Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are students required to participate in the fine arts?
A: In elementary school, students are required to take art from 1st - 6th grade, and general music from 1st - 4th grade. Our goal is to expose children to visual art and music. In 5th grade students select a band or string instrument, and are required to take either band or strings in 5th and 6th grade. Our goal is that students have the experience of playing an instrument in a group setting.
In junior high, students are required to take art in 7th and 8th grade (alternating with physical education). Our goal is to expose students to digital arts, the fastest growing segment in the art field. Students may elect to take band, strings, or chorus, which meet daily.
In high school, all fine arts courses are electives. However, all students beginning with the class of 2014 must take 2 semesters of fine arts to graduate. Please note that while the cooking and managing transitions courses (practical arts) satisfy the MHS graduation requirement, they do not satisfy the Arts "minimum core" endorsed by public universities in Ohio, or the Department of Education's Honors Diploma criteria.
Q: Should my child be taking private instruction in music / art / theater?
A: We understand that not all families have the time and capacity for outside instruction, and it is not a requirement. We also recognize that even a limited amount of outside instruction has individual and group benefits. While our teachers strive to challenge all students regardless of level, it is difficult in a classroom or extracurricular setting to match the level of attention your child will receive from a private lesson; our instructors are working with a group of students, and time for individual instruction is very limited. If you do wish to pursue private instruction, our instructors can refer you to resources in our community.
Q: My child plays piano - is there a place for this?
A: Yes. High school pianists have taken on the role of accompanist for our chorus, Showstoppers, spring musical, and string and band Solo and Ensemble Competitions. Occasionally there is a piano part in the concert band music. Pianists also make GREAT mallet players and we welcome you to join band or Drumline! Interested students should contact the chorus, band, or strings instructors for further information.
Q: My child is active in a number of things - sports, clubs, church, etc. Will Mariemont accommodate activities that overlap or conflict at times?
A: At Mariemont we believe in the well rounded scholar, and encourage students to pursue a variety of activities. Our teachers, coaches, and parents make every effort to accommodate multiple commitments and work through conflicts. We ask parents to be aware of two things: first, academics always come first; second there are times when particular activities or roles require a very high level of commitment, and may require a student to make difficult choices (a large role in a play, for example, or a starting position on an athletic team).
Q: Do all fine arts groups take trips?
A: Our High school Band, Chorus, and Strings usually plan a trip every two years (each group plans and travels separately). In the past, students have traveled to New York City, Disney World, Salt Lake City, and Chicago, among other places. We attend a variety of musical performances, and of course see the famous local sights! Fundraising helps to reduce the cost of the trip for our students. Our policy is that no student should miss the trip for financial reasons.
Q: Will students or parents have to do a lot of fundraising?
A: Fundraising done by each group goes directly to their program, often to fund their trips. Fundraising is never mandatory, though it is important and appreciated. Our Band families work the indoor sports concessions stand during the winter sports season (November - February). Our String families sponsor a fabulous dinner served prior to the MHS Fall play. Our Visual Arts raise most of their funds through the sale of their creations at Holiday Fair. Our Chorus often sells flowers and refreshments at MHS performance intermissions. In addition, groups sponsor a variety of other fundraisers on a one-time basis; we are always willing to consider new fundraising ideas!
Q: What is OMEA, and what are competitions and honors band / chorus / orchestra?
A: OMEA is the Ohio Music Education Association, and is dedicated to promoting music education for students across the state. Mariemont is a member of OMEA district 14.
OMEA sponsors three competitions: Individual, Solo & Ensemble, and Large Group. Participating students prepare music from a pre-approved selection (either solo, or as part of an ensemble), and perform before a panel of judges who are music educators. Students receive a rating based on their performance and the level of difficulty of the music. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain experience performing, and to receive valuable feedback on their progression.
OMEA also sponsors an Honors Band, Orchestra, and Chorus at both the junior high and high school level. Students from across the district prepare pre-selected music, and audition before a judge who is a music educator. Students are also asked to site read during the audition. Top students are selected to rehearse and perform with other students selected from schools across the region. There are typically three rehearsals and one concert; rehearsals and concerts usually occur evenings and weekends over the course of three weeks in the fall.
Q: What about a student's workload? Would a study hall be more useful than an arts elective?
A: We are proud that our artists, band, string and chorus members are regularly represented in MHS academic honors, and are often National Merit Scholarship winners and finalists, class salutatorians, Cum Laude graduates and college scholarship winners. College admissions officers recognize and respect the dedication of students who study a musical instrument or pursue a serious course of art throughout their school years, rather than dipping into various activities to "build" a resume. A student's proven ability to balance academics with the demands of practice and performance schedules is considered a strong indicator of success at handling the rigors of college life.
Q: Is theater programming all extracurricular?
A: Yes - we offer a fall play and spring musical. There are roles and responsibilities for all levels of involvement, either on stage or behind the scenes.
Q: My student is interested in a class that is not / no longer offered at Mariemont - is there anything they can do?
A: Yes. We have Credit Flexibility, which means students can work with their teachers and school counselor to propose an independent study course for high school credit. While we cannot guarantee that the proposal will be approved, or that the teacher will have time to supervise the class, we encourage students to contact their teacher and guidance counselor and to consider this option. As part of Credit Flexibility, students may also pursue an existing accredited class, either online or at a local institution, and should contact their counselor if this is of interest.
Notes:
Programming may change over time to keep pace with trends in Arts education.