A.Y. began our relationship with the Cappies program four years ago where performances have included: Little Shop of Horrors, Back to the Eighties, and A Few Good Men. In 2009, our school play, A Few Good Men, resulted in A.Y. being given special recognition at the OCDSB with two arts awards - Outstanding Teaching of Dramatic Arts in the Secondary Panel and The Outstanding Secondary School Arts Event. In May of 2010, our Drama Department presented Sweeney Todd. To the absolute delight of all in attendance at the Cappies’ Gala held at the NAC, our show won Outstanding Musical and one of our students won Best Actor.
Our drama classes are always busy with everything from Arts Night to children’s theatre and plays. Our students do touring productions visiting each one of our feeder schools during the year and typically present to over 1,000 students from grades one through eight. The regular program is enhanced by our annual trip to Stratford where students participate in backstage workshops and also have the opportunity to attend three plays.
Our Music program offers a full range of study including: concert band, jazz band, guitar music, and flute ensembles. These co-curricular opportunities and music courses provide students with the opportunity to perform music in different genres. Students undertake a very rigorous practice schedule and are often visible in the local community performing for our citizens. Music students have enjoyed band tours to New York City, Quebec City, and Italy. Our very popular Music in the Park Evening has become a spring tradition with our band performing at Andrew Haydon Park for an enthralled audience.
Students in our music courses compose, arrange and conduct in a variety of styles. Many of our music students are now involved in offering their musical talents to the school musical so these students enhance the Cappies program through their participation.
The Visual Arts program offers courses from grades nine to twelve in the regular art program and ceramics courses are offered in grades eleven and twelve. Visual Arts at A.Y. will give students an opportunity to learn the language of art. Learning how to paint, draw, sculpt and design is just the beginning. Students have the opportunity to have their art work displayed around the school and the A.Y. Jackson Arts’ night is always a huge success.
AYJ's Dance Program gives students the opportunity to explore their technical and compositional skills in various dance environments.