Middle School - Fine Arts
Art - Grade 6 (910306)
The focus of this nine-week art course is exploration. Students will be introduced to multiple art concepts and experiences using a variety of art media in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works. Emphasis will be on the elements and principles of design. Students will distinguish various art styles including the influence of the American culture on art. The role of art and artists in society will be examined. Critical analyses and aesthetics, and using appropriate art vocabulary, will be incorporated into studio work.
The focus of this nine-week art course is exploration. Students will be introduced to multiple art concepts and experiences using a variety of art media in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works. Emphasis will be on the elements and principles of design. Students will distinguish various art styles including the influence of the American culture on art. The role of art and artists in society will be examined. Critical analyses and aesthetics, and using appropriate art vocabulary, will be incorporated into studio work.
Art - Grade 7 (910507)
This course will continue to develop and apply the elements and principles of design. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design will be explored with emphasis on realistic representation. The student will utilize the design processes artists use to create a final art product. Students will develop technical skills, inquiry skills and art vocabulary, which will enable them to communicate ideas both visually and verbally. Various art careers and use of technology will also be investigated. The use of simple and linear perspectives will be explored during the course of study. Students will compare and contrast art styles using personal responses and/or formal analysis based on the elements and principles of design.
This course will continue to develop and apply the elements and principles of design. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design will be explored with emphasis on realistic representation. The student will utilize the design processes artists use to create a final art product. Students will develop technical skills, inquiry skills and art vocabulary, which will enable them to communicate ideas both visually and verbally. Various art careers and use of technology will also be investigated. The use of simple and linear perspectives will be explored during the course of study. Students will compare and contrast art styles using personal responses and/or formal analysis based on the elements and principles of design.
Art Exploratory - Grade 8 (910608)
This course will further expand and develop the use of the elements of art and the principles of design in this 18-week course. Students will develop skills needed for rendering realistic representation as well as exploring the nature of expressionism and abstraction. Perspective, color theory, and technology are among the concepts to be explored. Art production will include both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. Students will critique personal works and the works of others using appropriate art vocabulary. Select students may be eligible to participate in the Visions Art course based on a portfolio assessment and teacher recommendation.
This course will further expand and develop the use of the elements of art and the principles of design in this 18-week course. Students will develop skills needed for rendering realistic representation as well as exploring the nature of expressionism and abstraction. Perspective, color theory, and technology are among the concepts to be explored. Art production will include both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. Students will critique personal works and the works of others using appropriate art vocabulary. Select students may be eligible to participate in the Visions Art course based on a portfolio assessment and teacher recommendation.
Art 8 - Visions Art (911508)
This is a year-long course, advanced art program designed for 8th grade students who may wish to pursue art as a career. Students will focus on creating a portfolio or work that would assist them in applying to an advanced art program, such as Advanced Placement Art or the Governor’s School for The Arts. Art projects are an extended version of Art 8 semester art, with additional requirements in art history and keeping a sketchbook. Students are allowed to enroll in this course through recommendation from the art teacher, and performance in 7th grade art and/or portfolio entry.
This is a year-long course, advanced art program designed for 8th grade students who may wish to pursue art as a career. Students will focus on creating a portfolio or work that would assist them in applying to an advanced art program, such as Advanced Placement Art or the Governor’s School for The Arts. Art projects are an extended version of Art 8 semester art, with additional requirements in art history and keeping a sketchbook. Students are allowed to enroll in this course through recommendation from the art teacher, and performance in 7th grade art and/or portfolio entry.
Chorus - Grade 6 (926000)
This course is about musical exposure, building proper singing skills, and developing vocal musical abilities. Students' primary focus will be on breathing techniques and basic musical knowledge, including music theory and music history. Students will sing in unison, rounds, and partner songs. Participating in performances is an integral part of this class, developing public performance skills and performance-based learning. Students will perform for school events and various district events.
