The CoSA Conservatory Program

The Coronado School of the Arts is divided into five departments. Students apply and audition or show a portfolio for entrance into one of the five, conservatory departments. The departments within the conservatory:

Classical/Contemporary Dance

Training is emphasized in ballet, modern dance, and jazz forms. Each student is challenged with opportunities to explore the entire world of dance, including choreography and ethnic dance experiences.

Digital Media

Training is emphasized in Elements of Art, Principles of Design, Graphics, Web Design, Animation, Video / Film, Digital Photography, and Portfolio Development.

Instrumental Music

Training is emphasized in classical and jazz music. Students study music theory, music history, ear training, jazz theory and improvisation, electronic music skills, composition and orchestration. Students perform individually or with small ensembles and chamber groups during frequent recitals and concerts. All students have access to a state-of-the-art electronic music studio where students compose, arrange, and record music.

Musical Theatre and Drama

Training is emphasized in acting, singing, and dancing for theatre, as well as Shakespeare, theatre history, directing and playwriting. Students perform in as many as three major productions a year, as well as in musical theatre revues and scene workshops.

Technical Theatre

Training is provided in design and production in the areas of lighting, sound, set building, costuming, and stage management. These students work on CoSA shows and have opportunities to work with professional designers from Southern California theatres and local universities.

Visual Art

Individualized training is emphasized in the fundamentals and advanced techniques of art. Life Drawing classes and the “Business of Art” are essential elements of the students’ training. Students develop a personal style and portfolio through drawing, painting, and mixed media. Students may explore other interest areas such as clothing design, sculpture or other media.

Additional Activities:

In addition to their conservatory-style instruction, students participate in regular CoSA productions, concerts and exhibitions; in smaller performing groups such as the acclaimed CoSA Repertory Company, which performed original works written by CoSA students; small music ensembles such as classical, jazz, and folk groups; dance ensembles, such as the Coronado Dance Company; and in community arts festivals such as San Diego Trolley Dances, Coronado Art Walk, and Bravo!

Field trips to San Diego and Los Angeles performances and art museums are a part of the CoSA curriculum program. Speakers from arts colleges and conservatories, as well as professional guest artists, help CoSA students decide on their next steps.

CoSA is unique as a public high school of the arts because it:

• Welcomes talented arts students from all over San Diego County, regardless of their financial resources, based on an audition or portfolio review and admissions interview, and offers them an outstanding college-preparatory curriculum through Coronado High School, plus intensive arts classes and performance experiences;
• Provides majors in five specific arts disciplines like a college conservatory program;
• Employs arts professionals, as well as certificated teachers, as faculty members;
• Incorporates weekly one-on-one counseling and mentoring as part of the CoSA program;
• Provides small classes (under 20-1 teacher-student ratio);
• Offers college credit in conjunction with Southwestern College; and
• Makes internships in the arts available to juniors and seniors through partnerships and affiliations with respected arts organizations, many of which are represented on CoSA’s Professional Advisory Council.

Artwork by CoSA Alumna Stephanie Cummings