Lamar Fine Arts Academy is Austin ISD’s top choice for middle school fine arts programs, as we strive to provide every student with a fulfilling and all-encompassing middle school experience that nurtures the whole child. Lamar provides a program for students to pursue an accelerated arts curriculum while in middle school, including coursework for high school credit. By creating a middle school with a fine arts focus in Austin, the Academy fills an important role in the larger community. The FAA features partnerships with arts organizations and artists drawn from the internationally recognized Austin arts community, McCallum High School, and the University of Texas at Austin. In short, our academic programs are comprehensive and rigorous, our athletic programs are dynamic, our parent and community involvement is flourishing, and most importantly, our student body is happy. We are Lamar!

AISD has created a Common Application for their magnet programs in order to streamline the application process for current AISD students. The application is accessible through the parent portal in the AISD Cloud. We require all AISD families to utilize the common application page which will pull your student's recommendations and grades.

- If you already have an account in the Parent Portal and you're ready to apply, use the Apply Now button below to go directly to the Common Application.

APPLY NOW!

- To create an account and apply for one of our programs of choice, please visit Create a Parent Portal . Need assistance? Please call 512-414-9187.

After you click "Submit", you will see a link for "Teacher Recommendations". Click on this link to send the recommendation form to your teachers. Please follow up with your teachers to ensure they have sent their recommendations.

The next step will be to learn about your audition and/or major requirements in the Lamar FAA 2023-24 Handbook.

You will be contacted closer to the auditions with a link to sign up for a time slot.

For the most up to date info, visit the Lamar website.

Please email Briana O'Guin with questions or for more information at briana.burns@austinisd.org.

Monday, October 17th, 2022

AISD Intent to Apply to a Magnet/Application Program (Part 1) available through the Parent Cloud.

(If not currently an AISD student, visit https://my.austinisd.org/LoginPolicy.jsp to create an account. For help, please call Parent Cloud Support at 512-414-9187.)

Saturday, October 22nd, 2022

AISD School Showcase

9 am-12pm, Palmer Events Center

Saturday, December 10th, 2022

Lamar Fine Arts Academy Information Sessions at Lamar

Session 1: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Session 2: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Parents and Students may attend both sessions to find out about two different majors, however, you can only apply for one.

**All major strands being offered in 2023-24 will be open for exploration at both sessions.**

Friday, January 13th, 2023

LAMAR FAA APPLICATION DEADLINE

Teacher Recommendations Also Due @ This Time

Intent to Apply Application MUST be completed by 4 pm this date.

Saturday, January 14th, 2023

FAA Auditions/Interviews @ Lamar MS 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

As applications to Lamar FAA are received, audition times will be emailed to applicants – make sure you are checking the email address you provided in the application packet. .

Monday, February 6, 2023

Parents will be notified through the Intent to Apply Portal.

(Please note: There is no appeals process.)

Friday, February 17, 2023

Intent to Enroll Decisions Due in the Intent to Apply Portal

AISD Transfers

Please Note: Once you accept this offer, we take care of your AISD transfer. You do not need to do anything else(except live in the AISD attendance zone). We handle the transfer, but transportation to and from school is your responsibility.

**AISD does not provide bus service for LFAA students who live outside Lamar’s attendance zone.**

LAMAR BAND PROGRAM

The renowned Lamar Middle School Bands are directed by Luis Corpus. The Lamar Scottie Band program consists of Beginning Band, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and Jazz Factory.

"The mission of the Lamar Middle School Band Program in Austin, Texas is to provide students with an enriching musical experience: to facilitate students in developing a level of musical growth that will enhance their quality of life and enable them to become lifelong advocates of music."

LAMAR CHOIR PROGRAM

The LMS choirs have earned superior ratings at the annual UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest, superior ratings in the Schlitterbahn Soundwaves and Alamo Showcase Competitions, have performed at the Texas State Capitol, as well as Carnegie Hall. The Lamar choirs have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Austin Singers, the Austin Community College Singers, St. John’s United Methodist Church, and the University of Texas.

The Lamar choirs are The Purple Pups, The Doggie Dames, the Top Dawgs, Scottie Singers, and POP!

Learn more about audition requirements for Lamar Choir: Www.lamarchoir.com/faaauditionrequirements

CLASSICAL GUITAR PROGRAM

Lamar's Classical Guitar is the flagship middle school guitar program in AISD.

We have three classical guitar classes at Lamar: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Guitar.

The Classical Guitar instructor is David Conger.

**PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING NEW APPLICANTS FOR THE 2023-24 ACADEMIC YEAR**

LAMAR DANCE PROGRAM

Lamar Dance is under the direction of Natalia Luna, Claire Wood, and Emily Roe. The dance program is one of the strands in the Lamar Middle School Fine Arts Academy.

"Dance education in Texas schools provides all students with the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of dance as an art form. Students learn and refine dance skills and techniques in class and in performance, study the historical and cultural significance of dance and its evolution as an art form, and evaluate personal work and the work of others.

- Dance Curriculum Framework, Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts

Beginning Dance: (predominantly non-dance majors for PE credit - open to all grade levels) offered as a year-long class; the curriculum focuses the study of the Elements of Dance, World Dance, Ballet and Jazz dance. Students will learn basic skills and techniques to begin their dance education as well as dance history and theory. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a fall and spring dance production.

