Middle School Course Guide
fine arts courses
ART NOTES TO PARENTS
NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS: All middle school fine arts courses that were previously labeled as “levels 6, 7, or 8” are now re-labeled per the revised Fine Arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). ALL middle school fine arts courses will be labeled as MS1, MS2, or MS3. These are not tied to grade levels. The first time any student, regardless of grade, takes a fine arts course, it will be MS1. (For example, an eighth grader taking Art for the first time will be enrolled in Art MS1.)
ALL ART COURSES: Fees may be assessed for participation in art classes to cover supplies and other consumable items. This fee shall be no more than $20 per year.
Not all Art courses are offered at all campuses.
ART MS1 (First year in Art)
GRADE LEVEL: 6-8
TX ID: 03154110
PREREQUISITE(S): None
Course Description: This course extends the learning of basic elements of art and principles of design, art history, and art appreciation. Students design, develop, and create art using a variety of media.
ART MS2 (Second year in Art)
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: 03154210
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Art MS1
Course Description: This course extends the learning of the elements of art and principles of design, art history, and art appreciation. Students design, develop, and create art using a variety of media.
ART MS3 (Third year in Art)
GRADE LEVEL: 8
TX ID: 30154310
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Art MS2
Course Description: This course extends the learning of the elements of art and principles of design, art history, and art appreciation. Students design, develop, and create art using a variety of media.
Pre-AP Visual Arts (formerly Art I)
GRADE LEVEL: 8
TX ID: 03500100
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of one of Art MS1 and Art MS2 or receive teacher approval based on a portfolio review.
This course is only for Grade 8 students ONLY.
**This course is offered for High School credit**
Course Description: Students explore the elements of art and principles of design with emphasis on visual literacy skills, use of critical thinking, imagination and the senses to explore the world alongside creative visual problem solving. Students create original art in a variety of media, study art history, aesthetics, and participate in the critique process within this general survey course.
COURSE NOTE: This course confers high school credit. Students are expected to meet the exact same requirements and standards as students taking this course in high school. (This course will not suffice for both the middle school and high school fine arts statutory course requirements.)
band - Note to parents
NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS:
All middle school fine arts courses that were previously labeled as “levels 6, 7, or 8” are now re-labeled per the revised Fine Arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). ALL middle school fine arts courses will be labeled as MS1, MS2, or MS3. These are not tied to grade levels. The first time any student, regardless of grade, takes a fine arts course, it will be MS1. (For example, an eighth grader taking Band for the first time will be enrolled in Band MS1.) Placement in the specific band class will be based on audition and instructor approval.
ALL BAND COURSES: There will be an annual $60 Instrument Usage Fee assessed for all band students using school-owned instruments.
EXCEPTIONS: Percussionists and others who share a school-owned instrument will only be assessed $30. Beginner percussionists are not charged. Waivers will be granted to those students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, according to guidelines of the National School Lunch Program. A supply fee may be charged. Consult the campus band director for details. In the 7th & 8th grade, students may also participate in the UIL band contests and numerous community programs, and are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble competitions and All-Region Band auditions. Attendance is required for all rehearsals and performances.
In Beginning Band, students will be placed in specific instrument classes within the brass, woodwind, and percussion families. Students will develop basic musical literacy skills while learning to play their respective wind or percussion instruments in preparation for a sequential experience in a full band setting in subsequent years. With the goal of student success throughout their band career, students will be screened for placement on an instrument based on their physical characteristics, preference, and maintaining a balanced instrumentation. The students will be scheduled into a specific class or section based on their instrument and Band Director recommendation. The structure of these homogeneous instrument classes may not be the same on all campuses.
In one of the Intermediate Bands (Campus, Concert, or Symphonic), students further develop ear training, individual and ensemble playing skills, tone production, and music reading in a full band setting. Students attend sectional technique classes, and participate in numerous concerts, contests and community performances. Not all of these levels will be offered on all campuses.
In the Advanced or Honors Band, advanced musicians further develop ear training, music reading, individual/ensemble playing skills, and musicianship. Students attend sectional technique classes and participate in numerous concerts, contests, and community performances.
Not all Band courses are offered at all campuses.
BAND MS1 (1st Year in Band)
GRADE LEVEL: 6-7
TX ID: 03154130
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course description: Students will be introduced to various instruments in the wind-band family and learn techniques associated with woodwind, brass, and percussion pedagogy. This course may include rehearsals and performances outside the school day.
