ARGYLE SECONDARY SCHOOL
NORTH VANCOUVER
Few Canadian symphony orchestras get to have regular major tours. But at Argyle Secondary, such trips are a given. Every second year, about a quarter of the school's 450 band students and 200 choir members travel to the Canadian Rocky Mountain Festival in Banff, Alta. Every alternate year, the senior students perform in an exotic location -- last year it was Hawaii. No wonder the school boasts such grads as Bryan Adams, Soul Decision's Trevor Guthrie and National Arts Centre Orchestra flautist Emily Smethurst.

CARDINAL CARTER ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS
TORONTO
The dance, music, visual art and drama students at this suburban school all have "a talent which is a gift from God," says Angelo Bolotta, principal at this Catholic institution. "They have an obligation to put this talent to use, to help define the human condition." These young artists have shown -- by designing the school chapel and mounting their spring concerts, dramatic productions and elaborate dance nights, as well as almost weekly performances -- that they have the fire to do that.

CYBERARTS PROGRAM
TORONTO
Two Toronto high schools, Don Mills Collegiate and Northview Heights, have partnered with the University of Waterloo and Sheridan College(a collaboration with the Ontario College of Art and Design is also being formalized)to allow kids to get their start in this highly competitive field before graduation. As well as teaching desktop publishing, website design, Photoshop and other skills, the program places a focus on literacy, communication and presentation.