On Tuesday February 10th, the ILS Fine Arts Department held the first-ever elective fair in the Student Pavilion. The purpose of the elective fair was to have freshman, sophomores and juniors be able to see all of the possible type of art electives they could possibly take in the next school year. Tables were set up advertising band, music, theater, painting classes and more, and this was held during F-Block.
As the theater teacher and moderator of Drama Club, Mrs. Lianne Rodriguez was helping advertise the theater electives, and shared some insight on what the fair is all about.
“The Fine Arts Elective Fair is a chance for all the students, before they pick their electives this year, to get to explore each class, learn a little bit about all of the fine arts courses and talk to the teachers who teach them. In the state of Florida, everyone has to take at least one credit hour of a fine art so this event is to shed some light on all the different courses students can take while they are here at ILS.”
At the music table, sophomore and Choir member Israel Franchi was advertising keyboard class.
“Basically what we approach to do in Keyboard I is to help students learn the fundamentals of piano and help students learn music,” he said.
The table featured a keyboard where students were encouraged to play on it and show off their talent.
“I think it’s nice. So far everything looks good. I like how everything is set up, especially band how they show off the instruments. I also like art club showing their paintings. A lot of the people here are nice,” thought freshman Lorenzo Ciribe. As a member of the Drama Club, Lorenzo has already been involved in fine arts here at ILS.
Senior Emma Space and junior Madison Press were advertising the Dual Enrollment Drawing and Painting class, where they are taught by Mrs. Elenqa Capablanca.
“We’re helping present to students what Dual Enrollment Drawing and painting is about, how to get in, what you do in the class. I think this fair is really helpful because I had no idea this class existed until someone told me about it and I wish I knew earlier because it’s helped me a lot in other areas and I love it,” explained Emma.
“I think it’s helpful because a lot of people get stuck when it comes to doing creative stuff, and when people see these incredible presentations, I think it gives them a spark to make more creative things.” shared Madison. The table was adorned by their paintings.
“My thoughts on the elective fair is everything is cool, I like looking at the art, the music. the theater program. I like seeing my friends running the stands. It’s all chill. Maybe For next year, I recommend there should be an activity though, as a lot of people are just standing around,” said sophomore Matthew Schultz.
As part of the theater department, senior Lara Torrens was advertising the Costume and Makeup class.
“I’m Lara and I’m a senior and I took costume and makeup my sophomore year as one of my fine arts. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I got to learn everything about theater, and I got to make new friends and I made my own pair of pants. And now I know how to make clothes. For the fair I was sewing on the sewing machine and telling everyone how great the class is,” she said.
The Fine Arts Department is one of the most important departments at ILS because it helps encourage students in their artistic interests and talents, allowing them to improve, and become more well rounded in their education.
