Arts

You might find our jazz band serenading students and teachers arriving at Trinity Prep; the forensics team packing up to head to another competition; harmonious notes mixing in our new, state-of-the-art keyboard lab; a steamroller creating a giant print for our new Brokaw building; or Vocal Society rehearsing. There is always something happening in the arts. Programs are available as electives or extracurricular programs, beginning in middle school. Whether a student excels at pottery, experiments with digital photography, or practices a perfect accent for a theater role, everyone can find an artistic outlet at Trinity Prep.

Our programs allow students to hone their creative skills on campus and on larger stages beyond the school. Our arts curriculum broadens as students begin their high school careers. Forensics is a great way for students to work on their public speaking and debate skills, and they can get involved as early as eighth grade. Music students can choose from concert to chamber music courses, including AP Music Theory. Theater provides students opportunities both on stage and behind the scenes. Our visual art programs include photography, 2D, and 3D art courses, leading to AP Art and AP Photography. Our students can find strength by sharing their thoughts and ideas in sharing their stories through creative writing.

2024-25 Achievements & Highlights

Forensics

Trinity Prep’s forensics program achieved an impressive milestone this year by securing a victory at the National Speech and Debate Association National Championships. Under the expert guidance of coaches Julia Hren and Quinn Mckenzie, twelve outstanding students will compete across eight divisions, marking the largest contingent in the program's history. One student won his record national first place title. We are eager to see their continued exceptional performances in the 2025-26 school year as they proudly represent Trinity on a national stage. Our Forensics by the Numbers showcases their dedication: 84 competitors, 72 awards, 21 cities, 8 states, 4 coaches, 2 forensics classes, and 1 unified Trinity Prep team, along with countless memories made along the way.

Music

The music program, under the inspired direction of Dr. Cespedes, Dr. Carroll, and Ms. Armstrong, offers an expansive array of opportunities, from diverse concert and jazz bands to orchestra, pep band, percussion, piano, and numerous choral ensembles, including our standout a cappella group, Astra. This year, the band program earned impressive Superior and Excellent ratings at MPA, showcasing their exceptional musicality. A remarkable fifteen of our students were selected for the Florida All-State concert—a highly competitive honor achieved by only a select few statewide. Dr. Cespedes, a principal violist in the Orlando Philharmonic, extended our reach by bringing Trinity’s Chamber Orchestra to local rehabilitation facilities, sharing the beauty of classical music with residents. A truly magical moment for our community was the outdoor Symphony of Spells concert in the Quad, orchestrated by Ms. Armstrong and Dr. Cespedes, where live music played alongside wizarding movie scenes. Its overwhelming success means we can look forward to a video game-themed concert next year! Beyond campus, many of our band and orchestra students pursue their passions further, performing with the Florida Symphonic Youth Orchestra and receiving state-level recognition for their remarkable talents. Both VoSo and Astra delivered exemplary performances at the highly respected ICHSA and NACC competitions.

Theater

Our beloved theatre director, Ms. Papin, has poured over 25 years of her professional teaching career into Trinity, truly embodying a superhero. She remains actively involved in local professional productions throughout the year while astonishingly directing six on-campus theatre performances—a monumental undertaking! Ms. Papin expertly guided both the middle school and upper school Thespians to competition, all while meticulously preparing students for their performance of “Flying Lessons” at the prestigious International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, this summer. Student achievements include a dozen Superiors and Excellents at Thespian Districts and States, and this year, three students proudly received Applause Awards, recognizing their outstanding high school theatrical talent.

Visual Arts

Our exceptional visual arts team, comprised of Ms. Ashcraft, Mr. Malkin, Mr. Joseph, and Ms. Moreland-Garnett, has fostered incredible talent, leading to students’ recognition locally and regionally at renowned events such as the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Maitland Arts Festival, the BETA Student Art competition, and the Winter Park Library’s “Art Happens.” A special commendation goes to Ms. MG’s student, who earned “Best of Show Middle School” at the Winter Park Sidewalk Art show this year! The mastery of Trinity’s student 2D artwork is evident, with several pieces selected for display at the internationally acclaimed Salvador Dali Museum in Tampa, and the Florida State Art Educators Student Gallery. Thanks to the generous support of Patrons of the Arts, Trinity Art students gained invaluable cultural and contemporary insights when Mr. Malkin, Mr. Joseph, and Ms. Ashcraft led a group of 25 students to the international art exhibition, Art Basel, in Miami—an unforgettable experience that included a tour of Wynwood’s vibrant street artist murals and an artist workshop. Mr. Malkin’s nationally recognized ceramic artists include two students who won top honors in the K-12 ceramics competition in Salt Lake City and two students chosen to exhibit at the American Museum of Ceramic Art—High School Exhibit in California. This year also proudly saw our largest AP Drawing and 2D Design class in 22 years with 18 students! Further accomplishments include:

Florida Art Ed Awards: one Award of Distinction, two Awards of Excellence
Florida High School Art Awards & Metaverse Exhibition: two finalists
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival: three awards of distinction, two awards of excellence, two honorable mentions, and the middle school “Best of Show”
State-Wide Student art competition and exhibit at the Salvador Dali museum: a student’s work is accepted and shown at the museum this summer
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: one national Silver Key, four regional Gold Keys
Teen Art Show at the Winter Park Library: Best of Show and Honorable Mention
BETA Club State Convention: Best in Show in Art Division 1, 1st and 2nd place in Art Division 1, 1st and 2nd place in Art Division 2
BETA National Competition : 1st place sculpture
Five Teams at the Chalk Art Festival in Winter Park, FL, Nov. 2024

Passionate Faculty

We are incredibly fortunate to boast a thriving arts program, where industry professionals and seasoned master teachers in every discipline passionately guide our students. Their dedication ensures that our young artists not only develop their skills but also discover and cultivate their unique voices.

Arts Hall of Fame

The Patron's of the Arts celebrates Trinity Prep alumni who excel in visual arts, performing arts, literature, film, and multimedia. This event honors graduates with at least 10 years of achievements, spotlighting their lasting impact and connection to our community.

Arts Hall of Fame

Inspiring Masterclasses

The arts program at Trinity Prep features masterclasses led by visiting artists and instructors who conduct workshops across various disciplines. Highlights from 2024-25 include a session with the Yale Whiffenpoofs, an acting class with Broadway star Brian M. Love, and a macramé workshop with ceramist Kelly Evans.

Patrons of the Arts

Our dedicated team of parent volunteers invest countless hours in supporting our Fine Arts faculty and program. They assist with art installations, advocate for their disciplines, create unforgettable displays, and organize concessions. Their invaluable contributions and unwavering support significantly enhance the Trinity family experience. The tireless work they do behind the scenes has played a crucial role in our department’s successes and deserves to be recognized.

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