BAND MS2 (2nd Year in Band)
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: 03154230
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Band MS1
Course description: Students will extend learning and performance techniques on various instruments in the wind-band family and learn techniques associated with woodwind, brass, and percussion pedagogy. Students are expected to perform a varied selection of literature throughout the year. This course may include rehearsals and performances outside the school day.
BAND MS3 (3rd Year in Band)
GRADE LEVEL: 8
TX ID: 03154330
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Band MS2
Course description: Students will extend learning and performance techniques on various instruments in the wind-band family and learn techniques associated with woodwind, brass, and percussion pedagogy. Students are expected to perform a varied selection of literature throughout the year. This course may include rehearsals and performances outside the school day.
BEGINNING – BRASS MS1 AND MS2 (6th and some 7th graders only)
GRADE LEVEL: 6-7
TX ID: MS1: 03154130 and MS2: 03154230
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: Students will be introduced to various instruments in the wind-band family and learn techniques associated with brass pedagogy. This course may include rehearsals and performances outside the school day.
BEGINNING – PERCUSSION MS1 AND MS2 (6th and some 7th graders only)
GRADE LEVEL: 6-7
TX ID: MS1: 03154130 and MS2: 03154230
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: Students will be introduced to various instruments in the percussion family and learn techniques associated with percussion pedagogy. This course may include rehearsals and performances outside the school day.
BEGINNING – WOODWIND MS1 AND MS2 (6th and some 7th graders only)
GRADE LEVEL: 6-7
TX ID:MS1: 03154130 and MS2: 03154230
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: Students will be introduced to various instruments in the woodwind family and learn techniques associated with woodwind pedagogy. This course may include rehearsals and performances outside the school day.
INTERMEDIATE MS2 AND MS3 (Concert, or Symphonic)
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: MS2: 03154230 and MS3: 03154330
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Band MS1.
Course Description: Students will extend learning and performance techniques on various instruments in the wind-band family and learn techniques associated with woodwind, brass, and percussion pedagogy. Students are expected to perform a varied selection of literature throughout the year. This course may include rehearsals and performances outside the school day.
COURSE NOTE: This class is by audition ONLY.
ADVANCED (HONORS) MS2 AND MS3 (7th and 8th graders only)
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: MS2: 03154230 and MS3: 03154330
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Band MS1 and audition with their Director for placement in this course.
Course Description: Students will extend learning and performance techniques on various instruments in the wind-band family and learn techniques associated with woodwind, brass, and percussion pedagogy. Students are expected to perform a varied selection of literature throughout the year. This course may include rehearsals and performances outside the school day.
COURSE NOTE: This class is by audition ONLY.
BAND MS2 AND MS3
Jazz Ensemble
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: MS2: 03154235 and MS3: 03154335
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Band MS1.
Course Description: Advanced 7th and 8th graders apply the musical skills developed in their primary band class to learning and performing jazz, swing, pop, rock, blues, Latin music, showmanship, and basic improvisation. This course may include rehearsals and performances outside the school day.
COURSE NOTE: Must be currently enrolled in Band MS2 or MS3.
choir - note to parents
NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS:
All middle school fine arts courses that were previously labeled as “levels 6, 7, or 8” are now re-labeled per the revised Fine Arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). ALL middle school fine arts courses will be labeled as MS1, MS2, or MS3. These are not tied to grade levels. The first time any student, regardless of grade, takes a fine arts course, it will be MS1. (For example, an eighth grader taking Choir for the first time will be enrolled in Choir MS1.)
ALL CHOIR COURSES: All choir students will participate in a variety of performances. In the 7th/8th grade, students may also participate in the UIL choir contests and numerous community programs, and are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble competitions and All-Region Choir auditions. Attendance is required for all rehearsals and performances. A fee to purchase attire may be assessed. Placement in the specific choir class will be based on audition and instructor approval. The Choir courses might be divided into Treble, Boys or Mixed Sections.
Not all Choir courses are offered at all campuses.
CHOIR BEGINNING 6TH GRADE MS1
GRADE LEVEL: 6
TX ID: 03154131
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: Students will learn choral reading techniques, ear training, vocal production, performance skills, solfege, and basic theory.
CHOIR BEGINNING 7TH AND 8TH GRADE MS1
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: 03154131
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: Students will learn choral reading techniques, ear training, vocal production, performance skills, solfege, and basic theory.
CHOIR INTERMEDIATE (MS1)(MS2)(MS3)
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: MS1: 03154121 , MS2: 03154231, MS3: 03154331
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: Students will develop skills in musicianship, ear training/listening skills, individual/ensemble singing, vocal production, music reading, performance skills, and basic music theory.
