Dramatic Arts

Grade 6: In this class, students will be introduced to the basic concepts of theatre arts and vocal performance. By using various drama techniques students will focus on building confidence and trust. These techniques will inspire creativity and imagination. Through theatre games and activities students will learn to become more comfortable in a presentational setting, improve trust in themselves as well as others in their class, and they will learn invaluable presentation skills. Students will learn and use theatre vocabulary in class discussions. They will also learn proper vocal techniques such as projection, enunciation, and diction. The students will be introduced to Dance and Dance History. To establish a historical view, a timeline of history of theatre will be presented. This class will focus on Greek, Roman, and Eastern Theatre, specifically Kabuki and Noh. Students will display and reinforce the skills they learn through individual and group performances, teamwork, and journal writing. Content conforms to state standards for grade 6.

Grade 7: In this class, students will build on the basic concepts and begin to polish their presentational and dramatic skills. Students may enroll without previous experience in drama. By using various drama techniques students will focus on concentration and realistic characters. Students will use observation and emotional memory to tap into their thoughts and feelings and to build believable characters and situations. Students will be taught to create and maintain a character with intentions and motivations. Students will also be introduced to stage movement and they will learn to create characters using movement and their voice. Students will be introduced to Technical Theatre and Musical Theatre. To establish a historical view, a timeline of history of theatre will be presented. This class will focus on the Medieval Theatre and Commedia dell'Arte. Students will display and reinforce the skills they learn through individual and group performances, teamwork, and journal writing. Content conforms to state standards for grade 7.

Grade 8: In this class, students will build on previously learned skills to portray more convincing characters and create complex scenes. Students may enroll without previous experience in drama. Students will build on movement and stage presence by using various theatre and movement techniques. Students will focus on realistic and honest acting. They will understand and use stage directions. Students will use previously learned techniques for correct body and vocal control. Students will analyze characters and scripted material. The students will build upon previously learned skills in dance and musical theatre to create a musical theatre performance. Students will learn about theatre careers, some of which are STEM careers. To establish a historical view, a timeline of history of theatre will be presented. This class will focus on the Elizabethan Theatre, specifically Shakespeare’s works, and Neoclassical Theatre. Students will display and refine their skills through individual and group performances, teamwork, and journal writing. Content conforms to state standards for grade 8.

Studio Art

Grades 6, 7, and 8: Students will focus on one of two styles of art & design for the duration of the term. On the first day of class, the student will select the focus of their choice.

• Option 1: DRAWING incorporating pencil techniques, color pencil, charcoal techniques, oil pastel, pen and ink techniques to perfect shading while observing objects from life to incorporate into their design. Drawing projects include: Pointillism, Nature Drawings, Animal Illustration, 1 & 2 Point Perspective, Discovery Learning.
• Option 2: GRAPHIC DESIGN while designing on the computer students will be specializing in understanding tools and techniques while using the platform Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, & Art Rage with digital painting using our Wacom boards. Graphic design projects include: Digital Paintings, Poster Design, Business Card Design, Flyer Design, Logo Design, Photo Editing of your own Photography. Lessons will be designed around each student and their desire to learn their focus in studio art. All curriculum supports visual arts and design. Activities enable students to create and respond to two- and three-dimensional art through use of various media including technology. Content conforms to state standards for grades 6, 7 and 8.

Music Technology

Grades 6, 7, and 8: Music technology is a project-based learning course reflecting 21st century skills to create projects such as Mash-ups, Podcasts, and Music Videos. Students will use various music technology programs including Audacity, Movie Maker, Noteflight, and Soundnation, to create, record, and edit original material in areas such as digital audio, music notation, and MIDI. Students may also elect to utilize instruments on which they are currently proficient (voice included), to record personal performances as an added enhancement of each project, at the teacher’s discretion. Personal recordings make great gift ideas for parents! Activities and experiences in music are designed to develop students’ appreciation of music as an art form, to build the foundation for music literacy, and to understand music as it relates to history, culture, and technology. All students, regardless of musical expertise, can enjoy this process of using technology to create new music and video! Specific course content conforms to state and national standards for grades 6, 7 and 8.

General Technology

NOTE: This course is REQUIRED unless the student passes a proficiency test. If proficient, the student may choose between General Technology or Music Technology.

Grades 6, 7, and 8: Middle School students must demonstrate proficiency on the 21st Century Skills assessment from www.learning.com to opt out of technology. Students who demonstrate proficiency but wish to continue in technology as an elective will collaborate with the instructor on activities that foster creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, research and information fluency, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making, digital citizenship, and technology operations and concepts. Elective activities may include video game design, coding, media arts, and more, and students may work with the instructor to design a curriculum that appeals to the student’s interests. Specific course content conforms to state and ISTE standards for grades 6, 7 and 8.

Personal Fitness

Grades 6, 7, and 8: Personal Fitness will focus on shaping each student’s lifestyle choices to form habits of healthy living. The personal fitness curriculum is designed with the intent of improving the many aspects of wellness for the individual. This class will incorporate a wide variety of activities in order to target physical and mental wellness goals, including, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, mental health, nutrition, and personal safety. Activities may include health and nutrition, circuit training, individual sports (track and field, cross country, and others). Students will be encouraged to set personal goals and to utilize technology to activate and monitor a plan to meet those goals. Content conforms to state standards for grades 6, 7 and 8.

Team Sports

Grades 6, 7, and 8: This class is designed for students interested in learning skills and strategies of team sports. This course will include daily skill instruction and implementation of those skills into a competitive game setting. Sports may include, but are not limited to: basketball, flag football, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, pickle ball, badminton, and volleyball. This course will also include daily cardiovascular fitness. Specific course content conforms to state and national standards for grades 6, 7 and 8.