in the lives of others. Discover the magic in your words by sharing sentiments that show that you care and that listening with an open mind matters most. Challenge yourself to pay attention to others while mastering your future aspirations. Thank you for not giving up; for staying the course with teachers, and for adapting to new ways of learning. I urge you to enjoy life and to continue dancing, singing, drawing, acting, building, journaling, communicating, and playing your song! On behalf of the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts’ administration, teachers, support staff, and partners we CONGRATULATE YOU on a job well-done Class of 2021! Ms. J. Covington, Principal Principal's Message Principal's Message ENTER HERE FOR the CELEBRATION OF THE CLASS OF 2021 SENIORS High School CLASS PICTURES Class of 2022 Class of 2022 Class of 2023 Class of 2023 Class of 2024 Class of 2024 MIDDLE SCHOOL Grade 8 8th Grade Class Pictures Maddison Alvarado Antonette Arrington Jasmyn Barlow William Aytch Marquevious Bradley Madalyn Berti Michael Bradley Kendall Bragg Briah Burney Ava Catanzaro Niyama Choczynski Natalie Colston Nylah Costner Cathlynn Dussault Jarielys Gaymon Meccah Gibson Myshaakan Gibson Harmony Goggins Anisa Jeader Nyasia Lott Clementine McPhail Arianna Negron Melodie Millspaugh Gavin O'Mahen Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 5 NOT PICTURED Administration, Faculty & Staff Staff Ms. Jody Covington, Principal Follow the link below to read the Principal's Message. Mr. J Welka, Assistant Principal Celeste Watson Ms. Jody Covington, Principal Follow the link below to read the Principal's Message. 1/42 DEDICATIONS To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. ATHLETICS Sports Your School News ARTS Majors CLICK HERE TO SEE STUDENT PRODUCTION & NEWS Candids from the Hallways & Classrooms Candids HOME ABOUT ARTS ACADEMY New Page New Page Arts Academy in the News CALENDAR ADMISSION & AUDITIONS New Page OPEN HOUSE New Page High School Program Middle School Program About Library Resources THE ARTS Media Communication Music Dance Theatre Arts Technical Theater Visual Arts ON STAGE New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page New Page CLASS OF 2022 New Page Arts On The Wire Student Blog STUDENT LIFE New Page New Page Distinguished Alumni New Page Class of 2023 New Page National Young Artists Foundation YEAR BOOK 2021 Class of 2021 Staff Directory PARENTS CONTACT US FAQ QUICK LINKS Search Results Web Site Menu

Distinguished Alumni The Arts Academy is extremely proud to have nurtured and molded many successful alumni, some of which include: Jessie L. Martin (The Flash, RENT, Law & Order), Ani DiFranco (Recording artist, Founder of "Babeville"), Claudine Ewing (WGRZ-TV), Pete Gallivan (WGRZ-TV), Stefan Mychajliw (Erie County Comptroller), Ramona Thomas-Reynolds (Principal of MLK), Carmen Intorre (Professional percussionist/drummer, Graduate of Juilliard School of Music), Gabriel Croom (Broadway cast of “Lion King”), Elizabeth Young (President/Creative Director at Studio LLC), Julian Montague (Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Photographer, and Installation Artist), Daniel Croix (Actor in "The Oval", "Manhunt"), Aitina Fareed-Cooke also known as A.I. The Anomaly (Buffalo's Poet Laureate, Get Fokus'd Productions founder, Musician, Photographer, and lyricist). Current Arts Academy alumni on staff include: Jody Covington (Principal), Connor Graham (Theater), Nicole Jones (Dance), David Riffel (Media Communications), Don Jones (Admissions Coordinator). Alumni Works Coming Soon! Coming Soon! Coming Soon! Coming Soon! Get Added to Alumni Works! Photo Memories Alumni News

