1. Akins Fine Arts Department

2. Renée Zellwegger might not have won an Academy Award without the theater courses she took at Katy High School. And it’s possible that Norah Jones may have won multiple Grammy Awards even if she hadn’t attended choir classes at Grapevine Junior High School. But in each of these cases, and in countless others, a quality fine arts education in Texas public schools is at the foundation of their success.

3. Fine Arts is defined in the Encarta Dictionary as being, “any art form, for example, painting, sculpture, architecture, drawing, or engraving, that is considered to have purely aesthetic value”

4. "For our society to move forward, for our culture to survive, fine arts education must remain strong. We already know that kids who study music do better in physics and math. Teaching the fine arts is a rounding of the whole development of the student." --- Representative Rob Eissler, House Public Education Committee Chair

5. Intentions for today’s presentation: Who are “WE”? Why do our students give 100% to the Fine Arts and only 85% (or less in your class?) How can the Fine Arts help YOU? How can YOU help the Fine Arts?

6. Akins Fine Arts Department Who Are We? Who Are We? What courses to we offer? What courses to we offer? What are those courses? What are those courses?

7. Art Department Vivian Holland-Medina Vivian Holland-Medina Eric Cannon Eric Cannon Verna Gumbs Verna Gumbs Art 1 Art 1 Drawing 2,3, & 4 Drawing 2,3, & 4 Printmaking 2,3, & 4 Printmaking 2,3, & 4 Painting 2,3, & 4 Painting 2,3, & 4 Sculpture 2 Sculpture 2 Metals 2 Metals 2 2D & 3D Design (AP Studio Art) 2D & 3D Design (AP Studio Art)

8. Band Department Tate Fincher Tate Fincher Paul Crockett Paul Crockett John McClain John McClain Marching Band Marching Band Instrumental Ensemble Instrumental Ensemble Band 1,2,3,4 aka known as Wind Ensemble; Symphonic Band; Concert Band Band 1,2,3,4 aka known as Wind Ensemble; Symphonic Band; Concert Band Color Guard Color Guard Jazz Band Jazz Band Beginning Band Beginning Band

9. Choral Department David Polley David Polley Ladies Choir Ladies Choir Men’s Choir Men’s Choir Choir 1,2,3,4 Choir 1,2,3,4

10. Dance Department Ally Gates Morgan Eddy Diamond Dazzlers Diamond Dazzlers Sapphires Sapphires Dance 1 (PE Substitute) Dance 1 (PE Substitute) PE (Aerobics) PE (Aerobics) Dance 2,3,4 Dance 2,3,4

11. Classical Guitar Program Cathy Bennett Cathy Bennett Guitar 1 Guitar 1 Guitar 2,3,4 (stacked class) Guitar 2,3,4 (stacked class) Austin Classical Guitar Society Austin Classical Guitar Society

12. Austin Classical Guitar Soci ety

13. Music Theory/Piano David Polley – Piano 1,2, and AP Music Theory David Polley – Piano 1,2, and AP Music Theory Cathy Bennett- Piano 1 Cathy Bennett- Piano 1 What is this class? What is this class? We teach students basic compositional skills. (notes, rhythms, chords; chord analysis) We teach students basic compositional skills. (notes, rhythms, chords; chord analysis) Classroom Piano Classroom Piano

14. Orchestra Department Cathy Bennett Cathy Bennett Orchestra 1,2,3,4 aka: Advanced Orchestra = “Symphony” Orchestra 1,2,3,4 aka: Advanced Orchestra = “Symphony” Intermediate Orchestra = “Philharmonic” Intermediate Orchestra = “Philharmonic” Beginning Orchestra Beginning Orchestra

15. Theatre Department Maureen Siegel Erica Vallejo Jesus Valles (Speech & Debate) Theatre 1,2,3,4 Theatre 1,2,3,4 Technical Theatre 1,2,3,4 Technical Theatre 1,2,3,4 Theatre Production 1,2,3,4 Theatre Production 1,2,3,4

