Performing & Visual Arts

World of Music - General Music

6th grade

As a society, we tend to lock ourselves into a series of routines. We construct agendas, schedules, and timetables to the point that everyday tasks often become humdrum and boring. Well, the times they are “a changin’”. In this course, designed specifically for young, inquiring minds who have not become rigid and set in their ways, we will explore MANY new and exciting means of accomplishing those everyday tasks. Students will need on a daily basis to arrive to class with a pencil, a journal, and an inquiring mind. All additional materials will be required on an as-needed basis. Different ethnicities and cultures will be explored via the history of musical performance and ethnic instruments.

Beginning Band

Zero (0) years of experience.

This ensemble is for middle school wind and percussion instrumentalists who are new to their instrument. If your student plays a stringed instrument, they should register for Beginning String Orchestra. Students entering the 6th grade who are interested in learning the fundamentals of playing a band instrument will be placed in Beginning Band. If your student has one or two years of experience on their instrument, they will be placed Concert Band. Beginning Band will be utilizing the method books Sound Innovations Book 1 and 2. This ensemble performs music that is rated at a difficulty level or .5-1.5. Students who receive a C or higher at the conclusion of the year will be placed in Concert Band for the next school year. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for performances and does have a course fee.

Concert Band

One (1) to three (3) years of experience.

This ensemble is for beginning middle school wind and percussion instrumentalists. If your student plays a stringed instrument, they should register for String Orchestra. Students entering the 6th grade with a year of experience, or more, will be placed in the Concert Band. Concert Band utilizes the method book Sound Innovation Book 1 and Book 2 as well as Ensemble Development Young Concert Band. This ensemble performs music that is rated at a difficulty level or 1.5-2.5. Students who receive a B+ or higher at the conclusion of the year will be placed in Wind Band for the next school year. Students with a B or lower for the year will remain in Concert Band for the next school year. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for performances and does have a course fee.

Wind Band

Three (3) to four (4) years of experience.

This ensemble is for the intermediate instrumentalist. Wind Band utilizes the method book Sound Innovations - Ensemble Development Intermediate Band. Students will sight-read and perform music at the MSHSL level III, while addressing the theoretical and technical musical concepts appropriate with the National Performing Arts Educational Standards for grades 6-8. These standards address issues such as solo/small ensemble/large ensemble rehearsal and performance, theory, terminology, and composition. 8th and 9th grade students who receive a B+ or higher at the conclusion of the year will be placed in Wind Ensemble the next school year. 7th and 8th grade students, as well as some 9th grade students with a B or lower, will remain in Wind Band the next school year. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for performances and does have a course fee.

Wind Ensemble

Four (4) or more years of experience

This ensemble is for the advanced instrumentalists. Wind Ensemble utilizes the method book Sound Innovations - Ensemble Development Advanced Band. Students will sight-read and perform music at the MSHSL levels of Class II and above, while addressing the theoretical and technical musical concepts appropriate with the National Performing Arts Educational Standards for grades 9-12. These standards address issues such as solo/small ensemble/large ensemble rehearsal and performance, theory, terminology, and composition. Wind Ensemble does complete in the MSHSL Large Group Contest as well as the MSHSL Solo/Small Ensemble Contest. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for performances and does have a course fee.

Wind Ensemble for PSEO

PSEO students only

This online course is specifically for those advanced instrumentalists who are PSEO and cannot meet the attendance requirements due to their daily schedule. Through the use of the online subscription rehearsal program, SmartMusic, and online class assignments, instrumentalists will cover the same material as the curricular course (see Wind Ensemble). Students are required to attend rehearsal when possible as well as check in with the director as often as possible. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for performances and does have a course fee.

Choir (For credit or extracurricular)

Choir (0 hour for 6-12 grades) will be meeting on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8-9:10 a.m. 9-12 graders will have to sign up at the Back-to-school night or online to get credit. Attendance will be mandatory at all rehearsals to get credit recognition. 6- 8th graders participate in Choir as an extracurricular activity. Any questions should be directed to the Performing Arts Department. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for rehearsals and performances.

Madrigals/ Show Choir (For credit or extracurricular)

By Audition only.

This select small group is for High Schoolers in 11th or 12th grade. Madrigal meets Monday and possibly Friday mornings from 8- 9:10 am, 0 hour. Sign up at Back-to-school night or online to get credit. Madrigals and specialized show tunes are sung, with some being put to Choreography. Some rehearsals and all Performances require attendance outside of the school day.

Beginning Strings (Extracurricular)

Zero (0) years of experience.

This ensemble is for beginning string instrumentalists (does not include guitar). This course meets after school on Monday and Wednesday from 4:10-5:10. Beginning Strings utilizes the method book Sound Innovations Students Book 1 and Book 2. Students will sight-read and perform music rated at .5-1.5 difficulty level. Interest and questions should be directed to the Performing Arts Department. Private lessons are encouraged for this course but not required. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for rehearsals and performances and does have a course fee.

String Orchestra (extracurricular)

One (1) to Three (3) years of experience.

