Fine Arts & Performing Arts
We AreCREATORS
Avondale Fine Arts and Performing Arts programs provide students with vibrant opportunities to explore their creativity and develop their talents. From visual arts, such as painting, ceramics, metals, graphic design and digital photography, to dynamic performing arts like theater, choir, and band, we foster an environment where artistic expression thrives.
Our dedicated educators encourage students to discover their unique voices, collaborate with peers, and engage with the community through performances and exhibitions. We believe that participation in the arts enriches education, enhances emotional well-being, and cultivates critical thinking, preparing students for a well-rounded future.
Theatre
Avondale Theatre Company
The Avondale Theatre Company is a student-led, student-driven, and student-centered performing arts company where the students create, conceive, and coordinate all of the elements for every production the ATC produces. Under the guidance of adult mentors, the students learn the professional techniques used to create a fully realized production for the stage. From the front-of-house marketing to all production elements, the students learn to master their crafts as artists and people in this highly supportive and challenging program.
- The Avondale Theatre Company produces three production slots a year: a fall play, a touring one-act, and a spring musical.
- The Avondale Youth Theatre, a subset of the ATC, produces a winter play for all Avondale students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
- The Avondale Youth Theatre runs a summer drama camp every other year for all students in grades K-8 in June.
- The Avondale Theatre Company runs an Avondale Alumni Show every three years that welcomes all members of the community—past, present, and future—to participate in a summer production.
- The Avondale Theatre Company has won six state titles from the Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association and has performed at the state level over 30 times since joining MIFA in 1991.
- The Avondale Theatre Company has been chosen to represent the state of Michigan at the American High School Theatre Festival on four occasions (the fifth one in 2026), performing at the International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Band
Avondale Band Programs
Avondale's Band Programs help students develop musical skills in a performance-driven setting. Our marching band has participated in local holiday parades and achieved notable successes, including first place at the Pontiac Invitational. Ensembles include: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Yellow Jacket Marching Band, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, Flute Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, and Jazz Band.
Avondale Band Directors
Avondale High School - Michael J. Hejka
GATE Magnet School 6-8 - Jacob Nurse
Avondale Middle School - Jimmy Smith
5th Grade Band - Michael J. Hejka
Choir
Choir & Vocal Music Programs
Avondale's Vocal Music Department is the perfect environment for students who want to develop their vocal skills, experience competitive performance, and participate in non-competitive entertainment. Our students have the opportunity to explore, discover, grow, and refine their skills while working towards becoming strong vocalists. Members engaged in our vocal music offerings at Avondale learn vocal techniques, breath management, music theory, sight-reading skills, and more! We offer a variety of options, such as Mixed Chorus, Women's Chorus, Concert Choir, and the Men of Avondale choir. Under the direction of Avondale's Kevin Cornwell, our choirs and soloists consistently receive first divisions, superior, and excellent ratings at the Michigan School Vocal Music Association District and State Choir Festival. Click below to learn more about about middle school and high school vocal music programs.
Art
Avondale Fine Arts
Avondale offers a wide variety of K-12 fine arts programs. From elementary art classes and Young Rembrandts, to high school jewelry making and sculpture, Avondale students have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of courses, no matter their artistic interests and aspirations.