Middle School Arts & Design
The Philosophy
The Arts Department faculty is committed to promoting artistic excellence through self-discovery, creative expression, and collaboration. Through creative risk-taking and the application of technical skills, our program builds confidence and discipline in students. The Arts program promotes empathy and an appreciation for the artistic contributions of others.
Explorations in Art I
Open to: Grade 6
Sixth grade visual art is an exciting opportunity for students to be introduced to a variety of different media and techniques while making connections to art history and cultures from around the world. Active discussions, collaborations, research, and hands-on experiences help students develop creative problem-solving skills while encouraging them to take risks.
Explorations in Art II
Open to: Grade 7
In this gamified seventh-grade visual art course, students embark on a thrilling journey through an imaginary pirate world, exploring various art-making techniques through independent exploration and collaboration. Building upon the sixth-grade experience, the curriculum promotes self-expression and creative problem-solving as students hunt for Captain McSkalawag and his stolen art treasures. Throughout their adventures, students deepen their understanding of art history and the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. The final third of the course is dedicated to choice-based art explorations, allowing students to integrate their own ideas and interests into their creations.
Introduction to Performance Art
Open to: Grade 6
Sixth grade performance art focuses on introducing the students to the many aspects of theater and performance including improvisation, playwriting, theater games, music, costumes, and character development, as well as all the elements that go into creating a theatrical production. At the end of the term, the class will present a public performance of a staged musical.
Music and our Daily Lives
Open to: Grade 7
The focus of the seventh grade music class is to explore the ways music presents itself in our daily life. We do this through a series of units, each with its own comprehensive project. Students will work individually and in groups to make original commercial jingles, create podcasts about historical rock & roll and jazz musicians, film and score their own movies, and much more in an effort to discover just how big a role music plays in their everyday lives.
Drama
Open to: Grade 8
Eighth grade Drama introduces students to various theater games and techniques in acting. Students will discover aspects of theater such as concentration and focus, ensemble work, pantomime, playwriting, directing, improvisation, stage movement, emotion, memorization, character and script interpretation.
Middle School Chorus
Open to: Grades 6-8
All middle school students are welcomed and encouraged to join chorus, regardless of how much singing experience they might have. Music specifically composed for middle school voices, interests, and talents will be presented publicly at winter and spring concerts. Our goal is to nurture a lifelong love of music while teaching healthy vocal techniques. Offered as an Exploration option.
Middle School Musical
Open to: Grades 7-8
Seventh and eighth graders may also choose to participate in the middle school musical in the spring. All who are interested in participating will get to join in on the fun! The rehearsals typically take place after school from 3:30 – 5:15 p.m. and during Exploration Block. Students who participate in the musical can also participate in sports. Offered as an Exploration option.
Middle School Instrumental Ensemble
Open to: Grades 6-8
All middle school students with interest and/or experience on wind, brass or percussion instruments are encouraged to join the Middle School Instrumental Ensemble. Our goal is to nurture a love of ensemble playing and musicianship. Offered as an Exploration option.
Middle School Advanced Ensemble
Open to: Grades 6-8
More advanced players (with 2 or more years of experience on their instruments) are encouraged to continue their musical development by playing with their peers. Students will meet to play music. Often this group is split into smaller ensembles based on their musical interests (i.e. jazz vs classical, etc.). Offered as an Exploration option.
