Fine Arts Department
Department Staff
- Cynthia Cronn (Department Head)
- Matt Rom
- Jeff Nienhueser
- Anna Bley
- Mike Arnold
- Ami Carper Adler
- Cheri Helmer-Riensche
- Bill Kellett
The Fine Arts Department at Papillion-La Vista South plays an important role in many students’ lives. Opportunities for students to participate in arts activities are many and varied. The arts are valued at PLSouth and participation in activities in and out of the classroom is encouraged. Student work and achievements in all departments have been recognized locally, nationally, and statewide. Check out the galleries included with other information about each department. You will see the talent and enthusiasm of our students displayed in every area. A student who loves the arts will be very much at home at PLSouth.
VISUAL ART
Mr. Arnold's Art Gallery
The visual arts are much in evidence at PLSouth. We offer general art courses to get students off to a good start the first year and then specialize in painting, printmaking, multimedia, graphic arts, and pottery. Students who are interested in a fourth year of art can enroll in Studio 1 and 2, offered to the student who might be interested in developing a portfolio for college admission. Our students have been recognized at numerous art competitions around the region. The art department is an excellent place for students to discover and develop their artistic ability.
Working together to create and maintain a Tradition of Excellence
Through Educational Theatre that exceeds the normal standard of High School Theatre.
THEATRE
The Titan theatre department is a multi level department with drama 1,2,3 at technical theatre class and a Play Production class for advanced students.
Students who are interested in theatre arts are encouraged to participate in as many classes as possible, in addition the theatre department offers production opportunities, all school Musical and all school Play. Students who are enrolled in the Play production class have 2 additional production opportunities NSAA district one act competition and a class production.
The theatre department also offers two extra curricular organizations drama club for any students 9-12 and The International Thespian Society, and International Honorary organization for students involved in high school theatre.
"Give My Regards To Broadway"
The Papillion-LaVista South Play Production Class will present the original Broadway review (a review of Broadway history in scenes and songs) Give My Regards to Broadway. This production has been written, choreographed, and rehearsed as a class project to highlight the history of Broadway and its rich history, not just the musical history, but the history of plays also. This show is a very unique production that gives us a great opportunity to give tribute to the contribution America has given to the world of theatre. Performance dates are April 22 nd and April 24 th at 7:00 p.m. and April 23 rd at 8:00 p.m. in the Titan Theatre. Tickets go on sale April 8 th and will be available in the PL-South Bookstore, at the door, or by calling 829-4605. Prices are $8 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens and $3 for children. Don’t miss this great show!
VOCAL MUSIC
The Vocal Music Department at Papillion-La Vista South High School serves students who have the talent and or desire to sing in large and small ensemble settings, by offering two concert choirs, three competitive show choirs, men’s chorus, women’s glee, and opportunities for solo and musical theater experiences. Students involved in the choral music department experience music as a consumer and a performer of the art. They are given the opportunities to work with the Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha Company, other varied professional musicians and sing with guest artists and college choirs throughout the year. Students with a great amount of interest in the choral arts are encouraged to audition for honor choirs throughout the State of Nebraska, the Nebraska All-State Chorus and for college performance scholarships.
JOURNALISM
The journalism program offers opportunities for students to become involved on a newspaper, broadcast television, online news and/or yearbook staff. Students on these staffs have the chance to showcase their skills in writing, photography, design, videography and sales practices related to producing these products. In an average year, students create approximately six issues of the newspaper, five broadcast news programs and a 230+ page all-color yearbook. They also participate in a number of contests, both on the state and national level. The prerequisite for joining any of the journalism staffs is successful completion of the semester-long Journalism I course.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Link to Titan Band Site
The instrumental music department serves approximately 200 students in several different ensembles throughout the year including marching band, two concert bands, and a very active auxiliary. There are also several smaller select extracurricular ensemble offerings, such as our two jazz bands, percussion ensembles, and the “Forte” indoor marching show. The Papillion La Vista South instrumental department strives to help students develop strong character, ethics, and a healthy apporach to competition while advancing their musical knowledge and abilities through an array of performance opportunities in school and around the community.