FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does VPA mean?
VPA stands for the Visual and Performing Arts Magnet program at Booker Middle School. The mission of the program is “to identify highly interested and talented students and provide them with an enriched, culturally diverse, and technology-infused arts education. Our program participants will use the arts to enhance their core academic performance. VPA students will perform their artistic discipline in and outside of the school setting. Upon leaving the program in the eighth grade, VPA students will be proficient on all assessments and be prepared to participate in high school level arts courses. The overarching goal of the program is to create lifelong consumers and producers of the arts.”
Do I need experience to be accepted?
No, experience in the art discipline is NOT necessary to participate, however, talent and experience demonstrated at the audition will determine a student’s placement in the appropriate level (ex. Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced).
How do I audition?
Interested students and families should email the VPA department chair, Carrie Mills, at the school to set up an audition. Our first round of auditions for each year occurs in early February (see website for specific date). After that round is completed, individual auditions (and mid-year transfers) are scheduled at a mutually agreeable time for both VPA faculty and interested parties. School phone: 941-359-5824
Can I audition for more than one discipline?
Yes, students can audition for up to two (2) disciplines. Booker Middle School students have room in their daily schedules for two (2) elective classes. The ten VPA disciplines offered at BMS are: Dance, Drama, 2D/3D Art, Graphic Design, Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Creative Writing, Musical Theatre, and TV/Film.
Do I have to own my own instrument?
No, we have plenty of instruments for students! However, if you DO own your own instrument, you are encouraged to use it while you are part of the VPA program.
Are there any fees associated with the program?
No, there are no required fees associated with the VPA program. However, many disciplines request a modest “enrichment fee” to help cover direct program costs.
Can I be a part of both the VPA and Gifted/Academically Talented programs?
Yes! A large portion of our current VPA students are also part of our Gifted program.
What kind of commitment should I expect?
Students are expected to commit to VPA programs for the entire school year. VPA classes meet EVERY DAY and excellent attendance is vital for program success. Students are also expected to participate in afterschool rehearsals, evening performances/shows, and weekend and evening events in the community. Parents are expected to contribute a minimum of 10 volunteer hours at the school in any capacity during the school year.
Do I have to sign a contract?
Yes, both parents and students are expected to sign a contract promising to abide by the rules and regulations of the VPA program which include maintaining a minimum GPA in core and VPA classes, abiding by the campus behavior expectations, and demonstrating a commitment to continuing artistic development.
I’m already in middle school, can I still audition?
Yes! A student can audition for the VPA program when they are entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.
Booker is not my districted school. Is there transportation available?
Yes, transportation for students living in Sarasota County can be arranged.
What does VPA mean?
VPA stands for the Visual and Performing Arts Magnet program at Booker Middle School. The mission of the program is “to identify highly interested and talented students and provide them with an enriched, culturally diverse, and technology-infused arts education. Our program participants will use the arts to enhance their core academic performance. VPA students will perform their artistic discipline in and outside of the school setting. Upon leaving the program in the eighth grade, VPA students will be proficient on all assessments and be prepared to participate in high school level arts courses. The overarching goal of the program is to create lifelong consumers and producers of the arts.”
Do I need experience to be accepted?
No, experience in the art discipline is NOT necessary to participate, however, talent and experience demonstrated at the audition will determine a student’s placement in the appropriate level (ex. Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced).
How do I audition?
Interested students and families should email the VPA department chair, Carrie Mills, at the school to set up an audition. Our first round of auditions for each year occurs in early February (see website for specific date). After that round is completed, individual auditions (and mid-year transfers) are scheduled at a mutually agreeable time for both VPA faculty and interested parties. School phone: 941-359-5824
Can I audition for more than one discipline?
Yes, students can audition for up to two (2) disciplines. Booker Middle School students have room in their daily schedules for two (2) elective classes. The ten VPA disciplines offered at BMS are: Dance, Drama, 2D/3D Art, Graphic Design, Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Creative Writing, Musical Theatre, and TV/Film.
Do I have to own my own instrument?
No, we have plenty of instruments for students! However, if you DO own your own instrument, you are encouraged to use it while you are part of the VPA program.
Are there any fees associated with the program?
No, there are no required fees associated with the VPA program. However, many disciplines request a modest “enrichment fee” to help cover direct program costs.
Can I be a part of both the VPA and Gifted/Academically Talented programs?
Yes! A large portion of our current VPA students are also part of our Gifted program.
What kind of commitment should I expect?
Students are expected to commit to VPA programs for the entire school year. VPA classes meet EVERY DAY and excellent attendance is vital for program success. Students are also expected to participate in afterschool rehearsals, evening performances/shows, and weekend and evening events in the community. Parents are expected to contribute a minimum of 10 volunteer hours at the school in any capacity during the school year.
Do I have to sign a contract?
Yes, both parents and students are expected to sign a contract promising to abide by the rules and regulations of the VPA program which include maintaining a minimum GPA in core and VPA classes, abiding by the campus behavior expectations, and demonstrating a commitment to continuing artistic development.
I’m already in middle school, can I still audition?
Yes! A student can audition for the VPA program when they are entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.
Booker is not my districted school. Is there transportation available?
Yes, transportation for students living in Sarasota County can be arranged.