This ensemble is for beginning to early intermediate string instrumentalists. This course meets daily. String Orchestra utilizes the method book Sound Innovations Book 1 and Book 2 as well as Creative Warms and Sound Development. Students will sight-read and perform music rated at 1.5-2.5 difficulty level. Interest and questions should be directed to the Performing Arts Department. Private lessons are encouraged for this course but not required. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for rehearsals and performances.

Symphony Orchestra (For credit or extracurricular)

Four (4) plus years of experience.

This ensemble is for advanced string instrumentalists. Wind and percussion instrumentalists are welcome to join as well. This course meets after school on Monday and Wednesday from 4:15-5:15. Symphony Orchestra utilizes the method books Sound Innovations Creative Warm-ups and Sound Development. Students will sight-read and perform music at the MSHSL levels of Class III and above. Attendance will be mandatory at all rehearsals to get credit recognition. Interest and questions should be directed to the Performing Arts Department. Private lessons are encouraged for this course but not required. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for rehearsals and performances.

Art and Creativity

6th Grade

Art has a language all its own. In this class, students will be introduced to the elements of design, which are the building blocks of art. They will learn about these art elements while creating a variety of projects by studying multiple artists and experimenting with different art media and art styles. Students will learn how to brainstorm to gather ideas and will begin to understand how to use art vocabulary to talk about and make judgments about their own and others’ artwork.

Art and Technology

7th Grade

This Photoshop based class examines how digital imaging techniques can be used to design advertisements, create business cards, movie posters, and so much more. Students will gain experience in presenting their artwork in a critique setting to acquire helpful feedback from their peers. They will build an understanding of art in a professional environment and how to pursue careers in this exciting field.

Art 8

8th Grade

Students will continue to explore their own creativity and hone their art skills using multiple art materials. By studying famous artists and artwork, students will explore and create with a variety of media and techniques. Students will continue to develop their artistic sense and craftsmanship skills while learning how to communicate ideas visually.

Drawing

High School (semester 1)

Students will learn the basics of observational drawing. They will begin to understand and practice how to transfer what they see in the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. They will learn to draw what they see not what they “think” they see. Light and value are important to this process. The work of famous artists will be analyzed and studied to help students understand techniques and develop their drawing skills. They will explore different mediums (pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink) and different techniques (hatching, stippling, gesture) to create original works of art. There is a $15.00 lab fee for this course.

Painting

High School (semester 2)

Prerequisites: There is a prerequisite of Drawing or teacher approval for this course.

This course will focus on color theory and composition. Students will learn the various techniques associated with watercolor and acrylic painting as well as mixed media art. The work of famous artists will be studied and analyzed to help students learn from the masters. Here they will be inspired to hone their skills and develop their own style and voice. There is a $15.00 lab fee for this course.

DVC I (Digital Photography and Visual Communication I)

High School (semester 1)

This course will begin to teach students how to create effective visual images with photography, digital art, and video. Students will learn the basics of good design and put it into practice in a variety of ways. We will look at photography, graphic design, and video to understand how visual information can be best communicated to an audience. Students will use Adobe Photoshop to learn basic digital editing skills and Adobe Premiere for video editing. Students will learn about artists known for their photographic work, and how to enhance their own pictures with a great composition. There is a $15.00 lab fee for this course.

DVC II (Digital Photography and Visual Communication II)

High School (semester 2)

Prerequisites: There is a prerequisite Digital Photography and Communication I or instructor approval for this course.

This course is a continuation of Digital and Visual Communication I. Students will continue to work with digital and design media, expanding on previously learned skills. More attention will be given to finding your personal creativity and working more independently with in-depth projects. There is a $15.00 lab fee for this course.

Sculpture and Crafts

High School (semester 1)

Students will be creating a variety of sculptures using different mediums such as paper, cardboard, and found objects, with a large emphasis on clay. Students will also be educated on the history of ceramics and they will get to experience hand-building and throwing on the pottery wheel This class will give students an introduction to the history of craft and functional art. There is a lab fee of $15.00 for this course.

Ceramics

High School (semester 2)

Prerequisites: There is a prerequisite of Sculpture or instructor approval for this course.

This class will focus entirely on ceramics (clay). Students will learn advanced hand-building, wheel-throwing, sculpture, and decorating techniques. They will also learn about the history of ceramics and clay sculpture including different art styles and methods from various cultures. There is a $15.00 lab fee for this course.

AP Art and Design

10th-12th Grade

Prerequisites: 1 year of High School Art, B+ or better in the class correlating to which AP portfolio you want to take and summer homework art pieces.

The course enables students to develop a body of work investigating a strong underlying visual idea in drawing, 2-D design, or 3-D design that grows out of a coherent plan of action or investigation (i.e., a “concentration”). The course enables students to develop mastery (i.e., “quality”) in concept and composition. Such conceptual variety can be demonstrated through either the use of one or the use of several media. The course emphasizes art-making as an ongoing process that involves the student in informed and critical decision making. The course includes group and individual student critiques and instructional conversations with the teacher, enabling students to learn to analyze and discuss their own artworks and those of their peers. The course teaches students to understand artistic integrity as well as what constitutes plagiarism. If students produce work that makes use of photographs, published images, and/or other artists’ works, the course teaches them how to develop their own work so that it moves beyond duplication. There is a $25.00 lab fee for this course.