6th Grade
Drama: In 6th Grade Drama, students receive an introduction to theater. In the first unit, students will learn the basics of stage safety and conduct, types of stages, stage positions and directions, and body positions and movement. Students will learn to develop the five necessary skills and techniques of an actor (called their personal resources) in Unit 2. In Unit 3, students will learn about the vocal tract and how to use their voice properly for acting and speech.
Music: This course introduces students to the fundamentals of playing a concert band instrument. Through group instruction and guided practice, students will develop foundational skills in tone production, technique, and music reading. Students will choose a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument to study. Instruments are available to borrow from the school, or students may rent or purchase one from an outside vendor. Instruction will be based on the Accent on Achievement method book, along with ensemble playing experiences. The marking period will conclude with a performance-based project in which students demonstrate their progress by performing as a class on their respective instruments. No prior band experience is required. This course prepares students for future participation in the full-year concert band program if desired.
Art: In 6th grade middle school art, students typically continue to develop their skills in drawing, painting, and other art forms. They may explore different media, such as charcoal, pastels, and watercolors, and learn about color theory and composition. Students may also be introduced to art history and study the works of famous artists. In addition to creating their own artwork, students may work collaboratively on group projects and participate in class critiques to develop their ability to give and receive feedback. Overall, 6th grade art aims to foster creativity, self-expression, and an appreciation for the arts.
7th Grade
Drama: 7th Grade Drama introduces the students to the careers and job opportunities in theatre, from acting and directing to building sets and designing hair, makeup and costumes. The 2nd Unit focuses on teaching students the basics of preparing a production for the stage. Students will learn about genres of plays, how to choose a play for production, the audition process, and how to cast. In Unit 3, students will learn about technical theater and design, learning basic set building techniques.
Music: This course introduces students to the fundamentals of concert percussion. Through hands-on practice and group instruction, students will learn the basics of rhythm, technique, and instrument care. The class focuses on snare drum and bass drum, emphasizing proper grip, posture, and sticking technique. Students will also begin learning to read rhythmic notation and play in an ensemble setting. The marking period will conclude with a performance-based project in which students perform a percussion ensemble piece as a class, demonstrating their progress and proficiency on snare and bass drum. This course provides a strong foundation for continued study in percussion and prepares students for more advanced ensemble work in the 8th grade music course.
Art: Advancing from middle school 6th grade art to 7th grade art typically involves building on the skills and concepts learned in the previous year. Students may continue to explore different media, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking, and develop their ability to use them effectively. In addition, 7th grade art may focus more on the elements and principles of design, such as line, shape, form, color, texture, balance, and rhythm. Students may also learn more about the history of art and study the works of different artists and art movements. Overall, 7th grade art aims to deepen students' understanding and appreciation of art and help them develop their own unique artistic style.
8th Grade
Drama: The 1st Unit focuses on the art of characterization. Students will learn how to research and create original and realistic characters. Unit 2 of 8th Grade Drama builds upon the concepts learned in 7th grade. Students will learn how to successfully rehearse and stage a play. They will study or perform all aspects, including direction, performance, stage management, and creative development and design of sets, props and costumes. They will hone their skills by rehearsing and staging a script and participating in discussions of their production with their class. In the final unit, students will become the production team and plan a full production.
Music: This course continues the development of percussion skills introduced in 7th grade, while also welcoming students who may be new to music class. Students will review essential techniques and quickly build the foundation needed to participate fully. In addition to continued work on snare drum and bass drum, students will learn to play a wider range of concert percussion instruments, including cymbals (crash and suspended), timpani, and common accessory instruments such as triangle, tambourine, cowbell, and wood block. The marking period will culminate in a performance-based project where students perform a percussion ensemble piece with their class, showcasing their growth and musical ability across multiple instruments. This course prepares students for continued study in percussion and ensemble playing at the high school level.
Arts & Crafts: In middle school 8th grade arts and craft class, students have the opportunity to explore a variety of three-dimensional hands-on projects and develop their creativity and problem-solving skills. This class covers many craft techniques, such as sewing, paper mâché building, tapestry weaving & clay building . Students may also learn about different cultural traditions and use these as inspiration for their projects. The class may also include opportunities for collaboration, critique, and reflection to help students develop their artistic abilities and gain confidence in their abilities. Overall, 8th grade arts and craft class aims to provide a fun, engaging and tactile learning experience while helping students develop important life skills such as creativity, resourcefulness, and perseverance.
Painting & Drawing: In middle school 8th grade introduction to painting and drawing class, students build upon the skills and concepts learned in earlier art classes. The focus of this class is to develop students' ability to create art that effectively communicates their ideas and emotions. Students may learn a variety of techniques such as shading, perspective, and color theory to create dynamic and expressive artwork. The class may also explore the works of famous artists and art movements to gain inspiration and develop their own unique style. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in critiques, where they give and receive feedback on their artwork, which helps to refine their skills and build their confidence. Overall, 8th grade introduction to painting and drawing class aims to provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of art while fostering their creativity and artistic expression.