Our Fine Arts Program
We Are a Fine Arts School
A fine arts school is a specialized educational institution that integrates the visual and performing arts into the core academic curriculum. ECA aims to nurture creativity, self-expression, and a love for the arts while maintaining high standards in subjects like math, science, reading, and social studies. Students receive regular instruction in disciplines such as:
Dance (human videos, modern, cultural forms)
Choir
The school choir is a vibrant and inclusive musical group where students come together to explore the joy of singing. Through regular rehearsals, members develop vocal skills, musicality, and teamwork as they prepare a variety of songs ranging from classical pieces to contemporary favorites. Our choir performs at school events, concerts, and competitions, fostering confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for music.
Staff
VANESSA RODRIGUEZ,
Bachelors of Science in Music Education, USF MS/HS Choir Director
Originally from New York, Vanessa Rodriguez has delighted audiences around the country. She holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s of Science from The University of South Florida.
This versatile artist enjoys singing various genres of music from opera to jazz, Broadway, samba, zarzuela arias, and boleros. She has performed with Opera Tampa, Winter Opera St. Louis, Florida Opera Theater, the St. Petersburg Opera, Hubbard Hall Opera, Venice Opera, Opera Orlando, South Florida Lyric Opera, The Spanish Lyric Theater, Stageworks Theater, and the Southwest Suburban Symphony.
This Spring, she performed the role of Papagena in Opera Tampa’s The Magic Flute. Ms. Rodriguez toured with the Vienna Light Orchestra from ’21 to ’23 performing music from the Greatest Showman, along with opera and other Broadway favorites. She created, produced and starred in “Contigo: A Night of Love” last February backed by the Simon Lasky Jazz Quartet at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center and “The 12 Days of Christmas” last December at Tampa’s The Friday Morning Musicale.
She was honored as the first Guest Artist of the Year in the College of Arts and Letters Recital Series at the University of Tampa. Her concert at the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values honored God, her parents, and her heritage.
Ms. Rodriguez has been training young voices as a private voice instructor and music director for over a decade in the Tampa Bay area. She is honored to teach gospel choir at Gateway, a role that brings her musical journey full circle. She could trace the beginnings of her own musical career back to her middle school gospel choir class and teacher. She is excited to inspire the next generation just as her teacher inspired her.
Band
The school band is a dynamic and inclusive musical ensemble made up of student musicians who play a variety of wind, brass, percussion, and string instruments. Open to students of different skill levels, the band provides an opportunity to develop musical technique, teamwork, and performance skills. Throughout the year, the band performs at school events, and competitions, promoting school spirit and artistic excellence. Participation fosters discipline, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
Staff
RAFAEL RAMIREZ,
Music at New World School for the Arts/University of Florida Band/Orchestra Teacher
Principal Violist at The Venice Symphony, The Lakeland Symphony, Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota, The DeSota Baroque Ensemble and, viola/mandolin at Sarasota Opera. Was born in Caracas-Venezuela, where he began musical studies through El Sistema (famous Venezuelan music program) in 1992. After immigrating to the United States, he studied at the New World School for the Arts/University of Florida where he earned his bachelor ‘s degree with Honors. Rafael Ramirez holds a master ‘s degree from Florida International University, an Artist Diploma and a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Miami.
As a music educator, Dr. Ramirez has created Music Educational Tools® didactic tools to aid string performers to acquire the necessary skills to develop technique.
Chorus Classes
Middle School and High School chorus students, listen to the songs and practice for our Spring Concert.
Practise Tracks
Middle School and High School chorus students, listen to the songs below and practice for our Spring concert.