FINE ARTS

Students in elementary grades begin their music education by participating in a music class that produces a Christmas program and Grandparents’ Day program. Fourth graders learn how to play the ukulele for these programs as well. Fourth and fifth graders may choose to participate in Concert Band, an elective class that expounds on the skills taught in music classes. Students learn how to play brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments in order to prepare them to take part in Concert Band at the middle and high school levels.

Middle School Band is designed to help woodwind, brass, and percussion students develop proper instrumental techniques and sight-reading skills. In addition to exposure to music theory, history, and terminology, students will further enrich their band, small ensemble, and solo learning experience through participation in the concert performances at Christmas and in the spring.

High School Concert Band is designed for the student who enjoys playing and performing music. Students develop proper techniques and sight-reading skills and also learn music theory, terminology, and history as related to the literature rehearsed. Studying both classical music and jazz, the band students perform at concerts during Christmas and in the spring. Praise Band is a class that encourages students to lead worship in weekly chapels. In addition to vocalists, Praise Band also provides opportunity to students who play acoustic or electric guitar, keyboard, and drums. Participants should understand the importance of displaying a heart for serving and ministering with their God-given musical abilities.

Drama is an introductory elective class for students in grades 6-8.  The class introduces students to key acting concepts and the production process. Students may audition for the middle school/high school combination production each fall or for the middle school one-act competition piece in the spring.

The theatre arts program at GCS is comprised of three different course offerings: theatre arts, an introductory course that teaches basic acting concepts and the production process; costuming, a hands-on sewing class that produces the costumes for each of the Gaston Christian Players’ productions; and stage craft, a course that teaches the principles of set design and construction. Through the theatre arts program at Gaston Christian High School, students develop a knowledge of theatre history, acting, directing, technical theatre, and stage management in a hands-on learning environment that allows them to glorify God with the talents He has given them. Past shows include Little Women, Our Town, The Crucible, The Jungle Book, Arsenic and Old Lace, Romeo & Juliet, Charlotte’s Web, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Students in kindergarten through third grade participate in a weekly art class.  Students in fourth and fifth grades have art instruction for three days a week during a twelve-week rotation. Elementary students are exposed to and create different art media and learn basic art history.

The visual arts program in grades 6-8 is designed to establish aesthetic values and critical thinking, as well as originality and skill in expression, while maintaining a Christian attitude. After cumulative introduction of basic elements, concepts, and study of some well known work as examples, the middle school student is ready for a more in depth exploration of art history. Students will achieve a working knowledge of media and techniques and will receive an introduction to design principles.

The high school offers a range of art classes from beginning courses that provide an introduction to the basic principles of art and emphasize skills in various techniques to studies for advanced art students that enhance individuality and creativity, allowing the students to become more self-directed. Art forms explored include watercolor and acrylic paints, ink and pencil drawings, clay sculpture, wire sculpture, mosaics, and printmaking. As the students work with these different media and techniques, they develop critical and creative thinking skills necessary for understanding and producing art. Art history and art appreciation are also integral parts of these studies.

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade attend music class each week. Students in kindergarten through second grade are introduced to music by learning to play rhythmic instruments, and they also learn the basics of singing with a group. Third through fifth-grade students are introduced to basic music theory and study music history, focusing on units on composers, hymn writers, and musical styles. Students demonstrate these skills at the Christmas and Grandparents’ Day programs.

Middle School Concert Chorus is designed for the student who enjoys singing and performing choral music in a more structured environment than is offered through regularly scheduled music classes. Students are challenged to develop their vocal skills, music reading abilities, and harmonizing abilities. Middle School Concert Chorus performs at Christmas and spring concerts as well as on tours throughout the county.

 High School Concert Choir is designed for the student who enjoys singing and performing choral music. Students develop proper vocal techniques and sight-singing skills through a study of both sacred and secular choral literature; they also learn music theory, terminology, and history as related to the literature rehearsed. Students perform at concerts at Christmas and in the spring. Honors Ensemble is for the more serious-minded voice student who desires to further develop proper vocal techniques and sight-singing skills. They continue a study of music theory, terminology, and history through a study of both sacred and secular choral literature. Honors Ensemble students also perform at concerts in December and May as wells as at several music festivals and community venues throughout the year.