Visual and Performing Arts Program

The district's Community Opus Project began in 2010 as an after-school music education program in Chula Vista's high-need west side. It expanded rapidly from two pilot schools to six, and a strategic plan for Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) was developed in collaboration with arts organizations. This plan positioned the district favorably for changes in public education, including the state's new funding formula and standards. In 2014-15, the Board made a critical funding decision to hire full-time music instructors and offer art instruction during the school day for all students, investing an unprecedented $15 million over three years. This became possible due to the state Legislature's support of the Local Control Funding Formula, allowing targeted support for disadvantaged students while benefiting all students. The $5 million annual allocation hired additional arts teachers and provided release time for classroom teacher collaboration, a decision applauded by teachers and arts supporters.

Why is VAPA so important?

A student's family is at the heart of what we do in our schools. Family engagement is a key determinant of student success. Educators know this. Our families are more engaged in our schools because of our partnership with the San Diego Youth Symphony and the programs they have nurtured in our neediest schools. When students perform, the mother, father, sister, brother, and the abuelitos are in the audience. Families are on our campuses, and that's the opening act for schools. Parent attendance is our opportunity to involve them in activities and let them know how important they are to our academic programs, school committees, and our mission of educating the whole child. We hear from families over and over about their love of VAPA. Arts instruction allows students to foster their creative and critical-thinking skills in keeping with the objectives of the new state standards.

What will my child learn?

The Community Opus Project had significant positive effects on students, including improved motivation and behavior; increased attendance and standardized test scores; and, most important, significantly higher parental engagement in their children’s overall education. More than a free music program, Opus created community by building social bonds between students and families and between campuses. Students perform concerts monthly throughout their community, teach family members and friends how to play their instruments, and experience the value of constant improvement through dedication and hard work. CVESD extended these benefits and experiences to its entire community through the re-introduction of VAPA instruction during the school day for all schools. How are VAPA programs supported by the community?

Our collaboration with the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory is recognized as a model arts partnership. The District and SDYS rebuilt the music education infrastructure and deepened the sustainability and capacity at our schools with a shared vision: The visual and performing arts reflect our belief that all children should have access to challenging curriculum content, exhibit a high level of performance proficiency, and be prepared for the world of tomorrow.

Our VAPA initiative has attracted many high-profile collaborative partners, such as the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, and Grammy Award-winning band Switchfoot, among others. Recognition has flowed our way as well, with honors from the prestigious Yale School of Music. In addition, in 2016, our Board was recognized by the California School Boards Association (CSBA) with a Golden Bell Award for excellence in Visual and Performing Arts. Partnership opportunities continue. A music video of the Mike Cothrine song, “One,” features students and staff from Clear View Elementary. It was formally unveiled at a special “Red Carpet Premiere” at the school in May 2017. Beaming students channeled their inner “rock star” to strut the red carpet, pose at a “VIP” photo booth, sign autographs, and sing along with Cothrine as he performed live.

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