F.A.Q.'s: Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you will find the most frequently asked questions organized by discipline. If you have additional questions that are not addressed below, please feel free to reach out to the department chair, Jeff Hall at [email protected]
Art Classes
Q: Do I have to take Art 1 before I can take Art 2 or Topics in Digital Art?
A: Art 1 is the prerequisite for Art 2. Digital Art can be taken without any prerequisite.
Therefore, if you took “Art 8”, or “Advanced Art’, in middle school. you should take Art 1 or Topics in Digital Art. However, if you feel that you have what it takes to succeed in Art 2, you may submit a portfolio for consideration. Please email [email protected] for additional information.
Q: Do you have to know how to draw to be successful in Art?
A: You do NOT need to know how to draw. We teach you everything you need to know to do well in Art.
Q: What kind of projects do you do in Art classes?
A: Our classes offer a breadth of instruction in a rich variety of media, including but not limited to:
Q: Does MLWGS have an art honors society?
A: Yes. The MLWGS chapter of the National Art Honors Society (NAHS) has been a long standing tradition. This organization, based on service through the arts has robust membership and is actively involved in many school activities and projects. Membership is contingent on continued enrollment in visual art classes.
Q: Do you offer AP Studio Art?
A: Due to the rigorous nature of the MLWGS academic courses, we opt to not offer yet another AP course with its rigid requirements and timelines. Instead, we offer an award winning arts program through our advanced Art 4 and Art 5 courses that provides 1) portfolio development for entry into art colleges, 2) individualized instruction and development of your personal artistic voice free of AP requirements, and 3) our annual capstone off-campus art exhibition for seniors at a local art gallery. Additionally, if a student is really motivated to complete an AP Studio Art portfolio, instructors will assist them in preparing and submitting the work independent of the class.
A: Art 1 is the prerequisite for Art 2. Digital Art can be taken without any prerequisite.
Therefore, if you took “Art 8”, or “Advanced Art’, in middle school. you should take Art 1 or Topics in Digital Art. However, if you feel that you have what it takes to succeed in Art 2, you may submit a portfolio for consideration. Please email [email protected] for additional information.
Q: Do you have to know how to draw to be successful in Art?
A: You do NOT need to know how to draw. We teach you everything you need to know to do well in Art.
Q: What kind of projects do you do in Art classes?
A: Our classes offer a breadth of instruction in a rich variety of media, including but not limited to:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Ceramics
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Digital art
Q: Does MLWGS have an art honors society?
A: Yes. The MLWGS chapter of the National Art Honors Society (NAHS) has been a long standing tradition. This organization, based on service through the arts has robust membership and is actively involved in many school activities and projects. Membership is contingent on continued enrollment in visual art classes.
Q: Do you offer AP Studio Art?
A: Due to the rigorous nature of the MLWGS academic courses, we opt to not offer yet another AP course with its rigid requirements and timelines. Instead, we offer an award winning arts program through our advanced Art 4 and Art 5 courses that provides 1) portfolio development for entry into art colleges, 2) individualized instruction and development of your personal artistic voice free of AP requirements, and 3) our annual capstone off-campus art exhibition for seniors at a local art gallery. Additionally, if a student is really motivated to complete an AP Studio Art portfolio, instructors will assist them in preparing and submitting the work independent of the class.
Band FAQs
Q. What instruments are there in band class?
A: Piccolo, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, all saxophones, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone/euphonium, tuba.
Q. What instruments are there in percussion ensemble?
A: Percussion instruments, including all classical percussion and drum set, are taught. Percussion ensemble performs in tandem with the band classes, and also learns percussion ensemble pieces. Guitarists and Pianists are also welcome to join Percussion Ensemble, where they will have the opportunity to continue playing their main instruments and branch out to percussion instruments.
Q. What middle school experience do I need to take band?
A: All wind and percussion players should have three years of middle school band experience before joining band in ninth grade. Sometimes, wind/percussion students with two years of experience may be accepted by audition. Piano, guitar, and bass players do not need band class experience, but should contact Mr. Merillat to see if they are good fits for the program. Piano, Guitar and Bass players can also take percussion ensemble.
Q. Do I need to audition for band placement?
A. Not as a freshman. All freshman take Intermediate Band to learn fundamentals of sound production, articulation, and sight reading. Students may audition for the Advanced Band in the spring of freshman year.
Q. What performance opportunities are there at MLWGS?
A: The band performs at the following concerts each year:
Fall Festival (early October)
Fall Concert (mid October)
Winter Concert (December)
Youth Art and Music Month Celebration (March)
Assessment (March)
Spring Concert (May or June)
The band also travels in the spring (usually April).