Ballet: Lamar is now offering ballet classes. Ms. Natalia Luna will be Lamar's ballet instructor.

Intermediate Dance: (predominantly non-dance majors for PE credit - open to 7th/8th graders who have completed Beginning Dance or Dance Majors of any grade level) offered as a year-long class; the curriculum will focus on Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary/Modern dance with a required Fall and Spring performance.

Advance Dance: (predominantly dance majors - open to 7th/8th graders or Dance Majors of any grade level by audition only) offered as a year-long class; the curriculum will focus on Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary/Modern, and Choreography/Dance Production with a required fall and spring performance.

Dance Company: (predominantly dance majors - 7th/8th grade only by audition) offered as a year-long class; the curriculum will focus on Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary/Modern, and Choreography/Dance Production with an emphasis on performance qualities. Company will have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the school year which will include, but are not limited to, a fall and spring show.

Please visit the Lamar Dance website for more information about the program and how you can get involved in the Dance Guild, the parent-run booster club that works to support and enhance the dance program at Lamar. The Dance Guild will be meeting the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Library.

DIGITAL ARTS PROGRAM

The Digital Arts and Media program is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of digital media creation. The program aims to enhance computer literacy, to analyze current and emerging technologies, and to challenge the student to produce unique and creative multimedia projects. Each course offers students the opportunity to develop as an artist while participating in the shared experience of media production.

We have two pathways available: Digital Media Production and Digital Photography. Students may take classes in both areas in order to fulfill strand obligations.

Digital Arts and Media Classes include:

Photography I: Students will learn all aspects of photography from setting up a shot artistically to delivering products in a competitive market. It is taught in a computer lab using appropriate software such as Photoshop and Lightroom (Digital Darkrooms). Students will be expected to develop an understanding of photography in both industry and creative arts with a focus on creating quality photographs (6th-grade only; yearlong).

Exploratory CTE: Media Arts: This course is focused on exploring multiple forms of media arts such as graphic design, photography, animation, a/v production, & more. Working with equipment & various digital applications to create original media projects. (6th-grade only; yearlong)

Web Design: Students employ creativity and innovation to create and design websites. Students will explore web design & development through analysis of design & implementation of digital applications. Researching current technologies in web design & information literacy, practice digital citizenship, & gain in-depth understanding of web design. (7th & 8th-grade; yearlong class; HS credit).

Principles of Art, A/V Technology, and Communication (AAVTC): Principles of Arts and AV is the high school introduction course where students will be provided an opportunity to develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in Arts and AV. This course allows students to develop knowledge and skills related to information management and presentation in photography, animation, graphic design, video technology, and desktop publishing (7th & 8th-grade; yearlong class; HS credit).

Digital Media (previously Photography II - Adv. Camera & Equipment & Adv. Digital Created) This course is focused on advancing your knowledge in two main sections of photography: Equipment & Post- Production. Students will learn advanced digital camera skills, while learning to develop their own concepts for photography projects. Students will also learn advanced features of Adobe Photoshop to enhance their digital photographs. (8th-grade only; yearlong class; HS Credit)

Digital Art and Animation: Students will explore the history of & work through the production processes of creating original animation art. Using video, audio, original drawings, & various programs, this course allows students to develop knowledge & skills related to job-aligned skills for being an animator (8th-grade only; yearlong class; HS credit).

Check out our animations and movies at Lamar Digital Arts and Media Vimeo page: https://vimeo.com/lamarmiddleschool

LAMAR ORCHESTRA PROGRAM

The Lamar Middle School Orchestras are conducted by Erika Elder and Ricky Pringle. Our orchestra program offers students a variety of specialized course options, including Beginning Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra, as well as Fiddlers, Philharmonic Orchestra, and a Violin Technique class.

"The Lamar Orchestra’s mission is to advance string education by encouraging the study and making of music by all, and to provide a strong foundation for a lifetime of music making."
- Lamar Orchestra Mission Statement

To get involved with our Booster Club, donate or just find out more information, please visit our website, http://lamarfineartsacademyorchestra.weebly.com/about-the-orchestra.html

Listen to more recordings: http://lamarfineartsacademyorchestra.weebly.com/about-the-orchestra.html

THEATRE ARTS PROGRAM

Theatre Arts is a year-long elective available for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. The Lamar Theatre Department is headed by Ms. Le Easter with the assistance of Mr. James Young, who teaches Technical Theatre. For more info, visit the Theatre Arts Department website: www.lamartheatre.com

Lamar also offers:

- a Technical Theatre class which will cover the fundamentals of theatre with an emphasis on technical theatre, such as lighting, stage design, and more.

Theatre Audition Packet

VISUAL ARTS PROGRAM

The Visual Arts Program at Lamar Middle School focuses on the development of technical skills in a variety of media. In the art program, students will learn new techniques and sharpen their skills while exploring artists and art history.

- Beginning Art is a year-long course.

- Intermediate Art is for students who have passed beginner art and is a year-long course.

- Advanced Art is for students who have passed intermediate art and is a year-long course.

- Art I (High School credit course) - 8th grade students that have passed 6th or 7th grade Art at Lamar, or with approval from a Lamar art teacher.