BEGINNING BAND (850)

2 credits; 2 semesters

Beginning Band gives an opportunity for middle school students with no prior experience in a school concert band program to begin the process of learning a concert band instrument. The students are divided between four specialized music instructors for woodwinds, upper brass, low brass, and percussion and are combined as a full band when ready to rehearse concert music. Students learn to read music and develop foundational instrumental technique that can be applied to areas such as musical performance, composition, and improvisation. All sixth through eighth graders are eligible and performances are included in the course. Band instructors will assist each student with placement and instrument selection before the first day of school.

ADVANCED BAND (852)

2 credits; 2 semesters

Advanced Band consists of middle school students who have at least one semester of school band experience on a concert band instrument. The students are divided between four specialized music instructors for woodwinds, upper brass, low brass and percussion and are combined as a full band when ready to rehearse concert music. Students continue to develop general music literacy and instrumental technique that can be applied to areas such as musical performance, composition, and improvisation.

ORCHESTRA (855)

2 credits; 2 semesters

The orchestra classes are open to students who desire to learn to play an offered instrument. In all classes the student will receive guidance in techniques for producing proper tone, pitch, rhythm, posture, dynamics, and performance at different levels. Orchestra is also a class designed to help build self-esteem (achievement), cooperation (playing in an ensemble), and life skills (practice, study, commitment) through the discipline in learning to play an instrument.

ADVANCED MUSIC PROJECTS (873)

1 credit; 1 semester

Advanced Music Projects (AMP) is a general music elective course geared to 7th and 8th graders who are not currently in a performing ensemble. The state description of general music (course 55119) is any of those "focused specifically on students' exposure to and appreciation of music. These courses are designed to help students explore the world of music and to develop an understanding of the importance of music in their lives."

7TH GRADE BAND (870)

2 credits; 2 semesters

This class is open to all 7th grade students. Band members will take part in community events and various festivals.

7TH GRADE INTERMEDIATE BAND (872)

2 credits; 2 semesters

This is a year-long course. Seventh Grade Intermediate Band is a musical experience that provides students with 2nd year training on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The primary focus is on the development and expansion of musical skills that lead to rewarding performance experiences.

In addition to large group ensembles, individual growth and achievement are encouraged through new opportunities such as solo and ensemble contests, honor bands, and a heightened emphasis on music technology.

8TH GRADE BAND (880)

2 credits; 2 semesters

Eighth grade band is a non-audition large ensemble open to all 8th grade students who played an instrument in elementary school and in 7th grade or with the consent of the band teacher. Band members will take part in community events and various festivals.

8TH GRADE ADVANCED BAND (881)

2 credits; 2 semesters

Eighth grade band is designed to provide students with an advanced experience on band instruments. Curriculum for this course is an extension of the skills and concepts introduced in seventh grade band. This band is open to all eighth grade students who have successfully completed seventh grade band. Students are encouraged to participate in the summer band program prior to the start of the eighth grade year.

ART - SEMESTER (801)

1 credit; 1 semester

This beginning level course is designed to introduce students to the elements of art and principles of design through fundamental, yet creative sketchbook and studio projects. Students will learn basic drawing, painting, and printmaking techniques and will be introduced to three-dimensional design. The class will focus on the fundamentals of art and will give students an overview of the art history timeline

ART - YEAR (802)

2 credits; 2 semesters

Students in the year-long art course take a closer look at the elements of art, and students produce projects that focus on these elements. Students continue their creative expression, technical development, critical evaluation, and build upon and refine drawing, painting, and designing skills. Each student has a rotation in art and has opportunities for work to be exhibited both within the school and local art competitions.

DRAWING (803)

1 credit; 1 semester

This course will provide students with experiences that will develop visual competence, expertise of skills in two-dimensional art in value and in color, and awareness of historical art movements.

COMMUNITY ART (804)

1 credit; 1 semester

This beginning art class teaches the elements of art and the principals of design with a focus on art production suitable for placement in the community. This course is designed as a beginning art class for students wishing to pursue upper level art courses. Students will explore basic art media and techniques, such as drawing, painting, graphic design, photography, collage, ceramics, printmaking, and sculpture and more! Art criticism, aesthetics, and art history are an integral part of the class.

DRAMA (805)

1 credit; 1 semester

Drama students will study various components of the stage, such as pantomime, stage combat, character development, etc. Once students have an understanding of these theatrical basics, students are cast in a show to be performed at the end of the semester. This class allows students to apply these new stage concepts by stage acting, working on technical aspects, and stage management. This course relies heavily on the imaginations of the students, encouraging creativity and individuality

YEARBOOK/ART (840)

1 credit; 1 semester

This course introduces the theory and practices of the arts in publishing the school yearbook, including financing, theme, coverage, copy writing, layout design, and photography. The primary purpose of this course is to produce a quality yearbook employing the intersection of art, journalism, and design.

CHOIR - SEMESTER (860)

1 credit; 1 semester

In this music performance class, sixth and seventh grade students study music and learn basic vocal techniques while singing in a variety of vocal styles. Students perform a concert at the end of each semester.

CHOIR - YEAR (861)

2 credits; 2 semesters

Choir class is designed to expose students to the world of choral music via the choir repertoire, not solo music that is currently popular. Skills include:

• Daily exercises to develop music reading skills (note names, counting, etc.) while facilitating good tone and breathing technique.
• Skills to develop technique and facility (scales, arpeggios, etc.)
• Time daily to support the muscle memory needed to perform.
• Performance etiquette (behavior and dress), and
• Listening and group performance skills (analyzing, problem solving, teamwork)

Although there will be occasional written work and projects assigned, most of the work for this class is made up of class rehearsals, practicing at home and performances. For this reason participation during rehearsals and performances will comprise a large part of the grade.

JAZZ CHOIR (862)

1 credit; 1 semester

This choir will rehearse and perform primarily vocal jazz music. Performance opportunities will include concerts and community outreach programs (i.e. luncheons, service club meetings, etc.)

GLEE/SHOW CHOIR (863)

1 credit; 1 semester

Glee/Show Choir is a performance-based class, where students learn to prepare and perform popular music. Students learn how to add choreography to songs, as well as text interpretation, facial and body expression, and many performance skills. Show Choir performs at concerts, as well as in the community at nursing homes and other community events.