Download Student Qualifications for the Conservatory

Student Qualifications for the Conservatory
Freshman and sophomore students who articulate their desire to pursue the Conservatory program in
their discipline of study will be considered as having pre-Conservatory status. It is during these two
years (9th & 10th grades) that faculty will mentor and guide students in building their capabilities
within the curriculum. Prior to entering the student’s junior year (11th grade), a meeting will be
scheduled with parents, the student and respective faculty to assess the pre-conservatory experience,
evaluate the pros and cons of the Conservatory program, and, if applicable, chart a course of study for
the junior and senior years.
Each curricular area (art, music, theatre) will develop a recommended course of study for students
with pre-Conservatory status. It is recommended that students during this period explore a variety of
courses in their respective arts discipline, as well as, fully engaging in the academic curriculum so that
all DCDS graduation requirements are met and a well-rounded education is at the core of the four
year DCDS experience.
The Conservatory Program has the flexibility to customize a course of study depending on each
individual’s goals. In each arts discipline, however, there will be core curricular experiences that will
be required. In the Fine Arts department, AP Art History and AP Studio Art will be at the center of the
Conservatory experience. In the Theatre Department the two year series of Theatre Arts IB and
Advanced Theatre Arts IB will be at the center of the Conservatory course of study in Theatre.
Even though each student will have a major focus in their work, additional arts experiences will be
encouraged. As an example, a theatre student should be encouraged to join the choir and/or take a
class in music theory. A vocal music should seriously consider a theatre course in anticipation and
preparation for performance opportunities. A fine arts student who has a passion for sculpture would
benefit from understanding life drawing or another medium, such as metals. To that end, the AP Art
History course has far reaching applications for all students in the Conservatory program.
New Additions/ Requirements to our Existing Programs

Increased required course load of at least four-six (4-6) credits in the arts specialization.
Currently minimum graduation requirements for DCDS are just one (1) credit or two semester
courses of fine & performing arts.

Senior recital. In the performing arts this may take the form of a music recital (vocal &
instrumental), a theatre acting recital (showcasing a variety of prepared theatrical pieces in
monologue or scene for) or, as in the case of fine arts students, a showing of art work that
truly represents the best of their portfolio.

Formalized professional partnerships with Chamber Music Society of Detroit, Great Lakes
Chamber Festival, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble & Stratford Festival of Canada.