Despite Limited Space, VAPA Credits Essential

SHANNON LI
News Editor
For many, taking a Visual and Performing Art (VAPA) class is a chore. Required for graduation, VAPA classes include Drawing and Painting, Ceramics, Guitar, Band, Tri-City Orchestra, Photography, Dance and Drama.
“What I didn’t like about taking a VAPA class was how there weren’t many to choose from,” said senior David Xue. “Then, when you pick something you do like, the class might be full.”
There is only one teacher for each VAPA class, and students often complain about the difficulty of finding a class to be placed in.
“It doesn’t affect me because I have the class I wanted, but it’s unfortunate for other people who want to try things that aren’t available,” said junior Brendan Lee.
Because of budget cuts, there are limited spaces in the classes offered.
“I think there should be more sections of VAPA classes so students can study what they want, but because of budget cuts, they don’t have much choice,” said Drama teacher Emily Coalson. “However, I believe it’s important to study an art, even if it isn’t your first choice.”
A student can take a VAPA class during any year of their high school career, but because of core classes, students usually do not have space in freshman or sophomore year.
“I think it’s unfortunate because a lot of students would benefit from being in an art. Some students want to major in art, but because of budget cuts, they don’t get to take the art classes they want to. [Then] they won’t be prepared when they get to college,” said Drawing and Painting teacher Connie Yim. “Everybody should experience some type of art before they graduate.”