Exploratories
Art Exploration - Grade 6 (90 days)
This is a hands-on studio course designed to expose the student to a wide range of artistic media. Study will concentrate on art history and multicultural activities while fostering skill development and proper use of tools and materials.
Music Exploration - Grade 6 (90 days)
Geared toward adolescent students, Music Exploration will expand their musical journey through the history of Rock-n-Roll, while encourage creativity in music through the use of the acoustic guitar. Students are exposed to performance, composition, active listening and individual musical expression to encourage an expanded understanding of music through Rock Music.
Electives - Grade 6
Gateway to Art 6 (90 days)
Gateway to Art is an in-depth experience for those who love art. Students who are currently in Elementary Art Enrichment are encouraged to enroll. This course will focus on drawing and design. Here is an exciting opportunity for exploration of art’s basic elements - line, shape, color, texture, and space. For the more serious art student, this course is also designed to lay the foundation for Art 7 and the 8th grade Art I course.
Band, Orchestra, and Chorus (90 days each or up to 90 days in combination)
These performing groups will meet on alternate days throughout the year, for a total of 90 days. Students may take either of the three separately or in combination. Music is varied in the groups to give the students a comprehensive, well-balanced experience. Weekly lessons are scheduled on a rotational basis during the school day for the instrumental students.
Electives - Grade 7
Art 7 (90 days)
This class would provide more experience in developing a comprehensive art background, focusing on drawing skills that are involved in creating a visual composition. This class will also be the intermediate class for students interested in Art I in eighth grade. Students will be able to articulate judgments about the impact of the visual, tactile, spatial elements on their experiences, while being introduced the beginning theories of art history and color. Teacher recommendation would be required from sixth grade.
Fun in 3-D (90 days)
A course designed for the student desiring a more hands-on approach to making art. Students will be exploring, experiencing, and interpreting art that concentrates on construction, form, and shape, including the exciting possibilities of 3-D art, masks, origami, clay, etc.
Experiencing Art (90 days)
A program in which students will be exploring, experiencing, and interpreting the language of art in terms of the art elements of design and composition. Drawing, painting, printmaking, etc., are just a few of the activities to be used to foster skill development.
Introduction to Performing Arts (90 days)
This will be a combined Grade 7/8 class. This course is provided for the student who desires a learning experience in theatre arts. During the semester the student will focus on drama techniques that build skills in movement, blocking, and vocal production. The student will be able to incorporate this knowledge into monologues, scenes, skits, and music performance.
Band, Chorus or Orchestra 7 (90 days each)
These performing groups will meet on alternate days with the exploratory program throughout the year, for a total of 90 days. Students may take any one of the three separately. Music is varied in the groups to give the students a comprehensive, well-balanced experience. Weekly lessons are scheduled on a rotational basis during the school day for the instrumental students.
Electives - Grade 8
3-D Art (semester)
Students will explore three-dimensional tactile art. They experience a wide range of methods and materials including wire, plaster, clay, cardboard, paper, etc., to create three dimensional art works.
Drawing and Illustration (semester)
Students will explore the skills and methods involved in print media. From symbol design to illustration and printmaking, students will have a hands on experience using the materials and tools involved in print production and graphic presentation.
Art I (full year - departmental recommendation only)
This is a full year high school level course offered for students qualified and interested in beginning the high school art sequence early. The prerequisite for Art I is a 95 average in any 7th grade art elective. Those students who have not taken art in grade 7 must submit a portfolio of ten varied art works, no more than three years old, by April 15. These can include drawings and designs from other subject areas. These artworks should reflect a range of media and techniques and show the scope of the students’ art abilities. No high school credit is earned, but students successfully completing the course may enter Art II in grade nine.
Introduction to Performing Arts (semester)
This course is provided for the student who desires a learning experience in theatre arts. During the semester the student will focus on drama techniques that build skills in movement, blocking, and vocal production. The student will be able to incorporate this knowledge into monologues, scenes, skits, and music performance.
Performing Arts I (full year-departmental recommendation only)
This is a full year high school level course offered to students qualified and beginning the high school performing arts sequence early. Those students who want to take Performing Arts I must submit a resume of all theatre arts experiences and successfully audition with 2 minutes worth of monologue(s) of, and prepare a song and dance. The audition should demonstrate the ability of the student to vary his or her performances in drama, comedy, voice and dance. No high school credit is earned, but students successfully completing the course may enter Performing Arts II in grade 9.
Band, Chorus or Orchestra 8 (full year)
These performing groups will meet daily throughout the year, for a total of 180 days. Students may take either of the two separately or in combination with chorus. Music is varied in the groups to give the students a comprehensive, well-balanced experience. Small group lessons are scheduled on a rotational basis for the instrumental students.