School Groups Student Matinees BEST SCHOOL-DAY TICKET IN TOWN Matinee Ticket Request Form BOOK YOUR TICKETS TO ARTS Call 716-816-4220, ext 4423 or cgeorge@buffaloschools.org to reserve seats for your student group. Tickets: $3 per student, chaperones free. Best Ticket Price in Town for School-time Productions. The Buffalo Academy for Visual & Performing Arts creates theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire. The professionally developed productions are an opportunity for your students to see the young people that look like them creating incredible works of art. We offer Weekday Student Matinee performances. Every student matinee performance concludes with a brief Q & A with the actors and crew to offer your students a glimpse into our process. We offer performances designated for ASL/AD and wheelchair seating is available in all performances. Attending an Arts Academy performance can ignite students’ creativity, while supporting your curriculum and learning goals. Payments can be made with cash or money order. All payments must be received before the performance date. Additional tickets can be purchased based on availability. 2018-2019 Season - School Group Matinees MUSICALS ON THE MAIN STAGE PLAYS IN THE BLACK BOX SPECIAL PRODUCTIONS NIGHT OF THE LIVING MAJOR a spooky production of Dance, Music, Film, Art, Theatre October 26 - 9:50AM & 7PM BLACK HISTORY PRESENTATION, a Study of W.E.B. DUBOIS February 5 - 9:50AM & 7PM BPO SIDE-BY-SIDE - Free Event KLEINHANS MUSIC HALL May 8 - 7PM PERCEPTIONS Multi-Media Presentation May 17 - 7PM AGES 13 & UP

Music Department MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC GRADES 5-8 GRADES 5-8 GRADES 5-8 GRADES 5-8 GRADES 9-12 GRADES 9-12 GRADES 9-12 GRADES 9-12 COURSES & ENSEMBLES COURSES & ENSEMBLES COURSES & ENSEMBLES COURSES & ENSEMBLES APPLY HERE APPLY HERE APPLY HERE APPLY HERE Learn more about the Music Department Sample of Student Production: Fall 2020

Photos taken by Nero Kennedy

Resources BAVPA Sports Final Forms Athletic Forms BAVPA Sports Schedule BPS Volunteer Application Pearson Connexus Gender ID Policy Site-Based Management Team Virtual Meetings Every 4th Tuesday of the Month Zoom Meeting ID - 619 689 0225 Passcode - BAVPASBMT Guidance Department Info *New - BPS Transcript Request Form BPS Transportation - Bus Info Drinking Water Testing Info DASA Bullying Reporting Page Submit - HERE

Learn more about the Buffalo Arts Academy and how to apply. Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts Alumnae: Claudia Ewing and Michelle D. Hare, Guidance: Mrs. Loveria, Mr. Womack & Mrs. Moore Assistant Principal: Ms. Crispin and Mr. Ricco Principal: Ms. Covington Est. 1977 - Celebrating 40 + Years of Arts in Education Excellence Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year at the Arts Academy. Throughout the seemingly endless challenges, we remain strong in our convictions to place the needs of our students at the forefront of our work. We want parents and students to know that we are here to service the “whole child” and to provide a comprehensive approach to ensure the success of every student. The Arts Academy is the ultimate synergistic space of creative and academic excellence, found no where else in Buffalo. If your child is in need of extra assistance with high school courses, our partners with Canisius College Academic Talent Search is available for tutoring. Please reference the tutoring schedule on the reverse side of the printed progress report, and/or you may find it posted at buffaloartsacademy.org Every student and their family has been linked with a school-based liaison to act as an advisor during these demanding times. Our artistic and SPED teachers have taken the lead in this initiative. School counselors and Student Support Team (SST) members are available to provide individual and small group sessions to address a myriad of social-emotional and mental health needs. Our Arts Academy Wellness Team & physical education teachers promote healthy coping habits each month. A few years ago we celebrated our 40th year of serving the students of Buffalo. Our public school was born out of the desegregation order of 1976 to offer students an opportunity to pursue their talents in various art disciplines, while also completing a full academic program of instruction. Modeled after the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Performing Arts in New York City, we offer students the finest studio training in music, visual arts, technical theater, media communication, theater, and dance. Although we just celebrated a milestone year, each and every year features a new and ever-greater celebration of our proud heritage, our dedicated staff, successful alumni, supportive parents, and – most of all – our talented students. We honor the past, we celebrate today and we will build toward tomorrow! Our entire school community is proud of the strides we have taken over the past several years. We grew into a school in Good Standing and continue to celebrate our 85% on-time graduation rate. Our students accomplish work in their various art disciplines on top of their regular studies and are continuously being recognized in the community for excellence. Our successful alumni are evidence of the good foundation we are laying here and they continue to support this school where they emerged as young artists. We will continue to strive for excellence with the finest pre-conservatory studio training in the arts disciplines in concert with our rigorous college preparatory coursework. After this visit to our website, we encourage you to come back for more – more information about the Arts Academy events, more photos, more news, and more Arts Academy excitement. On behalf of the entire Arts Academy community – students, staff, parents, and alumni – I extend my wishes for another successful year. Ms. Jody Covington, Principal & Alumna Inside the Arts Academy Choir Room 1 Choir room one Main Stage The Main Stage of BAVPA East Ferry View of BAVPA East Ferry view of BAVPA Choir Room 1 Choir room one 1/7 Our Philosophy The dual mission of the Arts Academy is to provide each student with professional preparation in a pre-conservatory arts education program and college preparatory academic education. Our History The Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts was founded as part of the desegregation plan in 1977. The goal was simple: provide an exciting college preparatory program for students in the arts and academics that will attract all races and ethnicities. Since our beginnings at 333 Clinton Street, the school has grown in numbers and in depth. In September 2007, we moved to our new state of the art facility, location at 450 Masten Avenue. Opened in September of 1977, the Buffalo Academy for Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School. At that time, the Arts Academy was located on the site of the former Clinton Junior High School, which had been renovated with state-of-the-art studios, performance and exhibition spaces, to accommodate the specialized program offerings of: dance, theatre, music, visual art technical theatre, and media communications television, film, and podcasting.

