Arts Education 8-9

Fine Arts Mosaic Rotation 8 - Art 8 | MVA-08ART

This mosaic class provides an introduction to art processes. Students will be introduced to the elements and principles of art and design and will be introduced to various mediums of art including drawing, painting, mixed media, and sculpture. Students will build confidence by focusing on processes, rather than end products. Students are encouraged to be open-minded to unfamiliar techniques and mediums including drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media. The curriculum focuses on introducing a variety of the elements/principles of art and design. Assignments will provide students voice through their choice of subject matter and will allow students to create meaningful personalized works of art.  

Course Fee: There is a Mosaic course fee attached to this course.

Fine Arts Mosaic Rotation 8 - Drama 8 | MDR--08

Explore the stage with Drama 8! This course introduces students to various dramatic skills to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world through imagination and interaction. Students play games, engage in dynamic group activities, and create performances for class audiences. Students engage in all of the core competencies by learning skills such as time management, collaboration, problem-solving and conflict resolution. This course is part of the grade 8 mosaic.

Course Fee: There is a Mosaic course fee attached to this course.

Fine Arts Mosaic Rotation 8 - Textiles 8 | MADT-08

In this introductory course, students will learn basic sewing techniques and skills such as various hand-stitches and sewing buttons. Motivated students may learn to use a sewing machine and all the related care and maintenance that it takes to respect and keep equipment in good working order. As well, students will learn fashion design basics through sketching and pattern making.

Course Fee: There is a Mosaic course fee attached to this course.

Fine Arts Mosaic Rotation 8 - Media Animation 8 | MADMA08

Welcome to Animations 8! This is an exploratory course that will introduce students to creating animations based on topics of student interest using digital canvas tools such as Piskel. These tools will provide students with user-friendly ways of creating art and animations through an online platform. Students will also get the opportunity to venture into 3D modelling and animations using Blender 4.1. They will also learn design, layout fundamentals, and be introduced to the Media Production Stages. This course will allow students to engage with animations creatively while also learning the technical skills needed to design detailed GIF files. With these foundational skills as prerequisites, students will be able to build upon them in Senior Animations and Game Making classes in the future. 

Course Fee: There is a Mosaic course fee attached to this course.

Choir 8 | MMU--08-IB

No previous experience is needed to join the choir. Remember: If you can speak, you can sing! Students in this course will develop the basic elements of choral performance. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required. Performances occur during school hours, and in the evenings and often take place away from the school. There is also the possibility of retreats and cultural and performing trips. This is an active group of students who have a lot of fun - Come on out and join the choir!

Techniques & Content Covered:

• Vocal production, tone, articulation;

• Elements of stage presence;

• Various styles of music from classical to contemporary and modern music;

• Music from many different cultures Introduction to music reading skills; and

• Basic musicianship in an ensemble.

Enhancement Fee: There is an enhancement fee of $15.00 to cover music and an accompanist 

Beginning Band | MMU--08-BB

Have you always wanted to learn to play an instrument? 

This is the class for you. Zero experience required. You will explore the wonderful language of music and receive many chances to perform as a group. Some instruments you may choose to learn include, but are not limited to: Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, tuba, and percussion. In addition, you will learn to compose some of your own music through improvisation and written notation. 

At times you will be asked to compose utilizing a music composition program, and some students will even have their compositions

performed at concerts! Instrument rental fees from the school district (managed through Brock Middle School) are $100 / year. You may provide your own instrument after consultation with Mr. Schill. Please speak with Mr. Schill regarding possible financial assistance. Every student deserves to be in band. 

Feel free to ask Mr. Schill if you have any further questions.

Band 8 | MMU--08-IB

This class is a continuation of Beginner Band and students must have at least one year of recent band experience on their instrument (or equivalent). Please speak with Mr. Schill if you are not certain as to what your skill level is. In this course, students will further their musical abilities through more challenging music and receive the chance for additional performing opportunities. 

