Mastery of the Arts Program

The YUHSD Mastery of the Arts Program is for ALL YUHSD students who have a purposeful interest within the arts. The intent is to work collaboratively with community artists and educators to enhance and refine a student's skill sets within the arts. All program courses are open to students grades 9-12 for elective credit and are designed to be an extension of a student's fine arts high school experience. 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Students must apply. Courses are to be offered in the afternoons and evenings one day a week. See schedule for details. 

LOCATION
Snider Hall, Yuma High School: 400 S. 6th Ave, Yuma, AZ

VISUAL ARTS:

Paint the Town/Community Murals
This art course introduces students to conceptual and practice based aspects of mural painting.  The course also includes a social outreach component by conducting a collective mural(s)  within the community.    

Figure It Out!/Drawing the Human Form
Embark on a captivating journey into the world of figure drawing as we explore the foundational principles and techniques essential for capturing the human form with precision and expression. This course is designed for both beginners seeking an introduction to figure drawing and intermediate artists eager to refine their skills.

Trash Treasures/Upcycled Sculptures
Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary! In this hands-on course, you’ll explore 3D sculpture using a variety of materials like clay, metal, and more. With a focus on upcycling and crafting, you’ll transform discarded items into stunning works of art. Let creativity and sustainability guide your process as you reimagine, repurpose, and reinvent!

PERFORMING ARTS:

Triple Threat/Musical Theater
This course is designed to be an exploration of American Musical Theater.  Students will study the work of the actor/singer/dancer and use their gained knowledge to develop as performers.  There will also be a focus on the audition process.

Pitch Perfect/Show Choir
This high-energy class combines dynamic vocal performance with choreographed movement to create show-stopping routines. Students will develop vocal technique, stage presence, and teamwork while performing a mix of contemporary hits and classic favorites. Get ready to harmonize, dance, and shine under the spotlight!

5,6,7,8!/Dance Choreography
Bring movement to life! This course explores the art of crafting expressive dance routines for solo and group performances. Through movement, space, timing, and energy, you’ll develop the skills to create meaningful choreography that tells a story—no matter the dance style. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just love to create, this class is all about expression and making the stage your canvas!    

Acting Up!/Acting Process
This immersive acting class explores vulnerability in performance, helping actors deeply connect with their characters. Through guided exercises, students will learn to embody roles authentically, collaborate, and confidently perform a vignette play and one-act. Covering acting, writing, and directing, this course builds a well-rounded skill set. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, you'll push creative boundaries and bring stories to life onstage.

Garage Band Jam Session/Music Making
This course is designed to bring student musicians together to “play around” with music.  Students will learn how to collaborate with one another, moving through the stages of improvisation to a collective finished product.

MEDIA ARTS:

Sound Machine/Audio Production
This course is designed to learn how to use Studio One, a music production program.  Students will learn various techniques for recording instruments and vocals as well as opportunities to mix, master and perform.  This will be a Hybrid course with a monthly class visit to a local music production studio.

Say Cheese!/Photography
This course is designed to help students learn creative photography concepts necessary to photograph on location and develop their best look in a non traditional way.  Students will explore and simply have fun as they apply photographic techniques and strategies that can be applied to an everyday setting.  

Go Lights, Go Sound!/Theater Technology
This is an introductory course which explores the production aspect of theater.  Students will investigate specific areas of production from a practical base.  Students will be given the opportunity to learn about the technical aspects and basic operations of lighting and sound technology.

Take One, Action!/Film Making
This course is designed to introduce students to the art of storytelling through film.  Introduction to the world of narrative filmmaking will include a combination of discussion, reflection, hands-on experience as well as the editing process.

"The 70"/Podcasting
This hands-on course teaches students how to create and produce a professional-quality podcast for YUHSD and beyond. From storytelling and interviewing to recording and editing, students will develop essential audio production skills. Whether you're a budding journalist or just love podcasts in general, this class will help you bring your ideas to life and share them with the world.  

Q.  Who is eligible to participate in the M.A.P.?

All YUHSD (9-12) students that have a purposeful interest in the arts are eligible to participate. Students must apply for admission.

Q.  What kind of credit can I earn through the M.A.P.?

Students will earn elective credit only and can potentially earn concurrent credit through AWC. Since the M.A.P. is a program not a high school, students will not be eligible to earn a high school diploma and will need to work with their home high school to ensure graduation requirements are satisfied.

Q.  When and how long are the classes?  

Classes are “college style” meeting once a week from 3:00-5:30 p.m.

Q.  Do I have to have my own transportation?

Yes, students must provide their own transportation to Snider Hall at Yuma High School. For most campuses, a YCAT route is available. Contact us for more information. 

Q.  How do I enroll in the M.A.P.?

Interested students should complete the online application. Please reach out to your school counselor for more information. 

Here's your chance to help our schools without it costing you a thing.

Arizona allows state income taxpayers to receive a tax credit of up to $400 for contributions made to public schools to support extracurricular activities. This tax credit is available to all taxpayers whether or not they have children in public schools. 
 
The kinds of programs you can help fund range from sports and band fees to lab sciences and art projects. The Yuma Union High School District is committed to maintaining these activities for the enjoyment and enrichment of our students. Unfortunately, our funding is not sufficient to offset all of the associated costs. As a result, these programs must depend on fees from students. And that's where you can help.

You can donate to the Mastery of Arts Program by simply clicking here, choosing the "buy now" option, and selecting "Mastery of Arts" from the "Name of Activity" section. 

Yuma Union High School District invites our students to qualify for the Arizona Arts Proficiency Seal.

The Arizona Arts Proficiency Seal was adopted to celebrate students who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in the Arizona Arts Education Standards through personal expression and creative experiences in arts education programs.

The Arizona Arts Proficiency Seal also identifies pathways of artistic literacy that cultivate skills for 21st Century success. Its goal is to prepare students for college and career readiness, including active participation in the creative industries sector. It is designed to promote access to well-rounded, high quality arts education across the state. Yuma Union High School District Fine Arts provides programs which fulfill these goals, such as the Mastery of the Arts Program as well as campus specific Fine Arts Programs and we are excited that our students have the opportunity to be recognized for their excellence.

What does it mean to qualify for the seal?

Students who qualify for the Arizona Arts Proficiency Seal are recognized for their high level of proficiency. The seal appears on their graduation certificates and will be recorded on their transcripts. Any student who receives the seal and is successful in gaining admission to the Fred Fox School of Music at the University of Arizona will automatically be awarded a $1000 scholarship.

How to qualify

Teachers: Contact your campus MAP liaison.  
Students: Open the PDF below to find out you can qualify. 

Final Application for Arts Proficiency Seal

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR MAP