As second semester begins, the different fine art classes of FHC are getting into full swing. The theatre troupe and Chamber Choir are beginning their years with travel. The theatre troupe traveled to Kansas City for the annual Missouri State Thespian Conference.

Thescon, as it is usually called, is a big opportunity for many theatre kids. Some choose to stay behind however, like junior Robert Pordea who has been involved with theatre since his freshman year.

“What they do is they go to workshops and they take classes and you can actually learn a lot,” Pordea said.

Thescon is a great opportunity for thespians from around the state to come together. They also see two performances put on by other schools from in the state. Similarly, the New York City choir trip will provide an opportunity for those kids to meet and work with others from around the country. Senior Rachel McCary has been looking forward to the trip since it was announced in spring last year.

“We are going to perform with a world class composer and we’re also going to do a ton of sightseeing stuff,” McCary said.

One group who is travelling no farther than the halls of FHC is AP Art Studio who is in the process of preparing for their AP exam this spring.

“The exam isn’t really like a traditional exam,” Senior Austin Crudup said. “We kind of just send them projects to look at and recommend those for scholarships and stuff.”

Though the exam is unusual, Crudup recommends the class for the freedom available to artists in terms of media.  

“I highly recommend AP Studio because I really like it since you don’t have to stick to one media. You can do painting or drawing or digital stuff. I’ve done a lot of different things this year. I think it’s just really open. Mrs. Sweitzer doesn’t really teach you a bunch, you kind of just going on your own, making your art,” Crudup said.  

While in AP Art Studio, the only people a student needs to satisfy are themselves and the College Board. Theatre, however, is the exact opposite. Pordea strives to make the audience feel better than when the entered when he performs.

“I do just like want to make people happy and have them enjoy the show or just come out of it with like awe,” Pordea said.