The Garland High School
School of Performing Arts
| | As The School of Performing Arts in GISD, Garland High School, in addition to courses offered in this area by most schools, offers advanced classes in Performing Arts, such as Piano Lab, Guitar Lab, Music Theory, Pre-IB and IB Film, and Pre-IB or IB Theatre. |
What is the Performing Arts Endorsement (PAE) at Garland High School?
As approved by the GISD School Board, the Performing Arts Endorsement is a coherent sequence of courses designed for the artistically gifted/talented student. Beginning during the Freshman year, it guides the student through a specific path of academic study, performance criteria, and exposure to professional performance. This plan offers the opportunity to concentrate on the Performing Arts and gain proficiency in chosen areas of concentration during the high school years, much as a Music, Theatre or Film Major does in college.
Upon completion of the prescribed course of 
study, a Performing Arts Endorsement shall be awarded to the student. This endorsement will accompany their official transcript, along with an explanation of the endorsement and its criteria, and will become applicable to university study or future professional endeavors. The Performing Arts Endorsement has been reviewed by both university and secondary administration. It has received praise for both its inclusiveness and its practicality. Added benefits may be increased scholarship opportunities and advanced placement in college courses. Students going directly into the job market will benefit from the practical experience gained through their performance experiences.
The goal of this program is to give students a well-rounded and intensive Fine Arts experience in conjunction with their other school course work and activities. These experiences at the high school level are very rare and establish the student as a "cut above" the rest. High performance standards supported by academic and technical subject knowledge will result in a musician and/or actor/film maker who is very marketable to universities and the professional world.
What to do if you are interested . . .
Read all information concerning the requirements.
What does the Performing Arts Endorsement Offer GHS students?
Provides access to a strong Fine Arts background along with core academics; whether in IB, Honors, or regular diploma programs.
Provides prospective Music, Theatre, and Film majors with better preparation and understanding of careers in the Performing Arts market.
Provides for increased performance opportunities and exposure to
the professional music, theatrical, and film world.
Provides students preparation for college audition and placement exams through a rigorous, coherent, sequence of course study.
Provides students with an increased opportunity for Performing Arts scholarships and endowments.
Provides students having a primary interest in Performing Arts added incentive for remaining in school and opportunities for achievement recognition.
Provides students not planning on entering a four-year college the opportunity for hands-on training in the arts, enabling them direct access to theatrical, film, and music-related fields which do not necessarily require college training.
Provides students with a professional critique of their performance skills on a yearly basis.
Provides opportunities for cross-discipline training within the Fine Arts community through course work and performance projects.
Provides a well-rounded basis for future Fine Arts endeavors.
What are the requirements for receiving the Performing Arts Endorsement?
Receive a passing grade on all prescribed Performing Arts Endorsement academic and performance classes as specified in this guide. Juniors will perform a Spring "jury" or graded recital performance for a panel of judges consisting of approved solo material and/or etudes. Theatre students perform a monologue. Senior candidates will perform in a Senior Recital before graduation. This performance will be critiqued by both GHS faculty and professionals in the Fine arts field.
Attendance is required for a minimum of three off-campus professional performances each year. A printed program from the event must be submitted within one week of the performance date. A variety of performances, both musical and dramatic, is encouraged.
Every candidate should be available for departmental performances above the minimum participation expected for membership in the various organizations. This could take the form of musicals, combined concerts, community performances, etc.
Instrumental, vocal, and piano students must participate in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Festival each year with a rating no lower than a Second Division. Solo classification (Class 1, 2, or 3) will be determined by the individual requirements for the department and the head director.
Instrumental and vocal candidates must participate in the TMEA All-Region audition process throughout their four years in the program and participate in organizations for which they may be selected.
Theatre candidates must meet production requirements for the classes in which they are enrolled and participate in all department open shows above the minimum participation requirements. An individual senior project will be required.
Film students must meet participation requirements for the classes in which they are enrolled and participate in AFI/Dallas Film Festival, and the Reel Owl Cinema Film Festival all four years. Seniors will create a 7 minute film for adjudication.
It is the student's responsibility to check for accuracy of records throughout their endorsement course of study. These records will be kept with the department head and submitted to the Counselors' Office prior to graduation.