Disaster! Disaster! Disaster! Disaster! A 70s DISASTER MOVIE... MUSICAL! Disaster! Photos By: Media Communications Department

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM The Arts Academy's highly qualified staff prepares our students for both college and career readiness, with excellence in both the Arts and Academics. Visit the Guidance Department page for more detailed information. Our current students continue to exceed NYS targets for academic performance, produce award-winning visual artwork, participate in All-County Music Festival, perform with the Buffalo Philharmonic, win entry to many film festivals, and attend the NYS Summer School for the Arts. All students are exposed to multiple guest artists and are challenged with professional level curriculum and training. The school is presently partnered with many outside organizations who support our rigorous curriculum. These partnership allow our students to be involved within our community. Many of our outside organizations focus on integrating the various arts experiences as well as helping discover and develop their artistic talents. We support and nurture our students continued growth through these programs. Programs of Study and Admissions The Arts Academy has six (6) distinctive major areas of study: Music (Vocal and Instrumental), Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, Technical Theatre, and Media Communications (TV & Film). The Arts Academy requires that all students audition in their artistic area and formally submit an application through the district to include: academic records, testing information, and a letter of recommendation. Auditions are held in the fall of each year for admission the following September. Advanced Placement Courses and Accelerated Courses The Arts Academy offers Advanced Placement courses in the following areas: Literature and Composition, Language and Composition, World History, U.S. History, Biology, Spanish, Art History, Studio in Art, and Music Theory. All students are encouraged to complete at least one (1) Advanced Placement course prior to graduation. Students in Grade 8 may choose to enroll in accelerated high school courses including Algebra and Living Environment. Electives - All students are encouraged to pursue courses outside of their major area of study to enrich their experience at the Arts Academy. Electives include but are not limited to: Keyboarding, Career & Financial Management, Digital Photography, Design/Draw for Production, Studio in Media Arts, African American History, Independent Living, Sports Business Management, College Transition, Business Communications, AP Computer Science Principles (Math Course), STEM/WozEd and Studio in Art. Grading System A- Excellent 92 – 100 3.50 – 4.00 B- Above Average 83 – 91 2.65 – 3.49 C- Average 82 – 74 1.90 – 2.64 D- Below Average 65 – 73 1.05 – 1.89 F- Failure 64 or Below 0.00- 1.04 Advanced Placement Courses are weighted 1.1% GPA’s are calculated by averaging the courses students took in grades 9 through 11, including summer school. We do not calculate class rank. Visit the Guidance Department Page for more information and resources

CLASS OF 2024 PROM PHOTOS SENIOR SLIDESHOW Graduation ceremony Graduation ceremony Graduation ceremony Graduation ceremony BLACK BOX GRADUATION PORTRAITS GRADUATION CANDIDS & GROUP SHOTS GRADUATION CEREMONY

Winter Dance Concert Winter Dance Concert Winter Dance Concert Winter Dance Concert Live event filmed & edited by the Media Communications Department