Arts

Visual and performing arts

All students participate in our elementary music and art program.

As part of our commitment to educating the whole child, we believe every students should have a basic knowledge, skills and appreciation of the visual and performing arts.  A quality arts education program will enable students to develop self-esteem, self-discipline, self-motivation and cooperation necessary for success in life.

Art

Our Art Program teaches students the elements of art and principles of design, utilizing paint, pastels, and a variety of other mediums.  We cover artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Cezanne, and Matisse.  We discover artistic styles from modern and contemporary to traditional.  We learn how art applies to our lives and across all subjects.  We have a school-wide PTA Art Show in April that will feature work from all students.  PreK has 20 minutes of instruction in Art every week, and all other students receive 50 minutes of instruction.

Music

All students in grades PreK-5th grade will receive instruction in music 50 minutes per week (PreK 20 minutes per week).

In PreK, students experience lots of styles of music, they discover a steady beat, sound and no sound, and how to move alone and in a group. 

In Kindergarten, students expand their knowledge of these concepts by learning about a beat versus no beat, high and low sounds, and locomotor versus non locomotor movements. 

In 1st grade, the curriculum expands high and low to "so" and "mi", beat and rhythm, associating icons with sounds, and specific dances are taught. 

In 2nd grade, icons turn into notation, leading students to play pitched and unpitched percussion instruments, they are encouraged to improvise their own melodies, and they dance folk dances as a group. 

Third grade begins to read music notes, reinforcing that knowledge with playing recorders and xylophones.  They can also notate and compose rhythms and pitches. 

Fourth grade expands their knowledge of dynamics, musicality, musical styles, and music history.  Their musical knowledge is deep enough to play recorders in groups, such as PTA programs. 

Fifth grade continues to perform recorders and percussion at PTA programs, and are able to perform more advanced repertoire.

Honor Choir

students practicing for honor choir

Honor Choir is an afterschool program focused on developing vocal tone and range, sightreading, and music literacy.  Fourth and fifth graders are encouraged to sign up at the beginning of the year.  In this program, we practice breathing exercises, vocal warmups, sightreading, and reading choral scores in English, Latin, Spanish, and other languages.  A few times throughout the year, the Honor Choir performs with Webb Middle School, a Winter performance at the Galleria, and competitions around Dallas.

Ukulele and Drum Club

This is an afterschool program that focuses on world music.  Our repertoire includes pieces from Kenya, Jamaica, South Africa, and more!  Fourth and fifth graders are encouraged to sign up for the culturally-enriching club.  In this club, we use a lot of unpitched percussion instruments, such as claves, tubanos, bongos, and maracas.  Although this is not a competitive group, this club will perform at some PTA programs.

Orff Club

Orff Club is an afterschool program focused on expanding music literacy.  Fourth and fifth graders are encouraged to join at the beginning of the year.  In Orff Club, we learn how to play a veriety of pitched and unpitched percussion instruments.  We learn how to layer numerous parts in order to create interesting music.  We develop our musicianship by refining our technique, creating our own music, and incorporating ideas from many people to create a group piece.  There are a few performances throughout the year, like PTA programs, Dia de los Muertos, or competitions around Dallas.

Membership guidelines and forms

If you're interested in becoming a member of one of our ensembles please contact Ms. Williford.

Be a Garland ISD VIP 

With a special VIP pass, community members can get free general admission to many athletic and Fine Arts events at district facilities.

Visit the Garland ISD VIP pass page for more details.

Clear Bag Policy

To help ensure a safe and respectful environment for guests, Garland ISD has put into effect a Clear Bag Policy for all GISD middle and high school athletic events and fine arts performances.  

Learn more on our Clear Bag Policy page.