Program Information

The McClatchy High School VAPA Music Program is committed to the musical development of its members. Students of the program enroll in either Concert Band, Orchestra, or Choir all four years of high school. Despite emphasizing instruction through traditional music ensembles, all music-literate instrumentalists and vocalists such as guitarists and pianists are welcome to participate. Through the ensembles, students receive a traditional school music experience and opportunity to work with instrument and voice-specific specialists in chamber ensembles in weekly group lessons. They delve into music theory, music history, sight singing, ear training, aural analysis, and composition at a level not experienced in the traditional high school music program. As their knowledge and skills grow, students study upper-level music theory, improvisation, and composition as well as perform in advanced ensembles such as the jazz ensemble, chamber choir, honors wind ensemble, and honors string ensemble. In addition, every student receives a weekly instrument or voice-specific private lesson with a specialist of their choosing or one assigned by the program. Students use this one-on-one learning experience to build an audition portfolio for college or music school.  The program maintains a rigorous schedule that requires members to commit to numerous performance and assessment responsibilities including, large ensemble concerts, solo and chamber ensemble recitals, festivals, and semester juries.

Apply Online

Students residing within the SCUSD boundaries can submit an online application from November 4, 2024 at 8:00am, to November 22, 2024 at 5:00pm. Students living outside the SCUSD boundaries can apply through the permit process from April 7, 2025 at 8:00am, to April 25, 2025 at 5:00pm.

In addition to the SchoolMint online application, students must submit a program application and perform a live audition with program director, Jorge Muñoz, by November 22, 2024 at 5:00pm to be eligible. Please contact the director to receive the VAPA application and schedule an audition: Jorge-munoz@scusd.edu.