Q: Do MLWGS band students participate in honors ensembles?
A: Yes! One in four band students are accepted into district band every year, many with All-Virginia band eligibility. Students also participate in Richmond Youth Symphony Orchestra, Greater Richmond Jazz Band, Greater Richmond Youth Wind Ensemble, and Central Virginia Youth Wind Ensemble
Q. MLWGS has a lot of classes I want to take. How can I fit band into my schedule every year?
A: Unlike many high schools, MLWGS offers eight instructional blocks. It is possible to take an elective every year. However, if students want more flexibility with their scheduling, the best strategies for students to remain in band throughout high school are:
Q. Will taking band instead of an AP class put me at a disadvantage when applying to college?
Q: Does MLWGS have a jazz band?
A: Yes. Audition music is provided in December. Auditions take place in January. The Jazz Band plays on and off campus.
Q: Does MLWGS have a marching band?
A: No. However, if you attend MLWGS and take band, you may be able to participate in marching band at your home school. Coming to MLWGS does not mean giving up marching band! Talk to your directors for more information. Current MLWGS band students march with Atlee, Goochland, Hanover, Huguenot, and more.
Q: Does MLWGS have a drum line?
A: Yes! Auditions will take place in the spring, and rising freshman are encouraged to audition. Information will be sent out about auditions in May.
Additional questions? Contact Mr. Merillat at [email protected]
A: Piccolo, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, all saxophones, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone/euphonium, tuba.
Q. What instruments are there in percussion ensemble?
A: Percussion instruments, including all classical percussion and drum set, are taught. Percussion ensemble performs in tandem with the band classes, and also learns percussion ensemble pieces. Guitarists and Pianists are also welcome to join Percussion Ensemble, where they will have the opportunity to continue playing their main instruments and branch out to percussion instruments.
Q. What middle school experience do I need to take band?
A: All wind and percussion players should have three years of middle school band experience before joining band in ninth grade. Sometimes, wind/percussion students with two years of experience may be accepted by audition. Piano, guitar, and bass players do not need band class experience, but should contact Mr. Merillat to see if they are good fits for the program. Piano, Guitar and Bass players can also take percussion ensemble.
Q. Do I need to audition for band placement?
A. Not as a freshman. All freshman take Intermediate Band to learn fundamentals of sound production, articulation, and sight reading. Students may audition for the Advanced Band in the spring of freshman year.
Q. What performance opportunities are there at MLWGS?
A: The band performs at the following concerts each year:
Fall Festival (early October)
Fall Concert (mid October)
Winter Concert (December)
Youth Art and Music Month Celebration (March)
Assessment (March)
Spring Concert (May or June)
The band also travels in the spring (usually April).
Q: Do MLWGS band students participate in honors ensembles?
A: Yes! One in four band students are accepted into district band every year, many with All-Virginia band eligibility. Students also participate in Richmond Youth Symphony Orchestra, Greater Richmond Jazz Band, Greater Richmond Youth Wind Ensemble, and Central Virginia Youth Wind Ensemble
Q. MLWGS has a lot of classes I want to take. How can I fit band into my schedule every year?
A: Unlike many high schools, MLWGS offers eight instructional blocks. It is possible to take an elective every year. However, if students want more flexibility with their scheduling, the best strategies for students to remain in band throughout high school are:
- Taking an online Physical Education class through your local district during a summer
- Taking Economy and Personal Finance online during a summer
Q. Will taking band instead of an AP class put me at a disadvantage when applying to college?
- No. MLWGS does not have a student ranking system like most high schools, and ranking information is not provided to colleges. Every year, seniors graduate from our music program and are accepted into their top choice colleges. For musicians, universities like to see commitment to the arts throughout high school.
Q: Does MLWGS have a jazz band?
A: Yes. Audition music is provided in December. Auditions take place in January. The Jazz Band plays on and off campus.
Q: Does MLWGS have a marching band?
A: No. However, if you attend MLWGS and take band, you may be able to participate in marching band at your home school. Coming to MLWGS does not mean giving up marching band! Talk to your directors for more information. Current MLWGS band students march with Atlee, Goochland, Hanover, Huguenot, and more.
Q: Does MLWGS have a drum line?
A: Yes! Auditions will take place in the spring, and rising freshman are encouraged to audition. Information will be sent out about auditions in May.
