Academics

Vocal Music students develop a theoretical, historical and aesthetic knowledge of music. Classes offered are Vocal Pedagogy, Music Theory, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir and individualized studies. Paseo music students are recognized in district, state and national competitions and have performance opportunities throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. Upon completion of their choral studies, many vocal music majors receive scholarships for post-secondary studies and also are prepared to begin a professional career in the music industry.

Theater students develop analytical and oral language skills as well as self-confidence and associated disciplines for careers in the entertainment industry, public speaking, law and politics. State-of-the-art theater facilities provide students with an opportunity to explore directing techniques, improvisation and various acting methodologies. Students have the opportunity to perform in three different venues and experience professional theater, as well as various performance competitions through alliances with various theater companies in the Kansas City area.

Fashion and Costume Design at Paseo is a hands-on, educational program that prepares students for the apparel and costume design industry. Students study apparel design, fashion illustration, textiles, entrepreneurship and other related design and marketing concepts. Fashion students participate in and produce an annual fashion show featuring individual student designs and fashion lines. The courses offered in Paseo’s Fashion and Costume Design Department prepare our students for careers in the fashion and/or theatrical costume design and marketing industries.

Technical Theater students learn the basics in technical theater production and design. Students build sets, learn the concepts of stage management, lighting and sound. Students assist in the technical production of all Paseo performances, district and community events. After graduation, many students begin their professional career in local and national production companies. Students can earn college credit for advanced classes in set design, lighting and sound production.

Creative Writing students learn the fundamentals of writing, editing and publishing original works as they study poetry, fiction, non-fiction and playwriting. Many students are published authors with articles in both local and national publications. Students who major in Creative Writing have opportunities to participate in contests and Spoken Word venues throughout Kansas City. Students have won state and national honors featuring original works.

Dance majors study a wide range of genres including ballet, modern, jazz, tap, contemporary and hip-hop. Dance majors are featured performers in various Kansas City and school-based productions throughout the year. Alvin Ailey Dance Company has partnered with Paseo to provide dance students the opportunity to experience professionally trained dancers, artists in-residence and master classes in various styles and techniques.

Visual Art students are transformed into creative problem-solvers in courses like drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and graphic design. Paseo artists develop award winning portfolios and have been recognized locally and nationally through their remarkable exhibitions and by receiving scholarships to prestigious art colleges and art programs around the country.

Broadcast Television Production is a Career and Technical Education program. Students are introduced to the broadcast and television industry. Students majoring in Broadcast Television study writing, editing, research, interviewing and anchor procedures and the packaging of stories by creating newscasts and announcements. KCPS TV is the district’s television station with broadcasts from Paseo’s state-of-the-art television studio. Paseo students and original newscasts are featured weekly on Time Warner Cable, Channel 18 and also featured on YouTube.