High School Arts
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Arts, both performing and visual, reflect the soul of Valley’s strong tradition of success. The study of Art History, Art Criticism, Art Production, and Aesthetics guides the curriculum in the Visual Arts Department. Many student artists receive both recognition and scholarships when they submit portfolios to colleges and art schools across the nation. The Valley Music Department was honored with the first GRAMMY® Signature School award in 1999. The 240 member Valley Marchmasters were selected to perform in the 2004 Tournament of Roses Parade. The Valley Orchestra has completed concert tours in Austria and Italy. Our vocal groups and jazz ensembles have performed in several national and international festivals from Carnegie Hall to Disney World. Drama participants have been selected as Iowa High School Speech Association All-State performers and have received the All-State Sweepstakes Trophy, as well as the Critic’s Choice Award.
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Drama
Each year, Valley produces two full-length productions: a play as well as a musical. Opportunities exist for students to engage in acting, stage management, as well as technical crews. CAMP Crew students work on costumes, advertising, make-up, and publicity. TECH Crew students engage in the set, lighting, and sound construction. Auditions are open to all and auditions packets as well as crew.
Director
Stacy Hansen
515-633-4222 -
Orchestra
The Valley Orchestra Program consists of three string orchestras: a freshman string orchestra, a high school string orchestra, and the chamber orchestra. Adding members of the Valley Southwoods and Valley High School band departments create symphonic orchestras each year. Additionally, students participate in many small ensembles throughout the year, performing as string quartets and trios at various community functions.
Directors
Joyce Beyer
515-633-4219 -
Vocal Music
Over 400 students participate in Valley High School and Valley Southwoods vocal music programs in West Des Moines, Iowa. Valley and Southwoods vocal music programs offer a wide variety of music education including traditional choirs performing a variety of styles, vocal jazz, Barbershop and show choirs. West Des Moines Community Schools has been recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation. Valley Voices is the vocal music booster club, providing support for all Valley and Southwoods Choirs.
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Staplin Performing Arts Center
Home is where the art is! The Staplin Performing Arts Center (PAC) celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 16, 2014, and its dedication on Nov. 12, 2015, It is quickly becoming a centerpiece of the WDMCS community. Conceived as a home for arts in the community, the facility was designed and built with audiences in mind, using state-of-the art equipment and acoustics to keep audiences comfortable and draw them into performances.
The Staplin Center’s impressive offerings include:
- 1,136 fixed audience seats
- 42-foot by 100-foot stage area
- 50-foot by 24-foot proscenium opening
- Motorized orchestra pit lift
- 74 linear feet of makeup room counter/mirror space
The Staplin Performing Arts Center was dedicated to Dr. Phyllis Staplin on Nov. 12, 2015. She served as an educator in the West Des Moines Community Schools for 33 years, and she continues to be a driving force for the arts and education. She retired as a Director of Curriculum in 2012. Staplin died in 2018 after a courage battle against cancer.
Performing Arts Center Manager
Amanda Pichler
515-633-4370
