Band
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.
Chorus
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.
Orchestra
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.
Theatre and Drama
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)
Drama (a semester course offered for 7th and 8th grade students)
Drama I offers historical and technical background in the dramatic arts. Students are involved in performance art and learn dramatic skills through such mediums as pantomime, improvisation, and individual and group scenes. Other aspects of drama, including make-up, costuming, sets, direction, and production, will be introduced.
6th Grade Electives
PE 6 (Required for all 6th grade students)
The purpose of the Physical Education program is to utilize a variety of moderate and continuous activities to permit health and fitness. Participants will learn responsibilities and social skills.
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 (Middle School 101), study skills and habits, leadership and career (philosophy).
6th Grade Students also choose 1 Fine Arts Elective
7th Grade Electives
STEAM (Required for all 7th Grade Students)
This class is part of a national initiative promoting educational enrichment for historically underrepresented students, but not limited to, interested in mathematics, engineering, science, and related fields and to pursue these fields in higher education. The student participates in a variety of inquiry-based projects, competitions, (e.g., robotics, tower/bridge construction, boat design), career counseling, field trips, and leadership development with an opportunity to participate in summer programs and scholarship activities. The student is given the opportunity to discover, create, solve problems, and construct by using a variety of resources, machines, materials, processes, and computer systems. This course uniquely combines application of content in science (e.g., physical, life, earth and space) and mathematics (e.g., algebra, geometry, data analysis) with integration of literacy strategies and techniques throughout the curriculum.
Leadership (Required Semester for 7th Graders)
In this semester Leadership class, the student studies and considers the guidelines for core values, positive decision making, leadership development, and physical fitness. The course instills confidence, team building, and character development in the student and strives to make him/her a better person. Literacy is integrated throughout the curriculum. Skills and knowledge acquired can be applied to the United States Department of Education Law, Public Safety and Security, Education and Training, and Health Sciences career clusters and their respective pathways and the New Mexico Health and Bio sciences and Communication and Information career clusters.
8th Grade Electives
HEALTH (Required for all 8th graders - FOR HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT)
In this required semester course, the students learn about all aspects of health and wellness through learning experiences that emphasize an increased awareness of health behaviors and their positive and negative consequences. Areas of study include, but are not limited to, health promotion, acquisition of health information, health behaviors, health factors, interpersonal communication skills, goal setting, and health advocacy. Literacy skills of reading, writing, speaking, viewing, and researching are integrated throughout the course.
FACS: Family and Consumer Science (Required for 8th graders)
The Family and Consumer Sciences semester course introduces students to factors that affect employ-ability and leadership skills in the workplace and community, while exploring personal/family values and goals through the decision making process. In addition, this course also includes kitchen safety, sanitation, food preparation, career exploration, basic sewing skills and possible community service learning.
More Elective Options
PE 6, 7 , 8
The purpose of the Physical Education program is to utilize a variety of moderate and continuous activities to permit health and fitness. Participants will learn responsibilities and social skills.
All 6th grade students are required to take a full year of PE.
7th and 8th grade students may take a semester of PE each year as an elective choice.
Leadership 6, 7, 8
In the Leadership program the student studies and considers the guidelines for core values, positive decision making, leadership development, and physical fitness. The course instills confidence, team building, and character development in the student and strives to make him/her a better person. Literacy is integrated throughout the curriculum. Skills and knowledge acquired can be applied to the United States Department of Education Law, Public Safety and Security, Education and Training, and Health Sciences career clusters and their respective pathways and the New Mexico Health and Bio sciences and Communication and Information career clusters.
Exploratory Leadership is offered for 1 quarter as part of the 6th grade wheel.
7th Grade Students take a semester of leadership
8th grade students may choose semester or year long leadership as an elective.
Art (Offered for 7th and 8th grade)
Semester Art 1 and Art 2 classes are available as elective choices. Only 8th graders are eligible for Art 2.
Info Tech (Semester Elective for 8th Grade Students)
Areas of study include basic operations (e.g., keyboarding) and concepts, social, ethical, and human issues, technology productivity tools, technology communication tools, technology research tools, technology problem-solving and decision-making tools, and career exploration. Information Technology "S" is a one-semester course. The student learns a variety of computer applications (e.g., word processing, Internet research, databases, spread sheets), expanding his/her knowledge of and ability in these applications. Multimedia is introduced.
W.E.B. & Student Council Leadership Class
W.E.B and Student Council students serve as leaders and role models within our school community. Members of this class help welcome and mentor incoming 6th graders, plan and support school events and dances, promote school spirit, participate in service projects and assist in decision making that impacts our campus. This is a selective leadership class designed for students who demonstrate responsibility, strong character, and a genuine desire to serve others. The capacity of this class is limited and will include both 7th and 8th graders. This class does require a commitment at some after school events. Please obtain an application in the office for consideration.