GRADE 6, 7 or 8 MIDDLE SCHOOL BEGINNER BAND - LEVEL I

The beginner band offers instruction on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments with a focus on the skills necessary for long-term student success. Fundamentals stressed include proper posture and playing position, development of characteristic tone quality, and training in music literacy. The school is able to provide many of the larger and/or more expensive instruments. For the beginner band, these instruments include euphonium and tuba. Other instruments (i.e. flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion) should be provided for the student by their parents if possible. The beginner band performs in the Winter and Spring Concerts. 

GRADE 7 or 8 MIDDLE SCHOOL INTERMEDIATE  BAND - LEVEL II

Course Code  05102G1002 (YEAR COURSE)

The Intermediate Band is for students who already have an understanding of basic music reading, instrument assembly, and maintenance, correct playing position, and sound tone production. Instruction offers a continued focus on the refinement of tone quality, technique, aural skills, and music literacy. Similarly, select students may have the opportunity to transition to instruments that may not have been offered in the beginner band class. These include many of the larger and/or more expensive instruments, which can be provided by the school including the oboe, bassoon, French horn, euphonium, and tuba. Otherwise, students and their families are encouraged to provide their own instruments. This band meets daily as two separate classes (brass/woodwinds and percussion) that combine for performances. This group will perform in the Winter and Spring Band Concerts and for our state’s music performance assessment (MPA).  FEE: $25 Prerequisite: Completion of Level I Band.

GRADE 7 or 8 MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCERT  BAND - LEVEL III

Course Code  05102G1003 (YEAR COURSE)

The Concert Band is composed of students on all of the major woodwind and brass instruments as well as student percussionists. Instruction concentrates on advanced technical and expressive skills in an ensemble-focused setting. Advanced reading, musicianship, and student responsibility are required. This band meets daily as two separate classes (brass/woodwinds and percussion) that combine for performances. This group will perform in the Winter and Spring Concerts and for our state’s music performance assessment (MPA).   FEE: $25 Prerequisite: Completion of Level II Band.

GRADE 6, 7 & 8 Vocal Choir Music - Novice Level  (Show Choir 1) 

GRADE 7 & 8 VOCAL CHORAL MUSIC - INTERMEDIATE (Show Choir II) 

Course Code  05121G1002  (YEAR COURSE)

PREREQUISITE: SHOW CHOIR I OR APPROVAL OF THE INSTRUCTOR This is a course, intermediate level, designed for students with at least one year of experience to continue to explore popular music from a wide variety of cultures and periods through academic study and performance. By creating, performing, and responding, students will continue to develop basic vocal skills, choreography movement, and sight-reading techniques. Allowing musical experiences to other cultures and disciplines within and outside of the arts, music history, and theory are embedded so students may connect these popular vocal style experiences to historical relevance, contemporary issues, and self-reflection.

GRADE 7 & 8 Show Choir III - INTERMEDIATE/PROFICIENT 

Course Code  05121G1003  (YEAR COURSE)

PREREQUISITE: SHOW CHOIR II or APPROVAL OF THE INSTRUCTOR This is a course, proficient level, designed for students to increase artistry by exploring popular music from a wide variety of cultures and periods through academic study and performance. By creating, performing, and responding, students will continue to develop vocal skills, choreography movement, and sight-reading techniques. Allowing musical experiences to other cultures and disciplines within and outside of the arts, music history, and theory are embedded so students may connect these popular vocal style experiences to historical relevance, contemporary issues, and self-reflection.

GRADE 6 VISUAL ARTS

Course Code  05186G0606 (SEMESTER COURSE)

Through creating, producing, and responding, students will explore the elements of art and principles of design by utilizing a variety of traditional media, digital media and multimedia projects. Students will study works of art to make connections and understand historical relevance, contemporary issues, and self-reflection to their work and the work of others.

GRADE 7 & 8 VISUAL ARTS SURVEY

The art program is designed to allow students to explore various media in the art curriculum. The curriculum is designed in a progressive manner, so that students build their skills and knowledge as they go through middle school and enter high school.  The students explore a wide range of topics and media throughout the year. Design, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and clay comprise the activities in which the students will be involved. Art Shows, contests, Art History, and field trips are designed to expose the students' talents and build their self-esteem while appreciating the work of their peers and artists from around the world.  FEE: $10

GRADE 8 ADVANCED VISUAL ART    

Course Code 05188G0808 (SEMESTER COURSE)

Through creating, producing, and responding students will assess and connect the elements of art and principles of design by utilizing a variety of traditional media, digital media, and multimedia projects. Independent work and investigation through projects of personal interest will allow students to demonstrate original works that communicate complex interpretations. Students will explore techniques, styles, media, methods, and procedures for creating works of visual arts. Students will demonstrate higher technical proficiency while still developing self-confidence and refining motor skills. Students will develop and apply criteria to works of art to make connections and understand historical relevance, contemporary issues, and self-reflection to their work and the work of others that relate to global interest and social commentary with a personal voice. This course is taught by a certified visual arts teacher.

FEE: $10 Prerequisite: Completion of Visual Art Survey with a Teacher Recommendation  

GRADE 6 THEATER

Course Code 05076G0606 (SEMESTER COURSE)

Students will explore more academic theater work. Continued emphasis is placed on creating, producing, responding, and connecting to drive age-appropriate critical thinking, meaning, reflection, production, and assessment. Students begin to explore the vocal, kinesthetic, emotional, analytical, and intellectual elements of theatrical training through improvisation, dramatization, process-centered elements of dramatic performance, aesthetics, criticism, and history. Students begin to examine theater genres and styles, broaden theater vocabulary, and respond to productions by communicating thoughts and feelings, explaining concepts of aesthetics, and evaluating artistic choices.