Fine Arts

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.

Garces Requirement: One year (two semesters in the same course strongly recommended).

The following are brief course descriptions to help in selecting an elective. College Preparatory (P) courses will generally fulfill part of the admission requirement to colleges/universities.

NOTE: THE NUMERICAL DESIGNATION (9, 10, 11, 12) AFTER THE COURSE INDICATES AT WHICH GRADE LEVEL THE COURSE IS AVAILABLE. EACH COURSE DESCRIPTION ALSO CONCLUDES WITH A STATEMENT AS TO WHICH REQUIREMENT(S) THIS PARTICULAR COURSE WILL FULFILL.

Fine Arts Course Catalog

American Film (P) (11-12)

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 20th century. The class will examine the political and social dynamics of each decade and learn 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. THIS COURSE WILL FULFILL THE GARCES MEMORIAL ARTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT AND THE UC/CSU VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS REQUIREMENT.

Art I (9-12)

Art I is a one-year course offered to students in grades 9-12. This course teaches students a common core of knowledge, develops and refines student’s sensibilities, and enables students to express their own creativity. Art I provides experiences in art history, color, perspective, human drawings, and the use of various mediums. THIS COURSE WILL FULFILL THE GARCES MEMORIAL ARTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT AND THE UC/CSU VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS REQUIREMENT.

Art II (10-12)

Art II (P) is a one-year course offered to students with a “B” or better in Art I. This course is 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. THIS COURSE WILL FULFILL THE GARCES MEMORIAL ARTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT AND THE UC/CSU VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS REQUIREMENT.

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 classtime 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. THIS COURSE WILL FULFILL THE GARCES MEMORIAL ARTS REQUIREMENT, THE UC/CSU VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS REQUIREMENT, AND AP CREDIT.

Dance I (9-12) fee required

This two-semester introductory dance course is designed to expose and teach students various dance genres such as Jazz, Ballet and Modern, along with learning dance history. The focus of study is to develop basic dance techniques and choreography as well as acquaint students with proper vocabulary and movement. Dance I includes public performance obligations. THIS COURSE WILL FULFILL THE GARCES MEMORIAL ARTS REQUIREMENT AND THE UC/CSU VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS REQUIREMENT.

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.

Jazz Band & Percussion Ensemble (9-12)

This course is offered during “0” period only (7:00 – 7:40) and during the 2nd semester only. Jazz Band (9-12) is offered to any student with previous instrumental music experience. Performance opportunities 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 TEN (10) UNIT ARTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT.

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 ARTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT BUT WILL NOT FULFILL THE UC/CSU VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS REQUIREMENT.

Advanced Band (P) (9-12) fee required

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. THIS COURSE WILL FULFILL THE GARCES MEMORIAL ARTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT AND THE UC/CSU VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS REQUIREMENT.