Fine Arts
Students will have the opportunity to enhance their fine arts skills through music and visual arts through this special project. Students who are serious about being artists or musicians or those who have a passion for the arts will have an enhanced experience in the fine arts. Students attending Fine Arts will have special consideration for Jazz band and upcoming Fine Arts field trips.
Mrs. Nicola Nelson - B.F.A., B.Ed.
Mrs. Nicola Nelson has always been passionate about art and interested in how visual communication enhances learning. Along with being an art student and earning a B.F.A in Visual Art, she is a practicing artist and has shown her work around the Okanagan including The Kelowna Art Gallery. Mrs. Nelson is well trained in multiple art processes including photography, printmaking, drawing, painting and design. She was recently trained in ceramics and on the potter's wheel.
Mrs. Nelson competed a week's training in Victoria in Advanced Placement studio art and is now able to offer this at Glenfir. AP art will be a great stepping stone for senior students who are either serious about pursuing visual arts after high school or talented student artists who want to achieve University credit.
Mr. Fred Gass - B.Mu
Mr. Gass has a long history in music as a musician, a performer, and a teacher. He has worked with many fine musicians such as Boz Scaggs, Tanya Tucker, James Brown, and many more. He taught at St. Georges School in Vancouver for 10 years, before moving to Kelowna. He has played continually, including with the Okanagan Symphony. He is in his 5th year at Glenfir, and enjoys the talents and enthusiasm of the students. The students know that the learning bar is set quite high, and they always do their best.
Special Project Description
Grade 7-10 will have two special activity periods (Monday and Wednesday) of Visual Art and one special activity period (Friday) of Band each week.
Grade 4-6 will have 2 periods (Tuesday and Thursday) of visual art and when needed for upcoming concerts one of these periods may become extra band time.
Art 4-6
The course will be divided into three areas and each term will have a focus:
1. Term One: 2D design and photography
2. Term Two: Drawing/painting 3D studio
3. Term Three: Pottery and sculpture
In each area, students will learn a variety of skills and techniques that will enhance his/her learning of the arts and be in addition to regular art classes. Students who are very interested in art and art making processes will benefit from this time and will be able to gain skills in preparation for AP art in later years if desired.
Sr. Art 7-12
*Pre Advanced Placement / Advanced Placement Studio Art 2D, 3D, and/or Drawing
Throughout the year, students will be required to complete an expected amount of quality portfolio items. This course will be optional for students and it will require a significant time commitment. The time allocated for this course is three times a week, 50-minute blocks and an additional 50-minute block if required outside of school time. The portfolio requirements will be discussed with students in depth including each section: Quality, Concentration, and Breadth. Students may choose the area in which they would like to build a portfolio in (2D design, 3D and/ or drawing).
Achieving a high mark in a portfolio submission will give students an edge in University applications, as well in some cases, receive first year University course credits (varies at each University).
*Students not ready to submit an AP portfolio may work as a Pre AP student and gain skills to prepare them for AP work. Any pieces AP worthy can still be used in a future portfolio submission. Each term Pre AP students will have the same amount of pieces assigned as AP students and assessed accordingly.
Music 4-10
The music program is designed for absolute beginners all the way to senior students. The beginners in grade 4 must be well acquainted with their instrument by June. The grade 5 to grade 10 group is our concert and jazz band. These groups will do tours and festivals in the spring. Last year we attended Sun Peaks, and acquitted ourselves with distinction. We strive to play all styles of music, and play it well.