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    Here at Bowie Fine Arts Academy, we are similar to the other elementary campuses, but different. We have the same academic expectations and curriculum, but we add piano, dance, theater, art, choir, band and orchestra to our offerings. Each elective will hold their own recitals, concerts, and performances.These performances are mandatory for each student. Fine Arts classes are performance based, and therefore attending performances is part of the students’ grade as well as a requirement for enrollment. Here is a little more information regarding the electives offered to our Bowie students:

    Band: We offer band classes for our 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classes.  4th grade students have the choice of four instruments: flute, clarinet, trumpet (cornet), and trombone. I will help you and your student select the instrument for which they are best suited. I have placed hundreds of students on instruments, and I feel confident I can help your student choose the best one for them!  Students must provide their own instrument, and I will provide a list of good quality instruments at the instrument selection meeting. These will be individual appointments. Please do not buy an instrument without consulting with me first!  I am excited to work with your students!

    Piano: Students who choose piano will continue in the Primer Level Book, which was used in 3rd grade and will advance into the Level One book.  We have two recitals, the winter recital and the spring recital, where the students will play age appropriate repertoire. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in local music events such as Fall Festival and Spring Junior Festival. We also have pianists play at the Veteran’s Day ceremony in November. Our curriculum focuses on learning to read music, rhythm, steady beat, counting, sight-reading, ear-training, and using dynamics. This cultivates a life-long love of music and playing piano.

    Choir: Students in Choir learn to confidently apply the techniques of singing. Students will also learn about notes, rhythms, the basics of sight reading, and understanding music vocabulary. We perform concerts for Veteran’s Day, Christmas, and the end of the year. We also go Christmas caroling and we will be singing for other community events this coming year. I strive to provide opportunities for performance but also work daily to continue to improve vocal tone and production. Through all of this, we will encourage a deep love for singing. In Choir, we are a team. We support and encourage one another- our success lies in working together. I would love to have your students on my team!

    Theater: In Theater, we will work to grow our voices, build memorization and characterization skills, and focus on different careers in the Theater. We will perform 2 shows during the year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Students will also have opportunities to compete in UIL events during their 6th grade year.

    Dance: In Dance we focus on all different styles of dance such as ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, etc. Dance technique, muscle flexibility, and strength are also imperative to dancer success. Children are required to get dance shoes. I ask that students interested in Dance do not purchase dance shoes until we have discussed specifically what they need. If a financial need arises, our dance studio has shoes students may borrow. We have two recitals a year and it's a lot of fun!

    Orchestra: Students who sign up for Orchestra will get to learn one of three string instruments: Violin, Viola, or Cello!! We use the Essential Elements book to learn fun songs like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Ode to Joy. The Orchestra students will perform in two concerts, the MISD Strings Festival, and Solo and Ensemble. As a 5th and 6th grader they can audition for Midland ISD Honor Orchestra. There are school instruments available to borrow if there is a financial need. Mrs. Hastings will send out more about instruments and supplies at a later time. Please wait and speak to Mrs. Hastings first before obtaining your student’s instrument! 

    Art: In Art, we will be learning about the Elements and Principles of Art while creating projects with different art mediums. The students will learn basic and advanced techniques over the following media: drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking. They will also be required to participate in several contests or community events such as: TEAM/Jr VASE (JrVASE involves giving up a Saturday and travel and is for 6th grade only), Fire Prevention Poster Contest, PTA Reflections, two Bowie Art Shows, and Community Art Projects.  A supply list will be sent home with your student once they have selected their class via dojo. 

     

    ART   robbyne.teel@midlandisd.net

    ORCHESTRA   jaclyn.hastings@midlandisd.net

    DANCE   anne.cauthen@midlandisd.net

    THEATRE   davina.fangman@midlandisd.net

    BAND  lisa.martinez@midlandisd.net

    PIANO julie.holleman@midlandisd.net

    CHOIR