Additional questions? Contact Mr. Merillat at [email protected]
Chorus FAQs
Q. Do I need previous experience to enroll in Chorus?
A. No previous experience is required.
Q. Can students enroll in Chorus all four years?
A. Yes, students can enroll in Chorus all four years and receive credit.
Q. What type of Choral literature does the MLWGS perform?
A. The MLWGS Chorus performs a wide variety of literature from classical, folk, spirituals, Broadway and pop. Each concert has a variety of literature and we have combined with the Band and Orchestra for performances.
Q. Do I need to audition for Chorus?
A. No audition is required.
Q. What performance opportunities are there at MLWGS?
A. The Chorus will perform in FOUR major concerts each year.
Fall Festival (early October)
Winter Concert (mid December)
Youth Art & Music Month Gala (March)
Spring Concert (May or June)
The Chorus also performs for community events and will travel to festivals in the Spring (usually April).
Q. Do MLWGS Chorus students participate in honors ensembles?
A. Yes, MLWGS Chorus students auditioned and were selected for All District Chorus.
A. No previous experience is required.
Q. Can students enroll in Chorus all four years?
A. Yes, students can enroll in Chorus all four years and receive credit.
Q. What type of Choral literature does the MLWGS perform?
A. The MLWGS Chorus performs a wide variety of literature from classical, folk, spirituals, Broadway and pop. Each concert has a variety of literature and we have combined with the Band and Orchestra for performances.
Q. Do I need to audition for Chorus?
A. No audition is required.
Q. What performance opportunities are there at MLWGS?
A. The Chorus will perform in FOUR major concerts each year.
Fall Festival (early October)
Winter Concert (mid December)
Youth Art & Music Month Gala (March)
Spring Concert (May or June)
The Chorus also performs for community events and will travel to festivals in the Spring (usually April).
Q. Do MLWGS Chorus students participate in honors ensembles?
A. Yes, MLWGS Chorus students auditioned and were selected for All District Chorus.
Orchestra FAQs
Q. Do I have to audition to be in orchestra?
A: The answer is no, unless you want to be a member of the Artist Level ensemble. Orchestra is open to anyone with string instrument experience. Students not auditioning for the Artist Level ensemble should sign up for Intermediate Orchestra.
Q. What performance opportunities are there at MLWGS?
A: The band performs at the following concerts each year:
Fall Festival (early October)
Fall Concert (mid October)
Winter Concert (December)
Youth Art and Music Month Celebration (March)
Spring Concert (May or June)
Q: Do MLWGS orchestra students participate in honors ensembles?
A: Yes! MLWGS are regularly accepted into district orchestra. Students also participate in Richmond Youth Symphony Orchestra and Greater Richmond Youth Wind Ensemble.
Q. MLWGS has a lot of classes I want to take. How can I fit orchestra into my schedule every year?
A: Unlike many high schools, MLWGS offers eight instructional blocks. It is possible to take an elective every year. However, if students want more flexibility with their scheduling, the best strategies for students to remain in band throughout high school are:
Taking an online Physical Education class through your local district during a summer
and/or
Taking Economy and Personal Finance online during a summer
Q. Will taking orchestra instead of an AP class put me at a disadvantage when applying to college?
A. No. MLWGS does not have a student ranking system like most high schools, and ranking information is not provided to colleges. Every year, seniors graduate from our music program and are accepted into their top choice colleges. For musicians, universities like to see commitment to the arts throughout high school.
A: The answer is no, unless you want to be a member of the Artist Level ensemble. Orchestra is open to anyone with string instrument experience. Students not auditioning for the Artist Level ensemble should sign up for Intermediate Orchestra.
Q. What performance opportunities are there at MLWGS?
A: The band performs at the following concerts each year:
Fall Festival (early October)
Fall Concert (mid October)
Winter Concert (December)
Youth Art and Music Month Celebration (March)
Spring Concert (May or June)
Q: Do MLWGS orchestra students participate in honors ensembles?
A: Yes! MLWGS are regularly accepted into district orchestra. Students also participate in Richmond Youth Symphony Orchestra and Greater Richmond Youth Wind Ensemble.
Q. MLWGS has a lot of classes I want to take. How can I fit orchestra into my schedule every year?
A: Unlike many high schools, MLWGS offers eight instructional blocks. It is possible to take an elective every year. However, if students want more flexibility with their scheduling, the best strategies for students to remain in band throughout high school are:
Taking an online Physical Education class through your local district during a summer
and/or
Taking Economy and Personal Finance online during a summer
Q. Will taking orchestra instead of an AP class put me at a disadvantage when applying to college?
A. No. MLWGS does not have a student ranking system like most high schools, and ranking information is not provided to colleges. Every year, seniors graduate from our music program and are accepted into their top choice colleges. For musicians, universities like to see commitment to the arts throughout high school.