This class occurs during a regularly scheduled block within the school timetable. Concerts, festivals, retreats, trips and other performances may occur in the evenings and sometimes take place away from the school. You do not need to own an instrument to participate in band class, one can be rented from the school for $100 / school year. Please speak with Mr. Schill regarding possible financial assistance. You may provide your own instrument after consultation with Mr. Schill.  All students are welcome. Remember: Making music makes you smarter! Every student deserves to be in band. Feel free to ask Mr. Schill if you have any further questions.

Skills & Techniques Covered:

• Continuation of the acquisition of skills on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments;

• Elements of music include: sight-reading, terminology, rhythm, melody, dynamics, harmony, musical notation, articulation, phrasing, posture, intonation, balance and blend;

• Music history and literature;

• Ensemble and performance skills; and

• Music leadership skills.

• In addition, you will learn to compose some of your own music

Jazz Band 8 | MMU--08-JB

Prerequisite:  Previous 1-year concert band experience

Co-requisite:  Concert Band (teacher consent for special exceptions)

Note: You must take Band 8 in order to be part of Jazz Band.

This is an off-timetable course: This is a linear course which runs outside of the timetable. Instrument choices are saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass, piano, or drum set, and students must have previous experience with their instrument. This course is an additional 9th course. 

This is a performance enrichment course for students who have had solid success with their instrument in previous concert band classes. It is designed to introduce students to concepts of commercial musical styles including Swing, Jazz, Rock, Latin, Dixieland, and Jazz Ballads. Students will also develop improvisation skills (creating a solo over a set chord progression). Students must be registered in Concert Band in the same school year (exceptions will only be made with the teacher’s consent). 

*Special Note: If high enrollment allows, Jr. and Sr. Jazz Band classes will run as two separate courses. If there is one ensemble, enrollment will be capped according to proper jazz band instrumentation, and senior students will be given enrollment priority.  

District Strings 8  | MMU-08OS

Note: This is an off-timetable course that is offered after-school at an alternate site.

The after-school District Strings program is a credited course for students in grades 4-12 who wish to learn and develop proficiency on string instruments such as violin, viola, cello and bass. There are three levels that students can choose from. At each level, students will get to learn techniques specific to the string family. These classes will practice, rehearse and perform in large ensemble, small ensemble, and solo contexts. Students will study and perform a variety of musical styles and genres such as eras of classical, popular, contemporary rock and pop, Latin and many others. Beginner Strings: Students with no prior experience. Intermediate Strings: Students with 1-2 years of experience and/or play a musical grade 1-2 level. Advanced Strings: Students with 2+ years of experience and/or play at a minimum musical grade 2 level.

Visual Arts 9 - Art Foundations| MVA-09ART

This course is the foundation course in art. Its goals include skill development and art appreciation. Students build confidence in a variety of artistic mediums through skill practice and the application of learned concepts creation of artworks. Students learn various processes in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and the use of mixed mediums. Assignments are sequential in nature, building upon acquired technical and creative skills and growth. Aspects of art history, contemporary art, art criticism, and art appreciation are also included in the course. Advanced work will be available to meet the needs of serious students.  

Enhancement Fee: $20.00

Drama 9 | MDR--09

Take the stage in Drama 9! This course builds on the skills learned in Drama 8 with a particular focus on improvisation and character building. This course continues to use games, dynamic role-play, and dramatic elements to engage audiences. Students often create performances for school assemblies and audiences, and script study, global theatre appreciation, and production procedures are introduced. This is a group project-based course that provides students with incredible opportunities for personal growth and the development of core competencies with such learned skills as time management, collaboration, problem-solving and conflict resolution. This is a core memory course for sure!

Choir 9 | MMU--09CHO

No previous experience is needed to join the choir. Remember: If you can speak, you can sing! Students in this course will develop the basic elements of choral performance. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required. Performances occur during school hours, and in the evenings and often take place away from the school. There is also the possibility of retreats and cultural and performing trips. This is an active group of students who have a lot of fun - Come on out and join the choir!

