Middle School Arts

In this course, students study the fundamentals of music, exploring rhythm, melody, harmony, and sound production. They acquire a musical vocabulary, engage in writing and performing rhythmic notation, and develop the ability to transcribe what they hear. The curriculum emphasizes performance skills through participation in diverse small musical ensembles that include both percussion and tonal instruments.

Building upon the acquired knowledge from the sixth grade, this course explores music theory and history, delving into various musical traditions from diverse cultures. Special attention and in-depth study are dedicated to the enduring contributions of great composers, musicians, and works that have withstood the test of time.

In the eighth grade, students investigate the impact of music on history and culture. The predominant focus of the semester is devoted to delving into the study of 20th-century American music, its historical context, and its significant role in shaping culture. Furthermore, students will acquire fundamental knowledge in music technology, covering aspects such as sound production and recording.

Middle School Chorus introduces students to choral singing techniques such as vowel placement, articulation, breathing, phrasing, dynamics, performance techniques and two- and three-part harmony. Students also study sight-singing techniques through note reading and ear training exercises. Students will perform several times throughout the year. Participation in all performances is required. A calendar of events will be distributed early in the school year.

Instrumental Music is a year-round program available to all students currently playing, or dedicated to learning, a wind, brass, string, or percussion instrument. Students playing instruments are strongly encouraged to enroll in private lessons. The course focuses on developing ensemble skills and is not designed for individual instruction. In the sixth grade, the ensemble concentrates on fundamental ensemble playing and instrument technique. The seventh and eighth-grade ensembles further enhance instrument proficiency and tackle more challenging musical pieces. All ensembles have performances throughout the year, and attendance at these concerts is mandatory.

This course eases students into the world of performance and production through creative work that develops self-expression and collaboration. Spontaneous behavior and risk-taking are encouraged through theater games and improvisations. Being able to think on one’s feet, adapt, take risks, listen, communicate, collaborate, and create are skills that translate to any endeavor that students will undertake, both on and off the stage.

This course is designed to expand understanding of theater skills and explore concepts such as objective, obstacle, tactics, physical activities, environment, relationships, and the art of living truthfully in an imaginary world. Voice, movement, emotion and imagination are essential tools for seventh grade students continuing to express themselves and their relationships to the world through the study of the human condition.

Eighth grade students continue to approach work from the points of view of the writer, director, designer, and actor. This course explores the actor’s tools of intention, listening, physical expression of emotion, concentration, and movement. It is an experience-based exploration of the fundamentals of planned performance and of the collaboration involved in the process. Acting techniques become tools to build character and make discoveries that will later be utilized in fully realized five and 10 minute production.

Beginning with instruction reviewing the art elements and principles, this class progresses through introductory units in perspective drawing, figure drawing, glass fusing, basic clay skills, painting fundamentals, installation creation and art history. Emphasis on both process and product are explored.

Seventh grade art reinforces skills learned in the 6th grade and adds more advanced techniques while emphasizing art in a personal context. Students continue to discover new techniques in drawing, glass work, sculpture, design and painting, with a focus on the creative process and experimentation.

This class extends students’ art skills and knowledge of art materials. Projects are technically more challenging and encourage self-expression. Units of study include drawing, glass work, sculpture, painting, clay, and digital stop motion animation.