This course is about musical exposure, building proper singing skills, and developing vocal musical abilities. Students' primary focus will be on breathing techniques and basic musical knowledge, including music theory and music history. Students will sing in unison, rounds, and partner songs. Participating in performances is an integral part of this class, developing public performance skills and performance-based learning. Students will perform for school events and various district events.
Chorus - Grade 7 (927007)
This course is designed to work with those students interested in developing their vocal musical talents and abilities. Students will sing in unison, rounds, two parts, and partner songs. Students will work on intonation, expression, and reading musical notation. Performances are an essential and required element of the class and will impact a student’s grade. Students will perform for school events and various district events.
This course is designed to work with those students interested in developing their vocal musical talents and abilities. Students will sing in unison, rounds, two parts, and partner songs. Students will work on intonation, expression, and reading musical notation. Performances are an essential and required element of the class and will impact a student’s grade. Students will perform for school events and various district events.
Chorus- Grade 8 (929608)
This course works on expanding and developing the student’s vocal range and musical capabilities using difficult music and sight-reading. Students will sing in unison, rounds, two and three parts, and partner songs. Performances are an essential and required element of the class and will impact a student’s grade. Students will perform for school concerts and various district events.
This course works on expanding and developing the student’s vocal range and musical capabilities using difficult music and sight-reading. Students will sing in unison, rounds, two and three parts, and partner songs. Performances are an essential and required element of the class and will impact a student’s grade. Students will perform for school concerts and various district events.
Intro to Guitar I (924507)
In this course students will receive beginning instruction on acoustic guitar. Students will learn basic positions, right and left hand techniques and tone production. Proper care of the guitar will be taught as well as counting, reading and performing music of various levels of difficulty.
In this course students will receive beginning instruction on acoustic guitar. Students will learn basic positions, right and left hand techniques and tone production. Proper care of the guitar will be taught as well as counting, reading and performing music of various levels of difficulty.
Intro to Guitar II (924508)
Prerequisite: Student needs a recommendation from Guitar teacher
In this course students will learn basic guitar skills including the history of guitar, identifying parts of the guitar, and how to tune by ear. The students will begin to read music, learn basic strumming techniques, and how to play open chords.
Prerequisite: Student needs a recommendation from Guitar teacher
In this course students will learn basic guitar skills including the history of guitar, identifying parts of the guitar, and how to tune by ear. The students will begin to read music, learn basic strumming techniques, and how to play open chords.
Beginning Band - Grade 6 (923006)
This course will enable students to begin receiving instruction on traditional band instruments. The students will focus on mastering basic skills such as correct breathing techniques, posture, embouchure, and hand/fingering positions. Students will start by playing simple rhythmic patterns and basic expressive elements Students will count, read and perform music as well as opportunities to participate in local events.
This course will enable students to begin receiving instruction on traditional band instruments. The students will focus on mastering basic skills such as correct breathing techniques, posture, embouchure, and hand/fingering positions. Students will start by playing simple rhythmic patterns and basic expressive elements Students will count, read and perform music as well as opportunities to participate in local events.
Concert Band - Grade 7 (923107)
Prerequisite: Students must have prior playing experience such as formal instruction in a band program, knowledge of note names (A-G), and counting of basic rhythms (whole, half, quarter, and eighth).
In this yearlong course students will focus on continuing to develop basic musicianship and music literacy. Students will explore greater use of articulations, scales, key signatures and repertoire representative of Grade Levels 1-3 in accordance of the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association. Students will also study aspects of basic composing, music theory, and historical periods, musical styles, composers and career options in music. Performances are an essential and required element of the course and will impact a student’s grade. Students will perform for school events, district events, and a local parade. Some after-school practice is involved to prepare for performances as well as local, district and regional events.
Prerequisite: Students must have prior playing experience such as formal instruction in a band program, knowledge of note names (A-G), and counting of basic rhythms (whole, half, quarter, and eighth).
