7-8 Curriculum

Band, Grades 7 & 8     

Meets 2/3x per week for the year 

Band is a performing ensemble open to students who play woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Instruction includes balance, blend, coordination of musical effort and performance of band literature that represents a variety of musical styles and cultures. Students will have a minimum of two evening band performances. For new band members a minimum one year of instrumental lessons, one year of ensemble experience on the same instrument, and consent of the band director is required before enrolling.

Chorus, Grades 7 & 8

Meets 2/3x per week for the year

The chorus is a performing group open to all students. Instruction centers around tone, diction, expression, and reading accuracy plus the opportunity to sing varied choral literature.

Orchestra, Grades 7 & 8

Meets 2/3x per week for the year

String orchestra is open to students who play violin, viola, cello and bass violin (string bass). Emphasis is placed on tonal balance, blend, coordination of musical effort, and offerings of solo, ensemble, and string and orchestral literature. Students will have a minimum of two evening orchestra performances. For new orchestra students, a minimum of one year of instrumental lessons and one year of ensemble experience on the same instrument, and consent of the orchestra director is needed before enrolling.

Creating & Recording Music 1, Grade 7

Meets 2/3x per week for the semester 

In this course students will create their own music in the SMS music lab using iMac computers, Korg synthesizer keyboards and Logic Express software. All the sounds of a rock band to a symphony are available. No previous experience necessary.

Creating & Recording Music 2, Grade 8 

Meets 2/3x per week for the semester 

In this course students will create their own music in the SMS music lab using iMac computers, Korg synthesizer keyboards and Logic Express software. Students will also use Garage Band to create their own beats, ringtones, and CDs. All the sounds of a rock band to a symphony are available. Open to all grade 8 students; no previous experience necessary.

Theater Games, Improv & Acting 1, Grade 7 

Meets 2/3x per week for the semester 

In this course students will sample and experience what actors do and feel on and off the stage. Students will learn basic techniques in acting, miming, improvising and scene work through performances and games.

Theater Games, Improv & Acting 2, Grade 8 

Meets 2/3x per week for the semester 

In this course students will sample and experience what actors do and feel on and off stage. Students will learn basic techniques in acting, miming, improvising, tableau and scene work through performances and games. Open to all grade 8 students; no previous experience necessary.

Piano and Guitar Sampler, Grade 7 

Meets 2/3x per week for the semester 

Students will learn to play the piano and guitar in this beginning course. Students will learn the basics of each instrument and will play songs and short pieces on each. Student will also learn to accompany themselves and others on both instruments.

Make Your Own Music Video, Grade 8 

Meets 2/3x per week for the semester 

This is an exciting opportunity to create your own music video by writing music and synching it to digital videos you have taken or to existing videos. This is a hands-on course held in the SMS music lab where students will be putting sound and video together with all the great software available.