Welcome!
The Mission of Three Rivers Community Schools is to educate, motivate and inspire all students to reach their full potential, to become successful adults, and to pursue their dreams.

Philosophy

Education in the arts is an important aspect of a child’s education. The philosophical foundation for the district’s K-12 arts education curriculum is rooted in our goal to develop in students a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and, for those who choose, the ability to perform in music ensembles, theater productions, and a variety of visual arts media. Through performing, describing, and creating, arts students learn to understand what they see and hear.

The district’s formal Performing Arts curriculum includes music education and theater education instruction. The Visual Arts program is described separately on the Visual Arts page (see sidebar at right). Although dance is not a formal part of the curriculum, it is woven into the fabric of the district through creative movement and folk dance in physical education, music classes and classrooms, as well as through field trips and performances by visiting artists in our schools.

Goals

• To develop lifelong appreciation for the arts.
• To develop student understanding of the fundamentals of music (i.e., melody, rhythm, harmony, form, tone color, expressive qualities) and/or theater (i.e., stage movement, characterization, vocal production, lighting and set design, costume and make-up design, stage management, directing, play analysis, and marketing).
• To develop student ability to perform, describe what is heard, and create music or drama.
• To develop student instrumental and/or vocal music skills to a high level of performance capability.
• To develop student rehearsal and performance practices which are essential for participation in excellent musical ensembles and theater productions.

Achievements

• Three Rivers High School Symphony Band and Marching Band consistently receive high ratings and trophies in competitions and festivals. These ensembles are known for their musicianship, ability to perform a variety of literature well, and overall excellence in the concert hall and on the marching field.
• Vocal music ensembles from the Middle School and High School receive frequent invitations to perform in the community and area. The enthusiastic, fine quality performances of the Aristocrats, High School Choir, and Middle School Choirs are well received. The number of students enrolled in the secondary choral music program is on the rise.
• A K-12 music education curriculum has been in place for over a decade, with print materials (textbooks for grades 2-5; vocal music technique books for grades 7-8; and song books), CDs, videos, and computer software purchased to support improved music instruction in our district.
• All students in grades K-5 receive music instruction from a music specialist. All of these students have the opportunity to perform at least once a year and always sing for a “packed house.” The majority of class time is devoted to singing, listening, movement, and music literacy experiences.
• Drama productions are presented once or twice a year giving our students the ability to showcase their acting talents.
• The 969-seat Performing Arts Center offers a state-of-the-art performance space for use by all of the schools in the Three Rivers School District as well as the community. In addition, professional touring performing arts groups are regularly booked at the P.A.C. throughout the year.
• The Band Boosters and High School Choir Boosters work hard to support music education in the Three Rivers Community Schools.
• There are many efforts by community and school staff members to assist our performing ensembles in a number of ways.