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Beginning Band (Open to all grades)
This course is designed to give students an introduction to playing brasswind, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Students will learn how to properly hold the instrument, produce a good tone on the instrument, properly articulate, read musical notation, and how to perform simple melodies and appropriate level band compositions or arrangements. Music theory and music history will be studied as it relates to pieces being studied for performance. After school performances are considered an extension of the instructional process and are required. Beginning students may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival.
Intermediate Band (Pre-requisite is Beginning Band or Teacher Approval)
This course is designed to give students further development of instrumental skills in brasswind, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Concepts and skills to be reinforced and developed will cover how to properly hold the instrument, produce a good tone on the instrument, properly articulate, read musical notation, and how to perform simple melodies and appropriate level band compositions or arrangements. Music theory and music history will be studied as it relates to pieces being studied for performance. After school performances are considered an extension of the instructional process and are required. Intermediate band students may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival.
Symphonic Band (Teacher Approval Required)
This course is designed for more experienced students with advanced musical skills. Concepts and skills to be reinforced and developed will address how to properly hold the instrument, produce a good tone on the instrument, properly articulate, read musical notation, and how to perform appropriate level band compositions or arrangements at a high level of mastery. Ensemble and listening skills will be emphasized. Some improvisation skills will be addressed. Music theory and music history will be studied as it relates to pieces being studied for performance. After school performances are considered an extension of the instructional process and are required. Good individual practice skills are a must for students in this group. Symphonic band students may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival, Middle School Honor Band, and are eligible to audition for Albuquerque Junior Symphony and Orchestra.
Jazz Band (Teacher Approval Required)
This course is designed for more experienced students with advanced musical skills. Concepts and skills to be developed will address proper musical style of jazz, blues, rock, and other contemporary music, production of a good tone on the instrument, proper jazz articulation, and improvisation. Ensemble and listening skills will be emphasized. Appropriate level jazz band compositions or arrangements will be performed. Music theory and music history will be studied as it relates to pieces being studied for performance. After school performances are considered an extension of the instructional process and are required. Good individual practice skills are a must for students in this group. Jazz band students may participate in jazz festivals throughout the year.
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Beginning Chorus (Open to all grades)
This course is designed to give students an introductory experience in vocal music. Emphasis will be on developing basic singing techniques, ensemble experience, part singing, performance techniques, basics of reading music, fundamental sight-reading and ear training. Choreography may be included as a part of a musical performance. Students will explore choral literature appropriate for an introductory level course. Before or after school rehearsals can be scheduled as part of the instructional process. Scheduled performances are considered an extension of the instructional process and are required.
Advanced Chorus (Pre-requisite is Beginning Chorus or Teacher Approval)
This course is designed to give students with prior singing experience an opportunity to further develop musical skills. Emphasis will be on developing singing techniques, ensemble experiences, part singing, performance techniques, basics of reading music, fundamental sight-reading; and ear training. Choreography may be included as a part of a musical performance. Students will explore choral literature appropriate for an advanced level course. Before or after school rehearsals can be scheduled as part of the instructional process. Scheduled performances are considered an extension of the instructional process and are required.
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Beginning Orchestra (Open to all grades)
This course is designed to give students an introduction to playing violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Students will learn how to properly hold the instrument and bow, produce a good tone on the instrument, properly articulate, read musical notation, and how to perform simple melodies and orchestral compositions. Music theory and music history will be studied as it relates to pieces being studied for performance. After school performances are considered an extension of the instructional process and are required. Beginning students may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival as well as the Beginning Orchestra Festival.
Advanced Orchestra (Pre-requisite is Beginning Orchestra or Teacher Approval)
This course is designed to give students further instruction and experiences in playing the violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Students will learn how to refine and extend their skills in properly holding the instrument and bow, producing a good tone on the instrument, properly articulating, reading musical notation, and performing appropriate level orchestral compositions. Music theory and music history will be studied as it relates to pieces being studied for performance. After school performance and rehearsals are considered an extension of the instructional process and are required. Students may participate on Solo and Ensemble Festival, Large Group Festival, and may audition for the Albuquerque Junior Symphony/Orchestra program.
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Beginning Theatre Skills (Open to all grades)
Beginning Theater Skills is a full-year course that serves as an introduction to theater arts. The student studies basic principles and techniques in acting, theater history, staging, voice and diction, pantomime, improvisation, choral reading, readers' theater, storytelling, and oral interpretation. Historical and culturally relevant study is included in this course through scene study. The student is also introduced to stage makeup, stage lighting, and technical production skills. The student will study the relationship of drama to literature and other art forms. He or she receives an overview of careers in theater and related fields. The student participates in regularly scheduled performances during and outside the school day wearing appropriate performance attire. Literacy is integrated throughout the course. Scene study will include greek theatre.
Intermediate Theatre Skills (Pre-requisite is Beginning Theatre Skills)
Intermediate Theater Skills is a full-year, performance based course that serves as an intermediate acting and introduction to directing theater arts class. This course refines introductory acting skills and introduces basic directing skills. There is emphasis on potential career development in theatre and related professions. The student continues to study principles and techniques in acting, musical theater, staging, voice and diction, pantomime, improvisation, and oral interpretation. The student continues to explore stage makeup, stage lighting, and technical production techniques. The student participates and takes a more active role in regularly scheduled performances during and outside of the school day in appropriate performance attire. Literacy is integrated throughout the course. Skills and knowledge acquired in this course can be applied to the United States Department of Education Audio Video Technology & Communications Career Cluster and respective pathways and the New Mexico Arts and Entertainment career cluster Scene study to include work of a New Mexican author.
Advanced Theatre Skills (Pre-requisite is Intermediate Theatre)
Advanced Theater Skills is a full-year, performance based course that serves as an advanced acting and directing theater arts class. This course expands on acting skills and directing skills. There is emphasis placed on potential career development in theatre and related professions. The student studies acting by developing, communicating, and sustaining characters in improvisations and informal or formal productions. The student continues to the study principles and techniques in acting, musical theater, staging, voice and diction, and oral interpretation. The student also studies directing techniques of organization, style, genre/period, productions schedules, script and character analysis, production values, and rehearsal techniques. The student participates and is expected to take a more active role in regularly scheduled performances during and outside of the school day in appropriate performance attire. Literacy is integrated th course. Skills and knowledge acquired in this course can be applied to the United States Department of Education Audio-Video Technology & Communications Career Cluster and respective pathways and the New Mexico Arts and Entertainment career cluster. Scene Study will include work of an American Author (i.e. Tennessee Williams, August Wilson, Luis Valdez, Lorraine Hansberry, etc)
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Exploratory Wheel (6th Grade)
The class consist of 4 quarter classes designed to help students in the transition to middle school. Currently the courses are problem solving, study skills and habits, leadership and Spanish culture.
FUTURE ELECTIVE OPTIONS
FACS, Art, Info Tech, Drama, Spanish electives are offered to our 7th and 8th grade students.