Visual and Performing Arts

collaeg of three students

Visual and Performing Arts

Immerse yourself in the world of creativity and expression with the Visual and Fine Arts Program at James Lawson High.Our program offers a vibrant and supportive environment where aspiring artists can explore their passion and hone their craft. Choose from specialized tracks in Visual Arts, Performing Arts (Theatre, Dance, Music), and Media Arts, tailoring your high school experience to your artistic interests. You can benefit from the guidance of our experienced and dedicated faculty, accomplished artists and educators who are committed to nurturing your artistic potential. 

Academy Staff 

 

Scholastic Visual Art Awards

  • 2021-22 silvers and 2 honorable mentions
  • 2020-21 gold; 1 silver; and 2 honorable mentions
  • 2019-20 silvers and 2 honorable mentions
  • Students also curated an art exhibition at Cheekwood Botanical Garden.

 

Performing Arts Awards

Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association
  • 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022- Orchestra received superior ratings in both concert and sight reading

  • 2022-Concert Band received Excellent in concert and sight-reading

  • Middle Tennessee Vocal Association Commendations

 

 

  

Tyler Meridith, Choir and Orchestra Director Visual and Performing Arts Chair

Director of Chorus portrait

Tyler Merideth earned both a B.M. cum laude in Church Music and a M.M. in Music Education from Belmont University.

Merideth teaches Choir and AP Music Theory and serves as the Visual and Performing Arts Chair. In 2022, Merideth won the MNPS Student's Choice Academy Teacher of the year and was one of 30 music educators that received the CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence.

Merideth is known for his dynamic conducting and creative approach to teaching, having guest conducted honor choirs in Tennessee and West Virginia and orchestras in Tennessee and Indiana. He has also been an integral part of the W.O. Smith Music School Summer Camp since 2008. As a collaborative pianist, Merideth has contributed annually to the Tennessee All-State Choirs since 2005 and performed with the 2020 ACDA Southern Region Junior High Honor Choir in Mobile, Alabama.

Merideth has also taught adjunct music courses at both Lipscomb and Belmont University. He currently serves as the program director of the Nashville Children's Choir and the Director of the MNPS Summer Choir Clinic. His published compositions and arrangements have been performed across the United States and abroad.