Arts & Wellness
Rooted in creativity, elevated by purpose,
The Arts & Wellness Department is devoted to nurturing creativity, self-expression, and holistic well-being through the study of Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Cinema Arts, and Physical Education & Wellness. We believe that artistic exploration and personal wellness are essential to developing confident, compassionate, and balanced individuals.
Through the Arts & Wellness, we prepare students not only to excel in their creative and physical pursuits, but to lead lives rooted in empathy, innovation, and purpose.
Department Overview
The Arts & Wellness Department provides a creative and embodied home for students at Providence, whether through its student-led clubs, class offerings, productions or programs. The department encompasses: Physical Education & Wellness, Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Cinema Arts.
Choral & Vocal Performance
In the Vocal Performance discipline through the Performing Arts subject, students develop vocal technique, music theory, and performance skills through diverse choral ensembles. Opportunities include concerts, competitions, and masterclasses, fostering confidence and musical artistry in a collaborative setting.
Cinema Arts Program
Cinema Arts Program students gain hands-on experience in filmmaking using professional-grade equipment and software. Through collaboration and mentorship, they learn to craft compelling visual narratives and explore careers in the media and entertainment industry.
Dance
Dance, under the Performing Arts subject, students experience training in ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, and choreography. Students build technique, flexibility, and artistry, culminating in performances that highlight movement as a powerful tool for storytelling and self-expression.
Visual Arts
Creativity comes to life in the Visual Arts as students work across a variety of mediums from drawing and painting to digital design. Courses emphasize technique, personal expression, and cultural awareness.
Drama & Theatre
Under Performing Arts, Drama students engage in acting, improvisation, and script analysis, with hands-on experience in both classical and contemporary theater. The program emphasizes character development, teamwork, and public performance, preparing students for the stage and beyond.
Instrumental Music
In Instrumental Music under Performing Arts, instrumentalists explore a range of genres and eras, focusing on musicianship, improvisation, and composition. Students perform in concerts and school events, building technical skill and creative expression in a supportive ensemble environment.
Physical Education & Wellness
Physical Education & Wellness focuses on developing the whole student; this program integrates mental health, physical activity, nutrition, and healthy relationships. It promotes lifelong habits that support personal well-being and resilience.
Department Experiences
unforgettable trips
Through Performing Arts our various level travel domestically and abroad for performances, with previous trips including New York, Hawaii, UK & British Isles, Italy,
Visual Arts students visit local animation studios all around Burbank, the media capital of the world, and art galleries all around Los Angeles.
Selected Cinema Arts students travel to New York City annually to participate world's largest student film festival through an extensive partnership with the All-American High School Film Festival.
creative showcases
Cinema Arts Program, which guides the student filmmaker through a four-year intensive course of study, with multiple opportunities to showcase their work through Mid-Fest and the Cinema Arts Showcase.
Visual Arts produces two student work shows per year.
Performing Arts offers six shows per production season, providing ample opportunity to get on stage or behind the scenes.
awards & accolades
Cinema Arts Program students have been featured, nominated, and awarded in multiple film festivals:
- Burbank International Film Festival
- California Young Filmmaker Awards
- NYC Film Invitational: Complete Experience
- All American High School Film Festival
Visual Arts students have displayed works and been recognized in the following:
- Robert Graham Memorial Art Exhibit
- CAEA Young Artist Month exhibition
- Burbank Youth Art Expo
- Friends of Burbank Library Amateur Photography Contest
- California Streaming Photography Contest
- National Art Honor Society Juried Exhibition
- Congressional Art Show
Performing Arts's choirs have earned prestigious top honors and accolades over the years, including:
- Jerry Herman Awards
- Best Ensemble (2023)
- Best Scenic Design (2023)
- Best Music Direction (2022)
- Best Technical Crew (2022)
- Supporting Actress (2019)
- 1st Place Superior Awards, Forum Music Festivals, Music in the Parks Festivals, Southern California Vocal Association Awards
- Performed a world premiere of "Lakbay an Agila" at Carnegie Hall in New York City
From the Department Chair
“Watching my students find joy and learn about themselves through the Arts & Wellness is the most rewarding part of this work. It doesn’t always lead to a love of arts, but they always leave with more self-knowledge, understanding—and possibly some new friends!”
Julianne Kusmierczyk
Arts & Wellness Department Chair
Performing Arts Faculty
Advanced Courses Offered
AP Courses
AP Art History
AP Art and Design: Drawing
AP Art & Design: 2-D
AP Art & Design: 3-D
honors courses
Advanced Instrumental Music
Choir IV Honors
The Student Experience
The Arts & Wellness Department empowers students to discover their creative voice and inner strength through immersive, collaborative experiences. Whether performing on stage, conducting peers, engaging in movement, or building resilience through physical wellness, our students learn that artistry and well-being go hand in hand.
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Sophia Fayad '24
“After three years in Instrumental Music, I can confidently say our teachers truly embody Providence’s values—especially excellence. They consistently push us to grow as musicians and as people, reminding us that great musicians uplift those around them. I’ve learned so much and am grateful for the experience.”—Sophia Fayad '24
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Jack Terbush '23
As a student in the Performing Arts, I not only gained a clearer understanding of my voice and music, but was introduced to the art of music-making itself. My teacher's joy and dedication inspire all her students to strive for excellence, and her choirs consistently win awards because of it. But more than the accolades, my teachers ensure their students have meaningful experiences and leave with a lasting love for music. As a student conductor, I learned to lead with confidence, not by following choreography, but by listening and interpreting the music myself. With her support, I conducted at competitions and concerts in Wales and England. It was the most fulfilling experience of my life that I take with me to Berklee College of Music.”Jack Terbush '23
From Department Faculty
At Providence High School, we believe teaching is a calling and a joy. Our faculty bring passion and purpose to every lesson, guiding students to think critically, care deeply, and connect meaningfully with the world around them in and outside the classroom.
Russell Arch, Cinema Arts
"A piece of advice I give to my students is that, if you're pushing yourself creatively, then you can't help but get better. Too many people get discouraged by early creative endeavors and let it stop them, instead of using every project as a learning experience and continuing their journey toward their goals."
Michelle Boucher, Visual Arts
"Being able to be a part of when a student figures out a new concept or creates something—those AH-HA moments are the best part of teaching. I always want my students to find their spark- what inspires them, and try to learn as much as they can about what drives them."
Julianne Kusmierczyk, Performing Arts
“Watching my students find joy and learn about themselves through the Arts & Wellness is the most rewarding part of this work. It doesn’t always lead to a love of arts, but they always leave with more self-knowledge, understanding—and possibly some new friends!”
Marisa Bradfield, Vocal Performance
“My purpose at Providence High School is deeply rooted in service and sharing the transformative gift of music. I intend to guide students in their journey of self-discovery, helping them identify and cultivate both their musical and non-musical strengths that will continue to enrich their lives long after they leave the halls of PHS.”
Arts & Wellness Department Faculty