Like the ancient Greek pursuit of balance in mind, body, and spirit, Apple Valley High School has always strived to fulfill its Triple-A philosophy.  Our superb athletics and academics come as a surprise to no one. But through the years, our art programs have.

Step into the building, and one of the first things you see is a glass display case. Glimmering trophies make it no secret that AVHS is a school that holds the arts in high regard — and that the students achieve excellence.

Former arts and activities director Nancy Grimes attributes all the arts success to the school’s Triple-A philosophy — it’s something she herself carried out and supported. “The key to this high school was the hiring,” said Grimes. “The principal was a firm believer in hiring absolutely the best person he could find for a job, and then giving them their support, then getting out of their way and letting them do what you hired them for.”

The band program best illustrates this.  The summer before the school opened, they participated in the 4th of July parade. For the first time Apple Valley had its own home high school, and future students were already organized enough to perform. Since then, the band has marched in the annual parade every year.

The band program grew steadily as the school opened. Bit by bit, enrollment numbers increased. By the early 2000s, over 290 students were enrolled in the instrumental music program. The band department had also created specialized groups: jazz band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, and more. There are even bands specialized to certain instruments.

Throughout the years, many original pieces have been composed by or for the instrumental music program. Many accomplished musicians have taken time to visit as well–former Minnesota orchestra conductor Maestro Eiji Oue and Pulitzer Prize-winning conductor Aaron Jay Kernis to name a few.

At the other end of the school, vocal music made its own history. The combined number of students involved in the various choirs surpasses any other area of the arts. Like the band program, it also offers groups specialized for certain styles and talents.

From the school’s start in 1976 to the present day, over 80 students have auditioned for and been accepted into the All-State choir — including current choir director and arts and activities director Bill Blatzheim, who participated in both 2001 and 2002. “It was awesome, I really, really enjoyed it,” said Blatzheim. “It was a chance to work with some really great high-level directors with a lot of other talented musicians where we could tackle some really complex music and put on really cool performances in a short time.”

Only 280 students are chosen each year for the three state choirs. Those that are selected attend a week-long summer camp, then perform at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Mid-Winter Clinic at Orchestra Hall.

The theater program started with a man named Dennis Swanson. “He came with a strong background and a beautiful vision, and a sense that high school students did not have to do things like Aaron Slick From Punkin Crick, that they could do good literature,” said Grimes.

This belief in students’ abilities led to the cultivation of talents. Our theater is known for its excellent performances — both at its home stage and when traveling. From 1977 to 1996, actors and technicians from AVHS competed in the Minnesota State High School League One Act competition. Recently in 2013, the theater program begun competing once again. Just last year, our production of Eurydice was awarded a Star Performance — the highest award possible.

Another yearly production is Broadway, a variety show with all the singing, dancing, and music you could ever dream of. The show has continued to grow since its humble start as a tiny jazz band show in 1977. The next year, Broadway ‘78 incorporated singers and dancers. Things exploded from there — this conglomerate celebration of performing arts began the biggest and most well loved event at Apple Valley High School.

But if there’s one program that proves its shining achievements more than any other, it’s our widely acclaimed speech and debate program.

The huge wall of portraits that greets guests on their way into the building is more than just a yearly award: to get onto the wall, a student has to qualify to be one of the top six competitors in a national tournament. Needless to say this is no small accomplishment. The wall was started in 1990 to honor the first student to get into the top six. In the last 26 years, the wall has grown rapidly. Each year at least one student from AVHS has made it in.

“Excellence is the goal, winning is the bonus,” said former speech coach Pam Cady Wycoff. Such a philosophy is a driving force in the program’s success. “You can never control how you win, but you can control that you are always trying to reach the highest standards.”

Between the high standards, strong support, and dedication, students in the speech program excel. But what students fight for more than trophies or titles is something directors and coaches refer to as ‘the real final round’. Wycoff explains this best herself: “All of the times after graduation that students will succeed in an interview, an internship they’re fighting for, a promotion in the job, and anything later in life.”

Former AVHS art teacher Dr. Roger McGaughey had a hand in starting the Lake Conference visual art exhibition. He was driven by the idea that students needed recognition for the amazing art they were creating. The annual event lets teachers chose ten pieces of student art to put on showcase. The pieces are also judged, and can possibly win one of many awards.

The judges, who are experts in the arts, will also give feedback to the pieces on display. It’s something unique that help young artists grow while highlighting their talents. This continued tradition brings serious art students into a whole new league.

Arts teacher Mrs. Porter also enters students’ pieces into the Scholastic Art Fair — a contest with both local and national levels. Every school in the state participates. There are three levels of attainable awards: Gold Key, Silver Key, and Merit — Gold Key winners go onto compete at a national competition. Alum Emma Vincent advanced to the national level and won an Excellence Award last year with her photography portfolio.

Porter is a firm believer that participation in shows makes stronger artists. “The recognition and being able to have it on your portfolio that you’ve had your work exhibited, and juried, and entered into shows and competitions is really important if you’re planning on going into an art college or have an art major, have to apply to get into the program, or are going into the art fields.”

When AVHS opened, it was one of only two high schools in the state that offered dance classes — the other was considered an arts focus school. Since its creation, it has grown exponentially. Three small classes became full day operations throughout all seven periods, with three public dance shows spread throughout the year.

Not all schools support extracurriculars and arts. With the ever-looming threat of budget cuts and decreases in funding, many schools put these programs on the cutting board first. “I can’t emphasize how important it is,” said Grimes. “[Art is] another facet of your education. If you don’t have access to arts and activities and clubs and things, you’re missing out on not only things that you learn, but socialization skills. How to get along with people, how to convince people of something. How to just express yourself. A person who is only involved in academics is missing out on a whole other part of life.”

Students at Apple Valley High School are truly lucky to attend a school that sticks to its Triple-A philosophy. The arts are highly respected at our school, and many talented students flourish because of it. Apple Valley has continued its tradition of arts excellence for 40 years. As long as Apple Valley High School is around, it will surely support young artists and help them forge a life of success.