 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Middle School Arts
| "The arts program in the Middle School is really great because you actually get to sample all the different kinds of arts." - Amanda, '07 |
Dance in the Middle School
Grade Six
Students study Dance in Culture where they discover the history of Native American Dance, work with a Native American Dancer, discuss African Dance and dance on the Plantations and look at dance in the colonies. This course culminates with a performance of student choreography based around the theme of the Middle School.
Grade Seven
Students study choreography and improvisation through dance projects and games. They become dance critics for a quarter and view and review numerous dance pieces both live and on tape.
Theater in the Middle School
Grade Seven
Seventh graders take an introductory theater course in which students learn basic theater terminology and stage directions. Students work
creatively on cooperative activities, theater games and improvisations with other class members. Students study the
construction of the play and its similarities to the short story, reinforcing the English curriculum. The course culminates in
a major project that focuses on an individual having the courage of his/her convictions. The students script, memorize,
and perform this original scene.
Grade Eight
Students take a theater course that is designed to improve communication, cooperation, and organizational skills. Students are reacquainted with
basic stage terminology and theater craft. They study character development and play writing through improvised exercises
and basic text analysis. At the end of the semester, each class produces an original play; they write, direct, design, and
perform it.
Visual Arts in the Middle School
Grade Six
The sixth graders learn to cut, glue, and letter correctly. They learn to see the relationship between the part and the whole
in their study of cartooning. With the study of sculpture, students learn that there is more than one side to a project. While
working on various drawing projects, students also learn basic color theory.
Grade Seven
In the seventh grade, students learn how to arrange words and images for impact by creating a “breakfast cereal selfportrait.”
This three-dimensional problem solving project introduces them to basic art skills and visual communication.
With the drawing project, students improve their observational skills by learning to see rather than just looking.
Grade Eight
Students spend the first half of the course learning the basic technical skills for drawing, painting, and sculpture. In the second half of the course they create a drawing, painting and sculpture on a specific theme for their end-of-the-year portfolios. Eighth graders present their portfolios at the end of
the year for their teachers, parents, family and friends at the Eighth Grade Rite of Passage.
Music in the Middle School
Grade Six
Music students learn basic music terms, concepts, and symbols involving rhythm, meter, time signature, key signature, dynamics,
tempo, pitch, scales, intervals, and chords. The course incorporates the bongos, the piano, and music software.
Grade Seven
Students review and build upon skills and concepts relating to rhythm, notation, and vocabulary. They study melody,
harmony, form, and style. Students learn to read simple sheet music as well as analyze, describe, play, and experiment.
The rudiments of improvisation and composition are also explored. For the final project, the students write a jingle for a
product or service of their choice.
Grade Eight
Students examine music of various genres and cultures. They study music in relation to history and culture, evaluate music
performance, and make connections between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts. Studying form and style
are other important components of the program. Students may have opportunities to compose and arrange music within
specific guidelines and improve their improvisation skills.
Chorus
The chorus is a place for students in grades 6-8 to come together and sing. This beginning-level choir addresses such
areas as vocal health, breathing, diction, pitch, tone, rhythm, harmony, phrasing, dynamics, blending, energy, posture, performance preparation, working with sheet music/musical notation, and expression through singing. A variety of musical styles, both sacred and secular, are explored and performed. Students participate in both the Winter and Spring concerts.