In this yearlong course students will focus on continuing to develop basic musicianship and music literacy. Students will explore greater use of articulations, scales, key signatures and repertoire representative of Grade Levels 1-3 in accordance of the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association. Students will also study aspects of basic composing, music theory, and historical periods, musical styles, composers and career options in music. Performances are an essential and required element of the course and will impact a student’s grade. Students will perform for school events, district events, and a local parade. Some after-school practice is involved to prepare for performances as well as local, district and regional events.
Concert Band - Grade 8 (924008)
In this course students should have prior playing experience such as formal instruction in a school band program. Students should have mastered basic skills and will focus on acquiring more advanced technical and expressive skills and demonstrate a mature level of musicianship. Students will demonstrate advanced articulations, fingerings, scales and arpeggios, rudiments and complex rhythmic patterns and literature representative of Grade Levels 2-4 of the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association. Students will also study aspects of basic composing, music theory, history, and career options in music. Performances are an essential and required element of the course and will impact a student’s grade. Students will perform for school events, district events, and a local parade. Some after-school practice is involved to prepare for performances as well as local, district and regional events.
In this course students should have prior playing experience such as formal instruction in a school band program. Students should have mastered basic skills and will focus on acquiring more advanced technical and expressive skills and demonstrate a mature level of musicianship. Students will demonstrate advanced articulations, fingerings, scales and arpeggios, rudiments and complex rhythmic patterns and literature representative of Grade Levels 2-4 of the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association. Students will also study aspects of basic composing, music theory, history, and career options in music. Performances are an essential and required element of the course and will impact a student’s grade. Students will perform for school events, district events, and a local parade. Some after-school practice is involved to prepare for performances as well as local, district and regional events.
Jazz Band - Grade 7 (926007)
Jazz Band - Grade 8 (925008)
Prerequisite: Audition with criteria set by the band director
In this course members of the jazz band will be expected to participate in concert band performances. Students will perform a variety of jazz music from different styles. Students will study some jazz theory and history. Students will also study aspects of basic composing, music theory, and history. Performances are an essential and required element of the class and will impact a student’s grade. Students will perform for school, community, and district events. There is some after-school practice involved to prepare for performances.
Prerequisite: Audition with criteria set by the band director
In this course members of the jazz band will be expected to participate in concert band performances. Students will perform a variety of jazz music from different styles. Students will study some jazz theory and history. Students will also study aspects of basic composing, music theory, and history. Performances are an essential and required element of the class and will impact a student’s grade. Students will perform for school, community, and district events. There is some after-school practice involved to prepare for performances.
Exploring Audio/Visual Technology (982602)
Students will explore and apply skills related to sound engineering and green screen technology. Students will be working with digital images and video editing. Students will learn the various tasks required to produce a television news magazine-like segment for their middle school and create a digital, interactive video.
Media & Communication (122007)
This course is designed to help 7th grade students build proficiency in a wide range of communication and media skills. Students will explore digital citizenship and develop skills to help them communicate through a variety of media types, including broadcasting technology.
Media & Production (122008)
This course is designed to help 8th grade students build proficiency in a wide range of media and broadcasting skills. Students will learn how to communicate through a variety of media types, including broadcasting technology.
MS Intro to Drama - Grade 6 GTMS only (050766)
This course is designed to help 6th grade students apply creative thinking to theatre. Students will learn techniques and skills for actor performance. They will identify and practice safety procedures through performances.
MS Exploratory Drama I - Grade 7 (050517)
This course is designed to help 7th grade students analyze, interpret and evaluate theatre. Students will practice improvisation, investigate and explain skills needed for actor preparation. They will develop theatre and production skills.
MS Exploratory Drama II - Grade 8 (050518)
This course is designed to help 8th grade students refine problem solving and improvisation skills in the theatre. Students will learn how to critique live and recorded work and collaborate on productions. They will design and use technical elements of theatre (costumes, lighting, scenery, sound).
This course is designed to help 8th grade students refine problem solving and improvisation skills in the theatre. Students will learn how to critique live and recorded work and collaborate on productions. They will design and use technical elements of theatre (costumes, lighting, scenery, sound).