COURSE NOTE: Audition required for placement in appropriate class.
CHOIR ADVANCED (MS1)(MS2)(MS3)
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: MS1: 03154121 , MS2: 03154231, MS3: 03154331
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: Advanced students extend previously learned ear training/listening skills, individual/ensemble skills, vocal production, music reading and performance skills.
COURSE NOTE: Instructor approval or audition required.
DANCE note to parents- available at decker Middle school
NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS: All middle school fine arts courses that were previously labeled as “levels 6, 7, or 8” are now re-labeled per the revised Fine Arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). ALL middle school fine arts courses will be labeled as MS1, MS2, or MS3. These are not tied to grade levels. The first time any student, regardless of grade, takes a fine arts course, it will be MS1. (For example, an eighth grader taking Dance for the first time will be enrolled in Dance MS1).
Students wishing to take Dance and other fine arts class should take Dance as a PE course fulfilling the middle school PE requirement. However, if a student has fulfilled the PE requirement, or wishes to be in Athletics concurrently with Dance, he/she may take Dance as a fine arts course, fulfilling the Fine Arts requirement. The TEKS for both Fine Arts Dance and PE/Wellness will be delivered, and the teachers are certified in both. Dance class students may be required to purchase dance class attire and participate in fundraising for annual dance recitals.
Not all Dance courses are offered at all campuses.
DANCE BEGINNING 6TH GRADE MS1 Fine Arts (First year in Dance)
GRADE LEVEL: 6-8
TX ID: 03154120
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: Students will learn basic elements of dance styles and acquire the wellness information and skills necessary to become healthy adults. All Dance class students may be required to purchase dance class attire and participate in fundraising for annual dance recitals.
DANCE MS1 PE
GRADE LEVEL: 6
TX ID: 03154120
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: Students will learn basic elements of dance styles and acquire the wellness information and skills necessary to become healthy adults
DANCE MS2 Fine Arts (Second year in Dance)
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: 03154220
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Dance MS1
Course Description: Students will extend the learner’s knowledge of basic elements of dance styles and acquire the wellness information and skills necessary to become healthy adults. All Dance class students may be required to purchase dance class attire and participate in fundraising for annual dance recitals.
COURSE NOTE: Instructor approval or audition required.
DANCE MS3 Fine Arts (Third year in Dance)
GRADE LEVEL: 8
TX ID: MS3: 03154320
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Dance MS2
Course Descriptions: This course will continue to extend the learner’s knowledge of basic elements of dance styles and will inspire students to continue to acquire the wellness information and skills necessary to become healthy adults.
COURSE NOTE: Instructor approval or audition required.
ADVANCED DANCE MS2 OR MS3 Fine Arts
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: MS2: 03154220, MS3: 03154320
PREREQUISITE(S): 7th & 8th grade students may audition to be placed in the advanced dance performance class in the Spring of the prior year for Fall placement.
Course Descriptions: Dance Team Class. This course will continue to extend the learner’s knowledge of basic elements of dance styles and will inspire students to continue to acquire the wellness information and skills necessary to become healthy adults. Advanced Dance is a performance based class where students will have many opportunities to perform at school and around the community.
COURSE NOTE: This class is by audition ONLY.
Orchestra note to parents - available at Manor new tech MS
NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS:
All middle school fine arts courses that were previously labeled as “levels 6, 7, or 8” are now re-labeled per the revised Fine Arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). ALL middle school fine arts courses will be labeled as MS1, MS2, or MS3. These are not tied to grade levels. The first time any student, regardless of grade, takes a fine arts course, it will be MS1. (For example, an eighth grader taking Orchestra for the first time will be enrolled in Orchestra MS1.)
ALL ORCHESTRA COURSES: There will be an annual $60 Instrument Usage Fee assessed for all orchestra students using school-owned instruments. Waivers will be granted to those students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, according to guidelines of the National School Lunch Program.
Attendance is required for all rehearsals and performances. A supply fee may be charged. Consult the campus band or orchestra director for details. Placement in a specific orchestra class will be based on audition and instructor approval. In the 7th/8th grade, students may also participate in the UIL orchestra contests and numerous community programs, and are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble competitions and All-Region Orchestra auditions.
