ART w/ Ms. Kieffer

6th Grade | 6th graders did a great job with their first drawing and created beautiful sketchbooks covers. students used the Elements and Principles of Art and complex patterns to make their lettering POP. We’re gearing up for Toilet Paper sculptures of favorite foods. Stay tuned for their amazing hamburgers, pizzas, and more.

7th Grade | Now that students have their Digital Galleries set up, they’re ready to add their first drawing into one of the frames. Students used the Element of VALUE to create 3-D Bubble Letters and wow did they do a great job. We’re off to a great start with realistic portraits after closely studying eyes, noses, and mouths. I can’t wait to see these completed portraits.

8th Grade | Last, but not least, our fabulous 8th graders who took the Graffiti Lettering project to a whole new level. I am so proud of the hard work they put into these drawings. They too have started adding their first drawings to their galleries. Students are currently finishing Adobe Spark Collages and will soon start Cardboard Sculptures.

CHORUS w/ Ms. Gambrell

Crestdale Chorus: All members of the Crestdale chorus are currently working on studying Ludwig Van Beethoven. Symphony #9 was the last symphony that Beethoven composed, also known as “Ode to Joy.” Our chorus members are learning this piece as soloists, through our Kodaly solfege system. As our final exam for 3rd quarter, all of our choir members will complete a video of themselves singing “Ode to Joy.” Students will have a voluntary opportunity to submit their video to the One State One Score project inspired by the North Carolina Symphony! We are so excited to be a part of this initiative and we look forward to seeing our talented students’ submissions representing Crestdale!

DRAMA w/ Ms. Costello

Welcome to our Virtual Drama performing arts class. I am excited about starting a new semester and teaching theater skills to our 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.

6th Grade | There is a lot of energy in our classes and it’s a fun way to end the school day with our 6th graders. I will introduce the history of theater and move to performance. Students are enthusiastic about learning how to act, how to use new digital recording techniques and are excited about participating in class. Once the kids learn how to record they will develop pantomime acting skills using movement with their body (without using voice) to show stories or ideas. They are encouraged to include family members and pets in their scenes.

7th Grade | Students will develop physical acting skills by using non-verbal communication. They will use facial expressions, body language and movement to communicate thoughts, ideas and stories. They are learning how to record and upload videos into Canvas, Flipgrid, Google and other recording platforms. Students will use their Chromebooks, laptops, desktops, cell phones, tablets and any other recording device to submit assignments. Students will record physical acting performance scenes, share them with classmates and develop supportive peer feedback skills. Drama students will learn theater vocabulary, how to read and write scenes and will add voice to their second quarter performances. I encourage families to support their drama student by participating in scene work. It has been a pleasure watching whole families perform.

8th Grade | It’s all about connections for 8th grade. Students want to talk to and see their friends. I try to cultivate an online environment where kids can develop performance skills while they work on friendship skills. Students may work with a partner on their pantomime unit. They are encouraged to add the elements of technical theater such as props, costumes, and scenery. We will also begin reading and analyzing short play scripts to reinforce ELA skills.