Programs of Study

Art

 In the Middle School art program, students are encouraged to improve their visual awareness by learning to look and record what is experienced. While solving creative problems, students learn to use a variety of tools, materials and approaches. The Middle School art program also recognizes the significance of art history and the need to develop an appreciation for the work of artists from the past and present. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional media and techniques are explored, including drawing, painting, clay work, collage and sculpture. Students have the opportunity to study the formal elements of art and to experience both "observed" and "imagined" work.

Music

Music class focuses on building listening skills and an appreciation of musical styles and construction. This course teaches basic note, rhythm, and interval reading as well as skills for singing and playing instruments. The class introduces students to an overview of music history and style periods in addition to introducing students to non-Western music as appropriate. Students perform alone and with others, compose, improvise, and read and listen to music. By doing so, students gain the confidence to analyze, describe, and evaluate with discernment music and musical performances.

Theater

Students in this class focus on the basics of theater arts, stagecraft, and performance.  Establishing a routine of preparation exercises to warm up and develop the voice (vocal resonance, projection, articulation skills) and the body (stretching, relaxation, and physical awareness) serves as a touchstone for progress as students begin to develop a personal sense of stage presence.  Working on improvisation exercises, commonly known as "theater games," students have the opportunity to reflect on how the connection with an acting partner reflects the way they relate to peers in the real world.  Class units include work on the power of gestures, creating characters from costumes (working with wigs and hats), and weight-sharing exercises which form the basis of physical theater from clowning to mime and beyond. One of the highlights from last year's classes was the creation of group poems based on a sensory walk outside of the classroom: with eyes closed, the class walked together as a group to focus the information from their other senses, then wrote a collective theater piece which they ultimately put into performance. 

Technology

In Technology, students have the opportunity to further develop their understanding of the computer as a tool for writing, problem-solving, researching, communicating, and making presentations relative to their academic subjects. Students gain familiarity with a variety of resources including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as Pod casting and web design. Additionally, students work to increase their ability to find, evaluate, and use information from the Internet while learning to understand the moral and ethical issues related to using the Internet.

Study Skills

Study Skills helps students gain an understanding of themselves as learners. Students also learn strategies for organizing themselves, for managing their time, and for meeting general academic requirements with ease and confidence.

Public Speaking

MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC AND THEATER ELECTIVES

Middle School Chorus

The Middle School chorus program stresses vocal technique, harmonization, and a cappella singing. The chorus performs throughout the year.  As students progress, they begin the study of more advanced and complex music with emphasis on a spring performance.

Middle School Orchestra

Students focus on the correct playing of violin, viola, or cello. Proper posture, bow hold, playing techniques, performance techniques, and rehearsal etiquette are learned. Students combine these skills with learning to play with others in an ensemble, make musical decisions, and play with dynamics, proper bowing, and phrasing. Students learn to read standard musical notation for their instrument and perform at least twice per year.

Middle School Theater Productions

Each year, the theater department presents a Middle School production. In addition, Middle School students may participate in the All-School Musical. All students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to audition or to volunteer for technical work, such as creating props or helping backstage.