In Beginning Orchestra, students develop basic playing skills, practice habits, music reading, and listening skills, while playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. The course may be offered differently on different campuses: Violin-Viola, Cello/Bass, or combined Violin-Viola-Cello-Bass. Students will be screened for placement on an appropriate instrument. Beginning Orchestra skills are a prerequisite for Concert, Philharmonic, and Symphonic Orchestras.
Intermediate Orchestras (Concert or Philharmonic), students extend their ear training skills, playing skills, tone production, music reading, and musicianship. Students participate in a variety of concerts, festivals and community events. An audition is required for placement in the appropriate orchestra level.
In the Advanced or Symphonic Orchestra, advanced students develop ear training, individual/ensemble playing skills, and musicianship. They perform in numerous concerts, UIL events, region orchestra auditions, and community programs. An audition is required for placement in the appropriate orchestra level.
Not all Orchestra courses are offered at all campuses.
ORCHESTRA COURSE MS1 (1st Year Orchestra)
GRADE LEVEL: 6-7
TX ID: 03154132
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: students develop basic playing skills, practice habits, music reading, and listening skills, while playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. The course may be offered differently on different campuses: Violin-Viola, Cello/Bass, or combined Violin-Viola-Cello-Bass. Students will be screened for placement on an appropriate instrument. Beginning Orchestra skills are a prerequisite for Concert, Philharmonic, and Symphonic Orchestras.
ORCHESTRA COURSE MS2 (2nd Year Orchestra)
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: 03154232
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Orchestra MS1
Course Description: (Concert or Philharmonic), students extend their ear training skills, playing skills, tone production, music reading, and musicianship. Students participate in a variety of concerts, festivals and community events. An audition is required for placement in the appropriate orchestra level.
ORCHESTRA COURSE MS3 (3rd Year Orchestra)
GRADE LEVEL: 8
TX ID: 03154332
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Orchestra MS1 and Orchestra MS2
Course Description: advanced students develop ear training, individual/ensemble playing skills, and musicianship. They perform in numerous concerts, UIL events, region orchestra auditions, and community programs. An audition is required for placement in the appropriate orchestra level.
guitar note to parents - Available at decker MS
NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS: All middle school fine arts courses that were previously labeled as “levels 6, 7, or 8” are now re-labeled per the revised Fine Arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). ALL middle school fine arts courses will be labeled as MS1, MS2, or MS3. These are not tied to grade levels. The first time any student, regardless of grade, takes a fine arts course, it will be MS1. (For example, an eighth grader taking Guitar for the first time will be enrolled in Guitar MS1.)
Attendance is required for all rehearsals and performances. A supply fee may be charged. Consult the campus guitar director for details. Placement in a specific guitar class will be based on audition and instructor approval. In the 7th/8th grade, students may also participate in numerous community programs, and are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble competitions and All-Region Guitar auditions.
Not all Guitar courses are offered at all campuses.
GUITAR, INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE MS1
GRADE LEVEL: 6-8
TX ID: 03154133
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: Students will develop basic musical literacy skills while learning to play the guitar in preparation for a sequential experience in a full ensemble setting in subsequent years.
GUITAR, INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE MS2
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: 03154233
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Band MS1 Guitar and Director approval
Course Description: Students further develop ear training, individual and ensemble playing skills, tone production, and music reading in a full ensemble setting. Students attend sectional technique classes, and participate in numerous concerts, contests and community performances.
GUITAR, INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE MS3
GRADE LEVEL: 8
TX ID: 03154333
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Band MS2 Guitar and Director approval
Course Description: In this advanced ensemble, advanced musicians further develop ear training, music reading, individual/ensemble playing skills, and musicianship. Students attend sectional technique classes and participate in numerous concerts, contests, and community performances.
Mariachi note to parents - available at Manor ms
ALL MARIACHI COURSES:
There will be an annual $40 Instrument Usage Fee assessed for all Mariachi students using school-owned instruments. Waivers will be granted to those students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, according to guidelines of the National School Lunch Program.
Attendance is required for all rehearsals and performances. A supply fee may be charged. Consult the campus Mariachi director for details. Placement in a specific Mariachi class will be based on audition and instructor approval. In the 7th/8th grade, students may also participate in the Mariachi contests and numerous community programs, and are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble competitions.
Not all Mariachi courses are offered at all campuses.
MARIACHI, INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE MS1 (1st Year in Mariachi “beginners”)
GRADE LEVEL: 6
TX ID: 03154133
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: This course is designed for those interested in learning to playing an instrument, utilizing the folk music of Mexico. Students will study mariachi performance technique through both instrumental and vocal performance. The class concentrates on the development of note-reading skills, aural skills, rhythmic patterns, intonation, and tone production. This group will be required to participate in concerts and other activities.
