|
 |
|
|
"We want Middle School to be an experience in which kids can try out all their different
interests. These activities open doors for students to explore who they are and
establish an identity."
— Middle School Director Deb Sampey |
 |
|
|
All sixth and seventh grade students participate in either band or chorus.
For sixth graders, the music classes rotate every other day with drama for
one semester and with visual arts the other semester. Eighth grade students
may choose to participate in the wind ensemble, the chorus, or in eighth
grade arts cycle.
Sixth Grade Band or Chorus
Students are introduced to the rudiments of ensemble performance as well as to basic theory and general music. Both ensembles perform periodically throughout the school year.
The instrumental ensemble members play wind or percussion instruments. Vocal ensemble members are introduced to unison and two-part singing. Previous experience is not required for either class.
Sixth Grade Drama and Visual Arts
Students taking visual arts will work toward understanding concepts of line, rhythm, and space. In art, an emphasis is placed on the development of drawing skills. Students participating in the drama component will be introduced to theatre games, improvisation, mime, public speaking, and the fundamentals of playwriting.
Students taking drama during the first semester will switch to visual arts for the second semester, while those taking visual arts during the first semester will switch to drama for the second semester.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Wind Ensemble
Ensemble members play wind or percussion instruments. Eighth graders meet daily, while seventh graders meet for three classes each week. The ensemble performs periodically throughout the year for the School and community.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Chorus
The eighth grade members of this vocal music ensemble meet daily, while the seventh grade students meet for three classes each week. The ensemble performs periodically throughout the year for the School and community.
Eighth Grade Arts Cycle
In this course students spend a quarter in each of four areas: visual arts, drama, music, and dance. In visual arts students may study design elements and the development of compositional skills. In drama, they may study the development of improvisation and work to improve skills in concentration, observation, and characterization. In dance students learn to create a complete original dance. In music, they will learn to develop critical listening skills, be introduced to the music of different styles and cultures, and to enjoy music-making.
|
|