Techniques & Content Covered:

• Vocal production, tone, articulation;

• Elements of stage presence;

• Various styles of music from classical to contemporary and modern music;

• Music from many different cultures Introduction to music reading skills; and

• Basic musicianship in an ensemble.

Enhancement Fee: There is an enhancement fee of $15.00 to cover music and an accompanist 

Beginning Band | MMU--09-BB

Have you always wanted to learn to play an instrument? 

This is the class for you. Zero experience required. You will explore the wonderful language of music and receive many chances to perform as a group. Some instruments you may choose to learn include, but are not limited to: Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, tuba, and percussion. In addition, you will learn to compose some of your own music through improvisation and written notation. 

At times you will be asked to compose utilizing a music composition program, and some students will even have their compositions

performed at concerts! Instrument rental fees from the school district (managed through Brock Middle School) are $100 / year. You may provide your own instrument after consultation with Mr. Schill. Please speak with Mr. Schill regarding possible financial assistance. Every student deserves to be in band. 

Feel free to ask Mr. Schill if you have any further questions.

Intermediate Band 9 | MMU--09-AB

This class is a continuation of Beginner Band and students must have at least one year of recent band experience on their instrument (or equivalent). Please speak with Mr. Schill if you are not certain as to what your skill level is. In this course, students will further their musical abilities through more challenging music and receive the chance for additional performing opportunities. 

This class occurs during a regularly scheduled block within the school timetable. Concerts, festivals, retreats, trips and other performances may occur in the evenings and sometimes take place away from the school. You do not need to own an instrument to participate in band class, one can be rented from the school for $100 / school year. Please speak with Mr. Schill regarding possible financial assistance. You may provide your own instrument after consultation with Mr. Schill.  All students are welcome. Remember: Making music makes you smarter! Every student deserves to be in band. Feel free to ask Mr. Schill if you have any further questions.

Skills & Techniques Covered:

• Continuation of the acquisition of skills on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments;

• Elements of music include: sight-reading, terminology, rhythm, melody, dynamics, harmony, musical notation, articulation, phrasing, posture, intonation, balance and blend;

• Music history and literature;

• Ensemble and performance skills; and

• Music leadership skills.

• In addition, you will learn to compose some of your own music

Jazz Band 9 | MMU--09-JB

Prerequisite:  Previous 1-year concert band experience

Co-requisite:  Concert Band (teacher consent for special exceptions)

Note: You must take Band 10 in order to be part of Jazz Band.

This is an off-timetable course: This is a linear course which runs outside of the timetable. Instrument choices are saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass, piano, or drum set, and students must have previous experience with their instrument. This course is an additional 9th course. 

This is a performance enrichment course for students who have had solid success with their instrument in previous concert band classes. It is designed to introduce students to concepts of commercial musical styles including Swing, Jazz, Rock, Latin, Dixieland, and Jazz Ballads. Students will also develop improvisation skills (creating a solo over a set chord progression). Students must be registered in Concert Band in the same school year (exceptions will only be made with the teacher’s consent). 

*Special Note: If high enrollment allows, Jr. and Sr. Jazz Band classes will run as two separate courses. If there is one ensemble, enrollment will be capped according to proper jazz band instrumentation, and senior students will be given enrollment priority.  

District Strings 8 - 12 | MMU-09OS

Note: This is an off-timetable course that is offered after-school at an alternate site.

The after-school District Strings program is a credited course for students in grades 4-12 who wish to learn and develop proficiency on string instruments such as violin, viola, cello and bass. There are three levels that students can choose from. At each level, students will get to learn techniques specific to the string family. These classes will practice, rehearse and perform in large ensemble, small ensemble, and solo contexts. Students will study and perform a variety of musical styles and genres such as eras of classical, popular, contemporary rock and pop, Latin and many others. Beginner Strings: Students with no prior experience. Intermediate Strings: Students with 1-2 years of experience and/or play a musical grade 1-2 level. Advanced Strings: Students with 2+ years of experience and/or play at a minimum musical grade 2 level.