MARIACHI, INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE MS2 (2nd Year in Mariachi)
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: 03154233
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Mariachi MS1
Course Description: This course is designed for those interested in learning and playing the folk music of Mexico. Students will study mariachi music through instrumental and vocal performance in an ensemble setting. Students who have previous mariachi experience are encouraged to enroll in this class. This group will be required to participate in concerts and other activities.
ADVANCED MARIACHI, INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE MS2 OR MS3
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: MS2: 03154233, MS3: 03154333
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Mariachi MS1 or MS2 and Director approval
Course Description: Students will apply a broad level of techniques and will extend their learning playing the folk music of Mexico. Students will study mariachi music through instrumental and vocal performance in an ensemble setting. Students who have previous mariachi experience are encouraged to enroll in this class. This group will be required to participate in concerts and other activities.
MARIACHI-
GRADE LEVEL: 6-8
TX ID:
PREREQUISITE(S): Guitar
Course Description: This course is designed for those interested in learning and playing the folk music of Mexico. Students will study mariachi music through instrumental and vocal performance in an ensemble setting. Students who have previous mariachi experience are encouraged to enroll in this class. This group will be required to participate in concerts and other activities. Course Description: Students will apply a broad level of techniques and will extend their learning playing the folk music of Mexico. Students will study mariachi music through instrumental and vocal performance in an ensemble setting. Students who have previous mariachi experience are encouraged to enroll in this class. This group will be required to participate in concerts and other activities.
Pre-AP Music Pre-Ap Introduction to Music Theory
Grade Level: 8
TX ID:03152700
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of two years consecutively in choir, band, or guitar.
***This course is for high school credit***
Course Description: Music Theory is the study of how music is constructed and heard. This course is designed for students who wish to create, understand, and analyze music from different genres. This course focuses on aural and written music skills.
Theatre arts note to parents
NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS:
All middle school fine arts courses that were previously labeled as “levels 6, 7, or 8” are now re-labeled per the revised Fine Arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). ALL middle school fine arts courses will be labeled as MS1, MS2, or MS3. These are not tied to grade levels. The first time any student, regardless of grade, takes a fine arts course, it will be MS1. (For example, an eighth grader taking Theatre for the first time will be enrolled in Theatre MS1). This work may culminate in a production performed for the public.
THEATRE ARTS MS1 (First year in Theatre)
GRADE LEVEL: 6-8
TX ID: 03154140
PREREQUISITE(S): none
Course Description: First year students explore elements of drama and conventions of theatre, interpret characters, theatrical design, voice and body expression and the relationship of theatre to history, society, and culture.
THEATRE ARTS MS2 (Second year in Theatre)
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: 03154240
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Theatre Arts MS1
Course Description: Second year students learn basic acting skills, pantomime, improvisation, storytelling, character analysis, theatrical design, body expression and the relationship of theatre to history, society, and culture.
THEATRE ARTS MS3 (Third year in Theatre)
GRADE LEVEL: 8
TX ID: 03154340
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Theatre Arts MS2
Course Description: Third year students interpret characters using the voice and body to interpret scenes and study the relationship of theatre to history, society, and culture. Students will also study theatrical design.
ADVANCED THEATRE (MS2)
GRADE LEVEL: 7
TX ID: 03154240
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Theatre Arts MS1 and MS2 Audition Only
Course Description: Students interpret advance characters using the voice and body to interpret scenes and study the relationship of theatre to history, society, and culture.
Pre-AP THEATRE (MS3)
GRADE LEVEL: 8
TX ID:3250100
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Theatre Arts MS1 and MS2 Audition Only
**This course is offered for High School credit**
Course Description: Students interpret advance characters using the voice and body to interpret scenes and study the relationship of theatre to history, society, and culture.
Course Note: This course is by audition only and for high school credit.
THEATRE PRODUCTION: MS2 OR MS3 (Second or third year in Theatre)
GRADE LEVEL: 7-8
TX ID: MS2: 03154240, MS3: 03154340
PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Theatre Arts MS1
Course Description: students extend their learning in production techniques such as sound, set, lighting, costume and makeup design as well as acting, management, and advertising skills by working on a theatrical production throughout the year.
Manor Independent School District Administration offices are located at
10335 Highway 290 East, Manor, Texas 78653
Manor Independent School District Helpline (512) 278-4000