Programs of Study

VITA 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.

VITA Voice

            The voice section of the VITA curriculum focuses on building fundamental vocal and aural skills. This course teaches the basics of sight-singing through the identification of rhythms, intervals, triads, seventh chords, note names, and diatonic and non-diatonic melodies. In addition, each grade studies an overview of music history for 2 weeks by the following schedule: 6^th grade studies the Baroque and Classical Periods. 7^th grade studies the Romantic Period and 8^th grade studies 20^th century music. By exploring a varied repertoire of music, students sing alone and with others, compose and arrange within specified guidelines, and evaluate music and performance. By using this curriculum and offering chorus as a performance class, the music department meets all national standards for music education as outlined by the Music Educators National Conference.

VITA Instrumental

            The instrumental section of the VITA curriculum focuses on building fundamental aural and instrumental skills. This course teaches the basics of note-reading, rhythms, intervals, intonation, technical skills appropriate to the instruments, improvisation and melodic contours. By exploring a varied repertoire of music, students learn to perform on instruments alone and with others, compose, improvise, and read music. In addition, students learn to intelligently analyze, describe and evaluate recordings and performances of music and understand the relationships between music and other disciplines. Students explore non-Western music as appropriate, concentrating on music of Asia, Africa and South America. Students explore the differences and similarities between these styles of music and that of the United States. By using this curriculum and offering orchestra as a performance class, the music department meets all national standards for music education as outlined by the Music Educators National Conference.

VITA Theatre

            Students in this class focus on the basics of theatre 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 "theatre 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 theatre 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 theatre piece which they ultimately put into performance. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC AND THEATRE 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.