Activities
Fine Arts
Concert Choir
The MVA Concert Choir is a sixty voice ensemble. It is open to all levels of vocal ability. Joining choir is a fun and
exciting way to achieve an arts credit. This group travels to several cities in Ohio singing at different churches, schools
and more. They perform a wide range of musical selections.
The Concert Choir has two major performances each year. The
first concert is the Candlelight Christmas Concert. The second
is the Spring Concert performed at The Memorial Theatre in
Mount Vernon. This choir also performs occasionally on
television networks. Becoming a member of the Concert Choir
is a great way to meet new people, sing and perform music, and
experience great things!
Echoliers
The Echoliers are a select concert choir. This group has a membership of around thirty musically gifted students. The
Echoliers, organized in the 1950s, maintain a standard of
excellence. They perform a wide spectrum of challenging
pieces from classical to popular music.
Echoliers have performed in Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, and annually in New York City. To make Echoliers and
become a part of this outstanding ensemble is a great privilege, honor, and joy.
Band
MVA’s band program is in its third year of rebuilding. To aid in this
process, the academy furnishes an instrument, at no charge, to any student
interested in learning to play a wind or percussion instrument. The band
plays sacred, popular and classical music of various styles.
Students enrolled in band have the opportunity to
develop their playing skills through private lessons, express their musicianship through solos and ensembles, travel and perform at Adventist churches throughout the state of Ohio, perform at academy events such as the Elementary Festival, Academy
Days, and Alumni Weekend, participate in various honor bands by audition, and travel to enrichment events such as college band concerts.
Handbells
Cascabel is an auditioned handbell ensemble, which performs on a five
octave set of Malmark handbells, enhanced by the mellow sound of
three octaves of Malmark hand chimes. Students selected to join this
group generally have some musical background if not actual handbell
experience. Emphasis is placed on musical expression and dynamic
interpretation. Cascabel performs in concerts for Ohio churches, at
festivals, on campus and during an extended tour. Their repertoire
draws from classical, seasonal, inspirational and popular music.
In addition to Cascabel, advanced students may choose to audition for a
position in the Quaternion ensemble. Quaternion is a four member
group that plays with multiple bells in each hand.
The vision of the handbell program at Mount Vernon Academy is for students to grow, learn, and promote the art of
handbell ringing within the context of service. Handbell members have the opportunity to witness and learn to serve
others through their musical ministry.
Art
The MVA art department endeavors to provide encouragement, instruction,
pleasure, growth, enrichment, and career ideas to the many talented students who
spend time there. If you are ever on campus and would enjoy a busy, overlydecorated,
fun atmosphere, please visit our department. Many techniques are
taught so that students so that students may develop skills that enable them to
work independently. The quick-draw chalk artist troupe, HIS Apprentices II,
performs on occasion using their skills while a story is told or music played. Our
heavenly father gifted individuals and created beauty. It is the goal of the art
curriculum to help students experience the wonder of capturing creativity on
paper, canvas, wood, etc.
Drama
Lights, camera, ministry? This phrase doesn’t have the
typical ring to it, but MVA Drama isn’t a typical class. The
sole purpose of drama is to minister to the school, church,
and community through creative expression. Some forms of
creative expression include plays, pantomime, litany, poetry
and sign language. Drama is ideal for individuals who have
a desire for ministry but aren’t quite sure where they fit in.
Whether a person enjoys the spotlight or would rather
work behind the scenes, there is a place for them in drama.
Students are encouraged to discover their God-given talents
and use them to their fullest potential.
