Division Spotlight: Fine Arts at Gadsden State
The division consists of the Music Department, Art Department and Theatre Department
The Gadsden State Division of Fine Arts offers music, art and theatre classes for the novice and the experienced. The division consists of the Music Department, Art Department and Theatre Department. The popular band and vocal groups are also part of the Fine Arts Division, which is led by Mario Gallardo.
Theatre Department
It was April 21, 2022, when the Theatre Department staged its first play in over a decade. Student actors presented Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo,” a farce set in 1953 about a struggling couple facing challenging family affairs while hoping for a visit from a Hollywood director. The department presented its second play of the year in October with “The Great Gatsby,” a Jazz Age story about jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy young woman whom he loved in his youth. [See photos from the production]
Until the pandemic, the College consistently had theatrical productions from CharACTers Theatrics and local dance performance companies at Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center but the Theatre Department had not staged a musical or play of its own at the performing arts venue since “Catfish Moon” in 2010. There are plans to continue doing at least one production per semester with a possible summer show and student showcases.
Scholarship opportunities are available for those interested in theatre. Full and half scholarships are available in the areas of acting, lighting, sound and costumes. Auditions for actors consist of two contrasting monologues at approximately one minute each. Those seeking a scholarship in technical theatre will be asked to attend an interview with a portfolio, including photos of past work. Students do not have to be theatre or music majors to qualify for a scholarship.
Joseph Fuselli is the theatre instructor. Gregory Heathcock is the theatre and facility manager. He also works with Fuselli as a producer, stage manager and director.
Students interested in auditioning for a scholarship should contact Fuselli at jfuselli@gadsdenstate.edu for an audition date.
Music Department
Through the Music Department, students have the opportunity to enroll in instrumental and vocal courses. Music classes are available in classical piano, classical voice, chorus, jazz/show band and concert band.
There are four levels of private instruction in Music Performance offered in piano, organ, voice, guitar, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion.
Students can also learn the fundamental musical materials and principles of voice in a number of theory courses, including four levels of Music Theory and Music Theory Laboratory as well as Convocation, Music Appreciation, Introduction to Jazz and Fundamentals of Music.
At Gadsden State, students can earn an Associate in Science degree that can lead to a seamless transition as a music major to a four-year institution.
Art Department
Those with interests in the visual arts have a variety of courses from which to choose.
Art Appreciation assists in finding personal meaning in works of art and develops understanding of the nature and validity of art. Gadsden State offers Drawing courses for students interested in creative drawing projects. Take a course in Digital Photography to learn more about digital imaging techniques. Water Painting and two levels of painting are available to the visual artist. Explore the art of visual communication in the graphic design courses. Studio Art students can take a supervised study that allows them to continue their studio experiences in greater depths.
Other art courses include art museum survey, art history, museum practice and art portfolio.
Show Band
The award-winning Gadsden State Show Band is regarded as one of the leading two-year college bands in the Southeast. They perform about 50 dates a year, travel the state and record in professional studios. The Show Band performs a variety of styles, including contemporary big band, rhythm and blues, country, rock and roll, New Orleans brass band, straight-ahead jazz and everything in between.
Gadsden State offers full and half scholarships to instrumentalists, vocalists, pianists, guitarists, bass players, percussionists, sound technicians and a photographer/social media manager. Students do not have to be music majors to be considered for a scholarship. Scholarships begin for the fall semester. Auditions are typically held in March each year and, sometimes, by appointment.
The Show Band is directed by Desmond Mitchell, who came to Gadsden State Sept. 12, 2022, after directing the Anniston High School Band for two decades. He can be contacted at rmitchell@gadsdenstate.edu.
Vocal Groups
Gadsden State has two vocal groups that average about 50 performances a year and serve as a recruiting tool for the College. They perform in local schools, community events and private parties. The groups are directed by J.T. Harrell.
The Gadsden A Cappella Choir is a performance group designed to enhance the skills of developing musicians through the choral genre. The repertoire chosen by Harrell incorporates many styles and represents the vast array of choral literature. Emphasis is placed on nurturing reading skills and honing awareness of musical form, stylistic characteristics and musical ensemble performance.
The Gadsden State Singers is a performance-based ensemble that appears on campus and throughout the community. It sings contemporary pieces throughout its tour. Membership in the group is based on audition and scholarships are available.
To audition, singers must perform two songs of contrasting styles and genres. One selection should be in a classical style such as an art song or folk song performed in the classical style. The second selection can be in the pop, musical theatre style, contemporary Christian, country, gospel and other non-classical styles. Candidates may use CD accompaniments, accompany themselves on an instrument or have a pianist accompaniment.
Scholarship auditions can be scheduled by contacting Harrell at 256-549-8391 or jharrell@gadsdenstate.edu.