Visual & Performing Arts

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  • Visual & Performing Arts programs enrich learning throughout the School District of Manatee County by providing students an opportunity to celebrate their creativity and self-expression while learning valuable skills like time-management and how to work collaboratively.

    To see our students shine, join us for an event and become part of their success story.

SDMC Arts Calendar

Summer Camps

  • Visual and Performing Arts Summer Camps
    The School District of Manatee County VPA Summer Camp program provides the opportunity for current 5th – 8th graders (or rising 6th – rising 9th) students to participate in high-quality, standards-based activities and experiences focusing on one of the Arts: band, orchestra, chorus, theater/dance or art. Each camp will conclude with a parent/community showcase highlighting student performances in that specific art form. This is a great opportunity for students entering 6th grade in Fall 2023 to start playing an instrument and get a jumpstart on their school year! This is also a fun opportunity for students who are currently playing an instrument to continue improving their skills over the summer.

    Registration is now closed for all VPA Summer Camps. 

    Additional Details:

    • Free for all SDMC enrolled students – Current 5th – 8th Graders (or Rising 6th – Rising 9th)
    • Beginners/those with no experience are welcome!!
    • Monday through Thursday, June 5th – 8th and 12th – 15th
      • Both weeks are required
    • Students who choose to attend camp are expected to take the same course during the next school year.
    • Instruments provided if needed
    • Breakfast/Lunch Provided
    • Student Hours
      • 7:30AM – 8:30AM – Dropoff/Breakfast
      • 8:30AM – 4:00PM – Instruction
      • 4:00PM – 4:30PM – Dismiss/Pickup
    • Camp Locations
      • Band – Braden River Middle
      • Art - Braden River Elementary
      • Orchestra and Theatre/Dance – Johnson Middle
      • Choir Camp – Parrish Community High
    • Transportation is not provided.   

    VPA Camp Volunteer Opportunity

    Are you a high school student that wants to volunteer at one of the summer VPA Camps? Apply here - https://form.jotform.com/230953882719165

    • Dates: Same as above, you can choose which days in the application you are available. 
    • Morning Shift - 7AM - 12PM
    • Afternoon Shift - 12PM - 4:30PM
      • You can volunteer all day if you choose. 
    • Breakfast/Lunch provided by SDMC Food Service

    smARTen Up Summer Camp
    The Manatee Arts Education Council is proud to host smARTen UP Summer Camp. The camp is an effort to enhance and enrich the learning of our district’s current rising 1st - 6th grade students. In addition to art and general music, students directly benefit from this program by receiving instruction from certified and highly-qualified arts educators in arts content areas not traditionally offered in the elementary arts curricula, including dance, theatre, band, orchestra, and media arts.

    Registration is now closed for the smARTen Up Summer Camp. 

    Additional Details:

    • Tuition: $200
      • Scholarships are available
      • $25 Extended Supervision Available
    • Monday through Thursday, June 5th – 8th
    • Breakfast/Lunch Provided
    • Student Hours
      • 7:00AM –  8:00AM –   Extended Supervision (Additional Cost)
      • 8:00AM – 8:30AM – Dropoff/Breakfast
      • 8:30AM – 4:00PM – Instruction (lunch included)
      • 4:00PM – Dismiss/Pickup
      • 4:00PM –   6:00PM –   Extended Supervision (Additional Cost)
    • Camp Location
      • Lee Middle
    • Transportation is not provided. 

    smARTen Up Camp Volunteer Opportunity

    Are you a high school student that wants to volunteer at the smARTen Up Camp? Apply here - https://form.jotform.com/230954645280156

    • Dates: Same as above, you can choose which days in the application you are available. 
    • Morning Shift - 8AM - 12PM
    • Afternoon Shift - 12PM - 4PM
      • You can volunteer all day if you choose. 
    • Breakfast/Lunch provided by SDMC Food Service

Programs

  • A variety of visual and performing arts programs are offered throughout the district based on grade level.

    K-12 Art is offered at all schools.

    K-5 Music is offered at all elementary schools.

    Band and Orchestra are offered at all high schools and most middle schools. 

    Choir and Theatre/Dance are offered at most high schools and some middle schools. 

    Other Programs, such as Digital Art, Guitar, Jazz Band, Film, etc., are offered at select schools and grade levels. Please visit each school's website to learn more.

Community Partners

  • We are fortunate to have several community partners supporting the visual and performing arts in the School District of Manatee County.
    Our gratitude and a round of applause goes to...

    Embracing Our Differences
    Hecht Foundation
    Manatee Arts Education Council (MAEC)
    Manatee Community Foundation
    Manatee Education Foundation
    USF Center for PAINT
    Van Wezel Foundation

Our Team