16. What do the Arts do to “pull” in the Whole Child? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw4vqll9cAM What are some Strategies we use to make 100% of our students accountable? 1. They CHOOSE to be in our classes so, it’s not that much of a problem for us. 1. They CHOOSE to be in our classes so, it’s not that much of a problem for us. 2. We teach them “leadership” skills; analysis skills; non verbal communication skills etc. And frankly, if they don’t give their best, peer pressure sets in!! 2. We teach them “leadership” skills; analysis skills; non verbal communication skills etc. And frankly, if they don’t give their best, peer pressure sets in!! 3. They must remain academically eligible in order to perform on a UIL or Competitive forum. 3. They must remain academically eligible in order to perform on a UIL or Competitive forum. We teach to their “soul”. We teach to their “soul”. How do we do it? Move slide to different place??

17. We have a whole generation of teachers and parents who have not had the advantage of arts in their own education. Today, a new picture is emerging. Comprehensive, innovative arts initiatives are taking root in a growing number of school districts. Many of these models are based on new findings in brain research and cognitive development, and they embrace a variety of approaches….

18. Using the arts as a learning tool (for example, musical notes to teach fractions); incorporating arts into other core classes (writing and performing a play about, say, slavery); creating a school environment rich in arts and culture (Mozart in the hallways every day hmmmm…) http://oreil.ly/em1IS6

19. Why do the Arts “pull” at the heart strings? …….let’s see……………..

20. Do you see her spinning clockwise or counterclockwise? your your

21. Do you see her spinning clockwise or counterclockwise? Counterclockwise You typically use the left side of your brain more

22. Do you see her spinning clockwise or counterclockwise? Counterclockwise Clockwise You typically use You typically use the left side of the right side of your brain more your brain more

23. Are you more of a right brained thinker or a left brained thinker? Left Hemisphere uses logic uses logic detail oriented detail oriented facts rule facts rule present and past present and past math and science math and science can comprehend can comprehend order/pattern perception order/pattern perception reality based reality based forms strategies forms strategies practical practical Right Hemisphere uses feeling uses feeling "big picture" oriented "big picture" oriented imagination rules imagination rules present and future present and future philosophy & religion philosophy & religion can "get it" (i.e. meaning) can "get it" (i.e. meaning) believes and appreciates believes and appreciates spatial perception spatial perception risk taking risk taking

24. Left Brain The left hemisphere recognizes elements that occur one after the other – controlling sequences of behavior The left hemisphere recognizes elements that occur one after the other – controlling sequences of behavior Numbers, order, routine Numbers, order, routine Factual thinkers Factual thinkers Historically serve as accountants, lawyers, doctors, engineers, etc… Historically serve as accountants, lawyers, doctors, engineers, etc…

25. Right Brain Doesn’t march single file formation A-B-C-D Doesn’t march single file formation A-B-C-D Special talent is the ability to interpret things simultaneously Special talent is the ability to interpret things simultaneously Big picture thinking Big picture thinking Historically serve as artists, counselors, designers, etc… Historically serve as artists, counselors, designers, etc…

26. The concept of the WHOLE mind “Two half-brains designed to work together as a smooth, single, integrated whole in one entire complete brain. The left hemisphere knows how to handle logic and the right hemisphere knows about the world. Put the two together and one gets a powerful thinking machine.” “Two half-brains designed to work together as a smooth, single, integrated whole in one entire complete brain. The left hemisphere knows how to handle logic and the right hemisphere knows about the world. Put the two together and one gets a powerful thinking machine.”

27. chairs!

28. We must develop our students use of their right brain abilities because we are moving from the information age to the conceptual age. Ex: ASIA (many of jobs that we use to do – manufacturing etc are being done by chinese, indians from India) AUTOMATION (factories are now being run by robot assisted construction; assembly line etc..)

29. Increase the RIGHT BRAIN’S function by developing the Six Senses Design Design Story Story Symphony Symphony Empathy Empathy Play Play Meaning Meaning “These six senses increasingly will guide our lives and shape our world.” “Those who master them first will have a huge advantage.” “Together these six senses can help develop the whole new mind this new era demands.”

