JSA Programs
Visual Art
Visual Art students focus on self-expression through an exploration of diverse visual art media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. Students select from a variety of visual art courses and create a cohesive portfolio of artwork that illustrates technical skill and individual perspectives.
Visual Art students will explore local, regional, national, and international galleries and museums to gain an understanding of art, history, and culture. Students also participate in local exhibitions such as Celebration in Art at the Massillon Museum, the Stark County High School Art Exhibition at the Canton Museum of Art, the Young Blood show at the Hub Factory in Canton, and the Cleveland Clinic eXpressions program.
Competition opportunities include the Scholastic Art Awards as well as the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition.
Visual Art students may also contribute to the management of the Meraki Gallery, a student-run gallery and exhibition space located in the Commons inside Jackson High School.
Visual Art Team
Ms. Lisa Ayres | Mrs. Sara Andes
Mr. Russell Suhy | Mr. Joe Piotrowski
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Vocal Music
The Choral Department positively impacts the community through choral literature, artistic performances, and music literacy.
The Choral Department includes six performance ensembles of varying levels of literature and styles of music.
The groups that meet during the day include Chorale, Concert Choir, and Freshman Chorus.
After-school groups include Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Jacks-N-Jills, and Chamber Choir.
Students receive various experiences through different styles of music and performances. JHS is home to one of the few AA Men’s Choruses in the state, which is a significant accomplishment.
Choral Team
Mr. Scott Eversdyke | Mrs. Jennifer Vaughn | Mr. Benjamin Wykoff
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Instrumental Music
The “Purple Army” marching band is divided into four concert groups after the marching season. These include Symphony Band (OMEA Class AA), Freshman Band (OMEA Class C), Purple Concert Band (OMEA Class B), and Gold Concert Band (OMEA Class C).
Students in the Band program can participate in various ensembles, including five jazz bands, two steel bands, the pep band, and numerous chamber ensembles.
Also offered are non-performance music courses, including CCP Music Theory, CCP Music as a World Phenomenon, and Advanced Music and Composition.
In the past, Band members have been selected to perform in the Ohio Directors Conference Honor Band, Bowling Green Honor Band, and Ohio All-State Band. Band members have also been featured performers at the Ohio Band Directors Convention, the Blu Jazz Student All-Stars Concert Series, and Philadelphia’s 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Instrumental Music Team
Mr. David Gleason | Mr. Joseph Carlson | Mr. Neil Lantry | Mr. Samuel Koogle
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Dance
Dance exposes students to world culture and the arts, instills creativity and confidence, and teaches the importance of collaboration and positive body awareness. Dance also gives students the opportunity to develop individual styles of composition within various dance genres.
Dance nurtures the body and mind, allowing students to express themselves without words.
JSA provides experiences with professional dance companies, university dance programs, and numerous shows and performances.
JSA dancers participate in athletic contests and community events like the annual Hall of Fame Festival, Cleveland Cavaliers games, and the annual Dance Showcase.
Dance Team
Mrs. Megan Seemann | Ms. Sarah Spizzichini
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Theatre
The JSA ensemble-based theatre program challenges students to explore the diverse art of theatre, including dramatic and musical theatre, set design, stage management, and more. Students learn communication and teamwork skills while improving self-confidence.
Through challenging coursework, students develop skills in both performance and production, and are offered a wide variety of performance opportunities, including workshops with a range of professional artists and field trips.
Each year, the theatre program presents a fall musical and a spring play.
Theatre Team
Mrs. Hannah Rissler
