The TPHS Foundation in conjunction with Dance (member group) is proposing to raise funds and establish a dance studio facility at Torrey Pines High School which would include a practice/performance instructional room and storage space. We anticipate that this building/space would also be used by music, cheer, aerobic physical education and the drill team. The building would accommodate after-school rehearsals for all disciplines as there is neither designated nor adequate space on the TPHS campus for these groups to practice. It is estimated that approximately 600 students (20% of the enrolled population) have need for the proposed multi-use facility.
Background
The dance team program began at TPHS in 2002 with a handful of students meeting after-school and off-site for practices, performances and competitions. In fall 2006, there will be two dance classes offered with credit as part of the physical education and visual performing arts curriculum. The dance program at Torrey Pines High School currently serves 85 students and operates on a year-round basis.
The Music department is desperate for a second/alternative space. With nine classes being offered (concert, symphonic, wind, orchestra, strings, jazz, chorus, music theory, and musical theater) and all fully enrolled, it is evident that music requires an additional facility on a permanent basis. Assigning the lecture hall as the second room, as has been done in the past is not a good solution as the room is used by the entire school on a regular basis, displacing music classes about 40% of the time. In addition, no equipment can be stored there, so students have to drag chairs, stands, and their instruments to the lecture hall on a daily basis. The Music program services 12% (approximately 350 students) of the student body.
The Torrey Pines Cheer program currently serves 76 students on the Freshman, Junior Varsity and Varsity squads. The cheer program’s regular season is from September through February (supporting Football and Basketball) and a Competition Season which runs from December through March. The TPHS teams have traditionally taken "Top Team" honors at summer camp and in the programs fourth season of Competition Cheer (March 2006) both Varsity and Junior Varsity teams placed 1st in the NCA National Champions held in Las Vegas.
In addition, over 100 students participate in aerobics physical education and drill team activities.
Need and benefits
Currently, dance has no designated time and place to meet and practice. The TPHS “dance area” is totally inadequate. It is run down, has an unsafe dance surface, and is too small to meet the program needs. The non-energy absorbent, slippery floor is dangerous and shin splints, back and knee problems, fatigue, strains and even broken foot bones can result.
The floor area is “collapsed” when the gymnasium bleachers are pushed back for use of the full gym floor by the many other scheduled school sports (basketball, volleyball, wrestling and general physical education classes). Understandably, availability and access is extremely limited.
Benefits of a dedicated dance facility include:
The proposed facility will meet all of these pressing, urgent needs, as well as provide an improved surface for aerobic and other physical education classes.
All the aforementioned groups that would benefit from this building are currently without rehearsal space. We therefore would like to achieve this goal and have the building operational by Fall 2007.
Proposed Facility
The proposed facility would be a 2,200 square foot temporary building which would be a stucco-sided, portable building located just to the south of temporary classrooms 82-84. The facility would be installed as a shell and a portable sprung hardwood floor, mirrors and dance bars would be added to the interior. Storage space will be included. The building is ramped for accessibility and will include electrical and air conditioning but no running water. The budget is based on a two-year lease.
Budget/Funding
The capital campaign is being managed under the umbrella of the TPHS Foundation and has received approval from the San Dieguito Unified High School District. The TPHS Foundation's fundraising goal for this special project is $100,000.00 and will cover all aspects of the construction and furnishing to outfit the building appropriately.
How to Give
Construction cannot begin until all funds are in-hand with a goal of June 2007 for Campaign completion and a target date of September 2007 to have the facility on-site.
Leadership
Janice Kurth, Campaign Chair
Visual Performing Arts Liaison, TPHS Foundation
Committee Members
Katie Carnett, Dance Coach
Mike Langford, Dance Coach
Susan Miyagi, Dance Parent Liaison
JoClare Sullivan, Parent
Gai Zeman, Parent