GFMS PTA Reflections
Entries Due:
TUESDAY, NOV 19
GFMS Main Office
What is Reflections?
The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life. This 50+ year-old program helps them explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.
The 2024-2025 Reflections theme is "Accepting Imperfection"
Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts. At GFMS, students participate in the Intermediate division (Grades 3-5), Middle School division (Grades 6-8), or Special Artist division (All grades welcome).
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CATEGORIES AND RULES BELOW!
NYS Official Rules & GFMS Entry Form
All entries must be delivered to the GFMS Main Office with a completed entry form by November 19, 2024.
Visual Arts
The visual arts include many art forms that are visual in nature. The artist (student submitting entry) is a person who captures their own thoughts and ideas to create a visual piece of art.
Accepted forms of visual art include: Architecture (2D/3D), carpentry, ceramics, collages, photographic collages (multiple photos cut/pasted), computer-generated image, crafts, design, dioramas, drawing, fiberwork, jewelry, kites, metal etching/punch work, mobiles, painting, printmaking, sculpture and wind chimes. Reproductions or enlargements of other artwork are not accepted.
Download the full visual arts guidelines to be sure your entry meets all the submission requirements:
English Español
Choreography
Dance Choreography is the act of creating movement. The choreographer (student submitting entry) maybe the performer or one of the performers, but the choreographer does not have to perform in the entry.
Consider the following styles and ensembles to portray your original choreography: Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Folk Dance, Religious Dance, Dance Ensembles (color guard/indoor guard), Ice Skating/Dancing and Gymnastics-floor routine.
Consider use of background song(s), props and the location to show a clear relation of the dance choreography to the theme.
Download the full dance choreography guidelines to be sure your entry meets all the submission requirements:
English | Español
Literature
Literature is the art of writing. the author (student submitting entry) is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of words. Authors submit a single literary work, handwritten or typed, using grade-appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Collections of literary work (such as poems and short stories) are not accepted.
Consider the following literary styles to portray your original work of fiction or nonfiction: Prose, Poetry, Drama, Reflective Essay, Narrative, Short Story.
Download the full literature guidelines to be sure your entry meets all the submission requirements:
English | Español
Film Production
Film production is the process of making a film. The producer (student submitting the entry) is not required to appear in the film but if the student chooses to, a camera tripod may be used. All screen writing, directing, and editing must be done by the student producer. All entries must be original student footage. PowerPoint presentations are prohibited.
Consider the following styles to portray your original work of fiction or nonfiction:
- Animation: Demonstrates motion by sequencing still objects or using computer-generated graphics.
- Narrative: Tells a fictional story developed by the student.
- Documentary: Presents facts and information.
- Experimental: Explores movement, light and montage.
- Multimedia: Uses a combination of different contents (text, audio, still images, animation, etc.).
Download the Film Production Guidelines to make sure your production meets all the submission requirements:
English | Español
Photography
Photography is the process of creating an image. The photographer (student submitting entry) is a person who captures their own thoughts and ideas with a camera. By focusing on using various lenses, filters, and light sources, photographers may demonstrate the use of photographic techniques conventionally or digitally.
Accepted forms of photography include: A single photo, panoramic, photomontage (one print of multiple original photos), multiple exposure, negative sandwich or photogram. Original black-and-white and color images are accepted.
Non-accepted forms of photography include: Entries with added graphics over the image, including lettering, are not accepted. Collages and collections of photos are not accepted. Original film (negatives or transparencies) and multidimensional pieces are not accepted.
Consider use of objects, lighting and the location to show a clear relation of the photo to the theme.
Download the full photography guidelines to be sure your entry meets all the submission requirements:
English | Español
Music Composition
Music Composition is the process of creating a new piece of music. The composer (student submitting entry) is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of sound. The student composer may submit an entry performed by an individual or group and/or make use of a sound library generated performance of a composed score. Student composers are not required to perform their composition, but a recording of the composition must be included. The Middle School division (grades 6-8) must include either music score/notation, either traditional or tablature, or a written reflective statement that provides a musically technical explanation of how the music was created (100 words or less).
Consider the following musical styles and instruments to portray your original composition: A Cappella, Blues, Choral, Country, Electronic, Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin, Musical, Orchestral, Pop, R&B, Religious, Rock, Symphonic/Concert Band, and Traditional.
All instruments, sounds, styles and combinations are accepted. Software may be used to produce an audio recording. Entries containing algorithmic composition techniques are not accepted. An explanation of the original of the music and/or the significance of the music style might be a useful addition to the artist statement when submitting a music composition that involves traditional, cultural, or regional instruments. Whether an entry displays formal composition technique or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses their artistic vision to portray the theme, originality, and creativity.
Download the full music composition guidelines to be sure your entry meets all the submission requirements:
English | Español
Special Artist Division
The National PTA Special Artist Division is an option for students with disabilities who receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 to have the opportunity and accommodations they may need in order to participate fully in the program. The Special Artist Division offers modified rules and guidelines to ensure that every student has the chance to be part of the National PTA Reflections® program.
Who qualifies as a disabled individual under the law? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defined an individual with a disability as a person who: (1) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of that person; (2) Has a record of such an impairment; or (3) Is regarded as having such impairment.
HOW TO ENTER. Students who identify as having a disability have two ways to enter the National PTA Reflections Program.
Option 1. Enter in Grade-Level Division: Regardless of age, students with special needs may enter in the grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities. Students may not receive assistance other than that which is allowed for all children. Students are recognized and awarded prizes as part of the general student population without regard to special needs or challenges.
Option 2. Enter in Special Artist Division: eligible students entering the Special Artist Division create their own artwork, but ay receive non-artistic accommodation and assistance from an adult. Students are recognized and awarded prizes as part of the Special Artist Division.
Download the Special Artists guidelines to be sure your submission meets all the submission requirements: English Español
***BE SURE TO CLICK THE CATEGORY ABOVE TO DOWNLOAD THE CATEGORY RULES***
All entries must be delivered to the GFMS Main Office with a completed entry form by November 19, 2024.