The visual and performing arts program provides students with opportunities to experience beauty in music and art and to explore the processes necessary for attaining that beauty.  Students develop interests that provide a lifelong vehicle for enjoyment and personal expression.

Marching & Concert Band

Throughout the eastern United States, R-MA’s award-winning band has earned a reputation for excellence. The band performs several concerts each year and plays for sporting events and Air Force JROTC parades. The band travels throughout the region to perform in parades and takes at least one extended tour each year. Recent tours have included Orlando, Florida; Holland, Michigan; Sandusky, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; Indianapolis, Indiana; and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. Performance on a frequent basis is expected, which further develops the talent of individual players. The school will award annually an aerospace equivalency credit, an elective credit, or two semesters of physical education credit. Participation in this program does not apply towards the Air Force JROTC certificate of proficiency.

Chorus

The chorus, which has earned numerous awards in regional competitions, performs concerts and at chapel services on campus, in addition to competing in contests and festivals off-campus each year.  The chorus makes a spring tour, performing in such locales as Virginia Beach, Florida, and Tennessee. 

Handbell Choir

Hand bell choir provides an in-depth study of the mechanics of music through the performance of music literature on the Academy’s three-octave set of English hand bells.  The hand bell choir performs often on and off campus for chapel services and special events.  This course is offered only if ten or more students express interest.  

Music Theory

Music Theory is a self-paced computer instructed course designed to provide increased understanding of the basic elements of music and to prepare students for further study of music on the collegiate level. Students use Alfred Publishing’s Essentials of Music Theory Software, which includes musical examples from symphonies, marches, operas, oratorios, concertos and piano literature from many periods and cultures. Ear training is integrated into every lesson. Pre-requisites: Band student or students of some musical involvement. 

Studio Art

Students apply and are selected. Art instruction uses an individualized approach, so students may work at their own level of achievement and can explore a variety of materials and techniques, including pencil and color pencil, watercolor, acrylics, and a variety of papers and other surfaces. Through this approach, students become aware of the perseverance and skill involved in the production of a work of art. This course is offered during activity time. Pre-requisite: Completion of PE requirements.

Digital Photography

Photography will use digital cameras to study the fundamentals in photographic design and composition. Computers and software are used for digital editing.

Photography Internship

The school photographer trains a small group of experienced photography students in the fundamentals of photographic design and composition and editing utilizing computer technology. Students in this class provide photography for the yearbook and literary magazine. This class is limited in size. Pre-requisite: digital camera and interview.