Arts

The Arts at Grand Haven

Grand Haven Area Public Schools provides students a variety of enriching opportunities through the arts. The district has a long history of award-winning programs in vocal music, instrumental music, drama and the visual arts. The choir, band and orchestra are the best in the state, while student visual arts portfolios provide an excellent foundation for future opportunities. Arts experiences are available for all students K-12.

Band

Through the years the Grand Haven Band Program has established a record of excellence that is recognized throughout the state. Grand Haven bands have consistently received First Division Ratings at District and State Festivals, as well as Marching Band District Festivals and competitions, and exemplify high standards of pride, conduct, and the pursuit of excellence.

Choir

The high school choir program is nationally recognized for the beauty and musicality of their singing, their varied and difficult repertoire, and professional behavior and attitude. From being the Michigan Representative to Washington D.C. in 1995, to Carnegie Hall in 2003 to a myriad of community performances throughout the year, the choirs hold a special place in the hearts of many who have experienced their life changing music.

Orchestra

The Grand Haven Orchestra Program provides music instruction beginning in 5th grade through the high school level. Instruction targets the development of basic music skills, including musical style, rhythm, note-reading , and pitch. The Orchestra Program has grown into an exuberant music program encompassing 5th/6th and 7th/8th grade orchestras, a middle school fiddle club, a high school Concert and Symphony Orchestra, along with the after-school alternative string group, GOTAK. This thriving program serves over 400 students. The Grand Haven Symphony Orchestra has consistently received First Division Ratings at MSBOA District VII Festivals, and student members have maintained a continuing tradition of excellence by earning First Division Ratings at both District and State Solo and Ensemble Festivals and participation in the MSBOA All-State Orchestra.

Theater

The oustanding theatre program at GHHS includes an all-school musical in the fall and two other plays performed in the winter and spring. In addition, the Drama Club meets every other Friday, and has three performances a year.

Visual Arts

The award winning visual arts department at Grand Haven High School features four experienced, full time instructors and a wide range of available courses.  These include Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Commercial Art, Photography, AP Art History, Portfolio Prep, Advanced Art and beginning level design classes. Specific skills and techniques are introduced and mastered. Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of materials and express themselves using original, creative ideas.

Performing Arts Centers

State-of-the-art describes the Performing Arts Center at Grand Haven High School. The newest technology in sound and lighting systems creates an ideal atmosphere for the performing arts. With a capacity of 777, the Performing Arts Center offers area residents the best and most comfortable seats in the house for student performances and community events. This facility is the centerpiece of instruction for student musicians, thespians and other performing artists.

The GHHS Performing Arts Center hosts over 30 events annually. Over 13,000 patrons enter the facility each year to attend events such as band and choir concerts, plays and musicals, award ceremonies, and other community events.

Lakeshore and White Pines middle schools also have performing arts facilities that host a variety of events throughout the year. The Lakeshore Performing Arts Center seats 950 and was recently renovated, while the White Pines Performing Arts Center has seating for 450.

All three facilities are available to rent.