30. Design “It’s no longer sufficient to create a product, a service, an experience, or a lifestyle that’s merely functional. Today’s it’s economically crucial and personally rewarding to create something that is also beautiful, whimsical, or emotionally engaging.” Design is utility enhanced by significance

31. Utility vs. significance

32. Car Makers have changed their tune… BMW now says… “We don’t make automobiles, we make moving works of art that express the driver’s love of quality.” Ford now says… “In the past, it was all about a big V-8. Now it’s about harmony and balance.”

33. Story Stories are easier to remember – because in many ways, stories are how we remember. Stories sharpen our understanding of one thing by showing it in the context of something else.

34. We are our stories We share our own history through: Scrapbooking Scrapbooking Genealogy Genealogy Movies Movies Family videos Family videos Word of mouth Word of mouth

35. Symphony Symphony is… …the ability to put together the pieces. …the capacity to synthesize rather than analyze. …to see relationships between seemingly unrelated fields. …to detect broad patterns rather than to deliver specific answers. …to invent something new by combining elements nobody else thought to pair.

36. Silly combination inventions…

37. Think BIG PICTURE! More and more in business, specialization and compartmentalization is out…and being able to see the big picture is in. More and more in business, specialization and compartmentalization is out…and being able to see the big picture is in.

38. Empathy This is the ability to imagine yourself in someone else’s position and to intuit what that person is feeling. It is the ability to stand in others’ shoes, to see with their eyes, and to feel with their hearts. It is the ability to stand in others’ shoes, to see with their eyes, and to feel with their hearts.

39. Make no mistake… Empathy is not sympathy. That’s feeling bad for someone. Empathy is feeling with someone else, sensing what it would be like to be that person.

40. Play Play and humor can be a cohesive force in an organization! Playing games enhances the right brain ability to solve problems by recognizing patterns and can be a vehicle for self-expression and self- exploration.

41. Laughter! Laughter can decrease stress hormones and boost immune systems! Positively benefits mental function. Conditions abdominals! Helps move oxygen to body tissues. Changes perspective.

42. Meaning

43. Viktor Frankl Jewish Psychiatrist who wrote the book entitled “Man’s Search for Meaning” years after the loss of his wife, brother, mother, and father in the Holocaust “Man’s main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see a meaning in his life.”

44. According to Daniel Pink… Our fundamental drive, the motivational engine that powers human existence, is the pursuit of meaning.

45. This is what the Akins Fine Arts Department does so well. We teach to our students “Right Side” of the brain. We allow the student to express, to explore…to think of the “BIG PICTURE”

46. But, we need YOUR help with something…..

47. Fine Arts Musical This is where we shine!! This is the project that EVERY department in the Fine Arts collaborates on. *It takes a lot of time. *A lot of participation. *Expectations of Actors, Singers, Musicians, Musical Director, Musical Conductor, Pianist etc. It costs A LOT of money!!

48. Why present a Fine Arts Musical?

49. The Fine Arts Musical incorporates all aspects of the arts including music, drama, visual arts, and dance. In addition to the pure enjoyment of being a part of a stage production, our students benefit from the experience of working cooperatively with their peers and building self-esteem as they gain important theatrical skills and musical aptitude.

50. Fine Arts Musical (Think of how great it would be if YOU were a part of it!!) How can we make it better? We need your help! a. Musical – Campus Support (what does that look like specifically?) b. Increased attendance at the musical. b. Increased attendance at the musical. **How can we fill our theater to capacity for all 4 performances of the musical? How can the other teachers help us with this?? How can the other teachers help us with this?? c. Curricular Connections. c. Curricular Connections. Critical Analysis of the musical (English Classes) Critical Analysis of the musical (English Classes) Tie in Historical Context (Social Studies) etc. Tie in Historical Context (Social Studies) etc.

51. A Former Student’s Perspective… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nClfi nVmcOc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nClfi nVmcOc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nClfi nVmcOc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nClfi nVmcOc