Fine Arts

Goals

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts is an interdependent collection of disciplines which singly and collectively develop common ideals of cultural knowledge, intellectual honesty, and personal creativity. The department functions to provide the cultural, spiritual, and social background and training necessary to effect this development. Through examining humankind's aesthetic history, students grasp the roots of society's existence. Students actively exploring the creative process foster discipline, perceptiveness, clear communication, and a stronger sense of self, and students who respect the past are capable of clear expression in the present and are ready to design and construct the future.

Graduation Requirement

All Students who graduate from Garces Memorial High School must successfully complete 1 year of a Visual/Performing Art.
Two semesters of the same course is required.

Fine Arts Course Catalog

American Film 11-12 (P)

This year-long course combines a study of film appreciation and film history to study the evolution of film as the dominant popular art form of the 21st century. The class will examine the political and social dynamics of each decade and grasp the knowledge of how American society and its films have been a close reflection of each other. Students will learn to look at films critically and analytically and to study them in the larger context of American history.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. f- Visual & Performing Arts

Art I 9-12

Art II 10-12

Art II (P) is a one-year course designed to further develop and refine student’s sensibilities and will enable students to express their own creativity. The course will enhance student’s experiences and skills in the elements and principles of art structure through still life, paintings, and drawings. Students will use different mediums such as: oil pastels, chalk pastels, colored pencils, #2 pencils, watercolor, oil painting, sculpture, and also experiment with different styles of art.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. f- Visual & Performing Arts

AP Studio Art 11-12

AP Studio Art is a one-year course offered to students with a “B+” or better in Art I; enrollment is by invitation after prospective students submit applications to instructor and Fine Arts department chairperson. The equivalent of a year-long introductory college course, AP Studio Art enables students to develop mastery of concepts, composition, and execution of artistic design through study of its elements and principles, followed by extensive exploration of composition and the manipulation of materials. Independent work outside of class time is required, including some weekend days, after school, and during the prior summer. The ultimate required goal is submission of organized portfolios of student work to be submitted to the College Board for Advanced Placement evaluation and scoring.

Prerequisites: Students must successfully complete and pass Art I, and have a recommendation from their art teacher.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. f- Visual & Performing Arts

Dance I 9-12

This two-semester introductory dance course is designed to expose and instruct students on various dance genres such as Jazz, Ballet, and Modern along with education in dance history. The focus of study is to develop basic dance techniques and choreography, as well as acquaint students with proper vocabulary and movement.

This course fulfills one year of the physical education graduation requirements.

There is an additional fee for this course.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. f- Visual & Performing Arts

Dance II 10-12

This two-semester course is designed to introduce students to the basics of modern and jazz dance. The students will learn dance technique, body alignment, positioning, extensions, and increase their flexibility. They will study a variety of styles of dance, which include ballet and jazz. The student will learn to analyze and articulate dance sequences which they will memorize, as well as choreograph themselves. They will also learn a brief history of dance, as well as its impact on cultures and traditions.

This course fulfills one year of the physical education graduation requirements.

Prerequisites: Students must successful complete and pass Dance I and/or have a teacher recommendation.

Jazz Band & Percussion Ensemble 9-12

This course is offered during “0” period only (7:00am – 7:40 AM) and during the 2nd semester only. Jazz Band (9-12) is offered to any student with previous instrumental music experience.

Performance opportunities (subject to change) include the spring concert, spring festival contest, and selected public performances. Priority enrollment will be given to those students enrolled in Advanced Band (P) (9-12) during the 1st semester. Emphasis will focus on sight-reading and improvisation.

This one semester course will fulfill five (5) units of the Garces Memorial High School Visual/Performing Arts graduation requirements.

Marching Band 9-12

This course is offered during “0” period only (7:00 – 7:40 AM) and during 1st semester only. Students may petition the school administration to have this course fulfill one semester (5.0 units) of the Physical Education requirement.

Students will be expected to participate in Marching Band practices before the school year officially begins. Students will learn a variety of marching techniques that will enable them to play and march at various tempos and in various directions. Performance opportunities include all home football games.

This one semester course will fulfill five (5) units of the Garces Memorial Visual/Performing Arts graduation requirements. IN addition, five (5) units of the physical education requirements.

Advanced Band 9-12 (P)

This course is offered during Period 1 only and is a full-year course.

This course is also referred to as Concert Band. The 1st semester focuses on music for the Marching Band. Students who are not in Marching Band should not enroll in this course during the 1st semester. Emphasis will be placed on memorizing and perfecting the music used for the marching band show with special attention given to tonality, dynamics, blending and timing. The 2nd semester will focus on traditional symphonic music with emphasis on sight-reading as well as tonality, dynamics, blending and timing. Second semester performance opportunities include the spring concert, the Kern County Grand Night for Music, solo and ensemble contest and the spring festival contest.

There is an additional fee for this course.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. f- Visual & Performing Arts