Mission Statement
The Academy of Music is a community of teachers, students, and parents devoted to a few abiding principles: that students develop reverence for knowledge, clarity of thought, appreciation for the wonder and beauty of the world, and critical, questioning minds. We are committed to creating an atmosphere that fosters academic rigor, musical and artistic talent and appreciation, and person and academic responsibility. Finally, we respect the value and potential of each student.
March of Events Bulletin
The “March of Events” bulletin contains information about school events, including parent open houses, college representative visits, SAT testing, club meetings, auditions and upcoming performances. The bulletin is posted outside the Academy of Music Attendance Office (room 112). Announcements are also read on the PA system to the students on Monday and Thursday mornings.
Transportation
Transportation is provided for all magnet students. If you need to check on a route delay, call (800)522-8737 or check with the transportation office on campus (310)836-6691. Late buses are provided for students who have after-school rehearsals, performances and other school activities. The four buses leave campus at 6:00 p.m.
Yankee Activity Card (YAC Card)
Students should purchase a YAC card at the beginning of each school year. YAC cards provide discounts for the school yearbook, discount admission to some Academy of Music performances, and free admission to football games. A YAC card is required if the student is in a performing group, club or sports team.
Post Secondary Planning & Resource Center
The Post Secondary Planning (College) Office offers information about college-related activities, such as the PSAT, SAT, college applications, scholarships, summer programs, and visits from college representatives. The college advisor offers counseling during nutrition or lunch.
Student Safety
Student safety is a priority at Hamilton High School. As is the case anywhere in the city, exercising caution is the best way to avoid safety problems. Students should not loiter after school on campus on in the neighborhood. Visitors must show identification upon entering the campus and receive a visitor’s pass. A student who is threatened by another student should contact his or her dean or counselor immediately. Remember: Students who are involved in fights are in jeopardy of being transferred out of Hamilton. Gang affiliation will not be tolerated.
Dress Code
- Non-Hamilton head gear is not allowed.
- Clothing with offensive material (language, drugs, alcohol, gang) will not be accepted.
- Clothing cannot be too revealing (bare midriffs, halter or tube tops not allowed).
- Pants need to be pulled up so that underwear is not showing.
Audition Information
Students must audition for every performing arts class except beginning piano, voice, drama, and dance. New Academy students need to audition for placement in performing arts classes. These auditions are held on a specially scheduled day in June. Notice of this audition day is sent to new students by mail. Continuing Academy students must also audition for upper level performing groups. Audition dates are announced on the PA and notification is given through performing arts classes. Performing groups are open to all Hamilton Complex students, as long as the magnet criteria for class size and composition is met.
Grade Point Average for Performance Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in any Academy of Music performance, a student must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better. GPA eligibility is reflected at the 10 and 20 week reporting periods.
Performance Information
The Academy offers a rich schedule of music and dance concerts, plays and musical theatre productions. A performance schedule is printed at the beginning of each school year listing all concerts. The following information will be helpful in securing tickets:
- Tickets are required for most performances, and may be purchased in the Academy office or by calling (310)836-1602 ext. 2287. Hamilton students with a Yankee Activity Card (YAC) receive a discount on one ticket for each performance. The YAC can only be used to purchase tickets during school hours.
- Theater Season Ticket Holders have first choice of seats and are able to exchange tickets throughout the theater season: Angel receives four tickets to each drama and musical theatre productions and a Friend receives two tickets to all drama and musical theatre productions.
- Appropriate audience behavior is greatly appreciated by the performers. When attending Academy of Music performances, the audience is expected to behave courteously to the performers and to other members of the audience. The audience should remain seated throughout the entire performance, and there should be no talking during the performance. Applause is greatly appreciated, but shouting out names, whistling or moving around are distracting and inappropriate.
Scholarships
The Academy of Music awards three special scholarships each school year:
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The Kaufman Scholarship is awarded to 9th, 10th, 11th grade students for private study of music, dance, or drama whiled attending the Academy.
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The Norman J. Pattiz Scholarship is awarded to outstanding 12th grade Academy students to further their music, dance or drama studies at the college or university level.
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The Performer of the Year Scholarship is awarded by Mr. Pattiz to the graduating senior adjudicated the most outstanding performer by a private panel of entertainment industry professionals.
Applications are available in the Academy of Music Office during the month of March.
Parent Involvement
Opportunities for parents to participate in school programs and decision-making include PTSA, Booster Club, Bilingual Advisory Council, Friends of Musical Theatre, Mothers of Drama, Shared Decision Making Council, and School Improvement Site Council. Information about these groups will be sent out at the beginning of the school and how to be elected.
- Academy of Music School Shared-Decision Making Council: This council, consisting of Academy parents, students and teachers, is responsible for decisions pertaining to calendar and budget for the Academy of Music. The council meets monthly and meetings are open to all Academy of Music students, parents and teachers.
- School Improvement Site Council: This council is responsible for allocating School Improvement Program funds. It’s membership includes representatives of the stakeholders from the entire Hamilton High School Complex, including teachers, classified staff, parents and students.
