Overview of The
​Academy Stars & Clowns

Thank You to Our Donors!!!
The Academy Stars and Clowns are the ambassadors for the Academy for Academics and Arts. Directed by Mrs. Stricklin and accompanied by Christopher Joel Carter with guidance from Mrs. Atkins, these sixth, seventh and eighth grade students dazzle audiences with a lively song and dance presentation. The groups’ eclectic variety of music appeals to audiences of all ages.  Membership in this group gives students more than a performance experience.  The personal commitment by a student to be a part of the group, audition, attend all the rehearsals, care for costumes, learn theatrical make-up techniques and perform for the public teaches lifelong skills that transfer to academic success and career opportunities. In addition to proficiency in song and dance, the students learn problem solving skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, and self-confidence. Students also promote the arts to their peers and throughout the community.
Stars and Clowns Donors
Competition Trip Donors - 2026
Roy and Laura Dale Priest
Susan Stricklin
How do I prepare for an audition?
Preparing for a singing-only audition means picking a good song, keeping your voice healthy, and practicing so you feel calm and confident. Follow these easy steps.
1. Select and Polish Your Song
  • Choose the Right Song:
    • Pick a song that fits your voice and feels comfortable.
    • Choose one that shows your best singing, not one that is too hard.
  • Prepare a "Cut":
    • Auditions usually want a short part of a song (about 60–90 seconds).
  • Pick the most powerful part, like a verse and a chorus.
2. Memorize Completely:
Learn the words and melody so you can focus on singing and emotion. Prepare Your Materials
  • Sheet Music:
    • Put your sheet music in a 3-ring binder.
    • Mark where to start and stop, and write the tempo or any notes clearly.
  • Maintain Vocal and Physical Health
    • Hydrate:
      • Drink water in the days before the audition, not just right before.
  • Avoid Irritants:
    • Try not to have dairy, lots of caffeine, or sugary drinks in the 24 hours before.
  • Rest:
    • Get a full night’s sleep the night before so your voice is fresh.
3. Practice and Simulate
  • Record Yourself:
    • Video your practice to check posture, face, and sound.
  • Mock Audition:
    • Practice walking in, saying your name (slate), singing, and leaving in front of friends or family.
4. Finalize Preparation (Day of Audition)
  • Arrive Early:
    • Come 15–20 minutes early to relax and get ready.
  • Warm Up Gently:
    • Do light warm-ups like lip trills, humming, and easy scales before you go.
  • Dress Comfortably/Professionally:
    • Wear clothes that make you feel confident and let you breathe and move.
  • Smile and Be Polite:
    • Be friendly to staff and judges—the audition begins when you walk in.
5. What to Avoid:
  • Don’t sing a song from the show you are auditioning for unless they ask.
  • Don’t over-sing or strain your voice in the days before.
  • Don’t apologize for mistakes; keep going like it’s a live show.
Audition Paperwork!
WITH YOUR PARENTS - fill out both the Form!
What do I do to prepare for my audition?
​You need to prepare an audition song. An audition song is 16 to 24 measures of music. A measure is the set of notes between the bars of music. It is approximately 45-60 seconds long.

Where can I find sheet music?
​Your sheet music  must have a vocal line and a piano line. Sheet music can be purchased on sites like www.musicnotes.com. Sometimes you can find a free version, but it may not be like the original song. I have lots of music (mostly Disney) if any student needs to look over it. Sheet music looks like this:

Music Competition - Smoky Mountains - Music in the Parks

 Fundraisers
Music in the Parks 2026

Deadline to Register is December 19
Trip Information

​Travel Agent Information:

Chris Lindley, President
American Travel Consulting, LLC
Albertville, AL 
256.572.0669
[email protected]

Clowns Family Information

Stars Family Information

Academy Stars & Clowns Calendar
This calendar is subject to change. Thank you!

Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Jenny Stricklin
[email protected]

My name is Jenny Stricklin. I grew up in Huntsville. I graduated from Lee High School with my twin brother Jeff. My older sister Shelby graduated from Grissom. In 2010, I married my best friend Heath. It has been my dream from the beginning to teach at AAA. I am so excited to be a part of such a wonderful community of mentors, teachers, administrators, parents, community leaders, etc.

I have two degrees. I have a B.A. in vocal music with a minor in communicative disorders from The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and a B.S. in Education from Athens State University. I love to teach children. I also enjoy singing, dancing, and acting. I am on the board of Independent Musical Productions (IMP). We are a local theater company in Huntsville. 

I believe that teaching is the most rewarding occupation. It allows you to see growth in every student you meet. Every child can learn and it is my duty to take them as far as they can go.

    Questions for Mrs. Stricklin? Fill out the form.

Upcoming Events:

Behind the Scenes @ Academy Stars and Clowns

Check out this slide show with pictures from past Stars and Clowns performances. Want to see them live? You can always check them out during our end of the semester ACT Nights. Want the Stars and Clowns to visit your school or business? Email our magnet coordinators for more information. (See Contact Page) 
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