The two major guiding philosophies of Salem's Visual and Performing Arts Academy are for students to be exposed to and participate in a variety of art strands and also to create professional opportunities for academy students. Salem's partnership with ERM Media has provided both! During the premiere year of the academy, ERM Media's president, Robert Winstin, acted as artist-in-residence, and was instrumental in advising administration on musical selections for academy students. Once school began, he conducted after-school performance classes in instrumental techniques. Students in these classes have played in two performances and Academy Showcases. ERM Media even provided a recording technician and equipment to record a professional quality CD. This CD was sold by academy students to raise funds for the program, and was played at radio stations across the country. ERM Media and Salem High School sound like a winning team!