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Performing Arts

Courses available to all 6th, 7th & 8th grade students
Our basic course of study in the Visual and Performing Arts is open to every student who enters the doors at Gunning Bedford. We offer grade level specific courses in:

  • Music: Choir, Band, Piano, Guitar, Steel Pan
  • Art: Foundations of Art, Fine Art 1 and Fine Art 2
  • Graphic Design: Intro, Level 1 and Level 2
  • Digital Media: Intro, Level 1 and Level 2
  • Drama: Annual Production, afterschool
  • Dance: Intro, Level 1 and Level 2

Encore Arts for 6th Grade
All 6th Grade students will take the Encore Arts course which gives them a rotation in Guitar, Piano, Steel Pan, Fine Art, Digital Media and Graphic Design.

Advanced Courses for students in grades 7 & 8
All current GB students are eligible to audition/apply for the advanced arts courses. Auditions and applications are available beginning in April.

Jazz Band
Jazz Band is an advanced performing ensemble. This band studies jazz and introduces improvisation and soloing techniques. Students will need to complete a year of band and/or complete an audition.

Music Studio
In Music studio students will fine tune their instrumental and vocal skills as they prepare to audition for All-State Ensembles and Recitals.  Students will work on solos and small groups to craft performances.

Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble is an advanced performing group that meets all year long.  Students in Percussion Ensemble need to be able to read music, have a good work ethic, and attend performances outside of school day hours.  Prior to joining Percussion Ensemble, students will need to complete a year of band and/or complete an audition.

Steel Pan Band
Steel Pan Band is an advanced group of steel pan players that perform throughout the year.  Students are expected to be able to read music, have good work ethic, and be available to perform outside of school day hours.  Students in Steel Pan Band will need to take the intro steel pan class and/or audition.

Bedford Bellas
Bedford Bellas is the auditioned treble choir at GB.  This choir sings a variety of music including some popular songs, they travel to sing in the community, at special events and participate in the Music Competition every spring.  Students are expected to read music, practice outside of class and should be able to sing their part independently in this small choir.

GB Singers
GB Singers is the elite, auditioned mixed choir at GB.  This choir travels to sing in the community, at special events and participates in the Music Competition every spring.  Students are expected to read music, practice outside of class and should be able to sing their part independently in this small choir.

Advanced Studio Art
An upper level course designed for the student who wishes to further develop skills and techniques that were introduced in previous drawing and painting courses. This is a desirable course for any student wishing to develop a portfolio for high school. In this course students are expected to create a body of work or focus of 10-15 pieces for a final gallery showing at the end of the school year. Students will be continually encouraged to expand their creative ideas as well as their technical potential.
PREREQUISITE: one year of studio art in middle school and completed application.

Advanced Studio in Ceramics & Sculpture
This upper-level art course offers an opportunity for students who wish to create three-dimensional art.  Students will explore the element of form using a variety of materials such as clay, plaster, wood, and metals. Students will also learn the methods of working with clay such as coiling, slab building, and throwing on the wheel. Final products will be displayed at the end of the year in a gallery show for a grade. Students are encouraged to explore individual styles while producing a diverse body of three-dimensional work.

Advanced Dance 
Students are challenged to think on their feet while enjoying an energetic and fast paced dance class. Dancers develop their focus, strength, and agility while dancing and having fun

Advanced Digital Media Studio
The Advanced Digital Media Studio Class produces audio and video productions. The skills and artistic expressions obtained can serve to reinforce every student’s portfolio regardless of future career plans. Students interested in continuing can become web designers, video producers, audio or video journalists, multimedia specialists, media producer, v-bloggers, animators and sound designers for film, games, and theatre

Graphic Arts Studio 
In Graphic Arts studio you will run an actual printing shop that creates digital artwork and designs that will be used around the school and district. you will learn advanced photography and Photoshop skills. You will create posters, invitations, and other media. You will work with cameras, printers, Apples computers and more! The advanced class supports and creates things for the musical, sports, clubs, school store and supports everything Gunning Bedford!  You will attend and photograph events and activities around GB. Your work will be displayed around the building. You will learn real world skills and have fun doing it!