Middle School Creative Arts

Students develop a broad foundation that will support their individual journey in studio art. They make their own artistic choices, are encouraged to take technical risks and deal with artistic dilemmas. Students learn to “draw” on the computer. They improve their skills of web research and increase their understanding of art history. The ultimate goal of this course is to increase each student’s ability to shine as an artist and their enjoyment of the creative process.

The course content of sixth grade art is based on the elements and principles of art. Through a series of projects, students improve their handling of media and ability to draw. They complete additional assignments, which fine-tune their sketching skills. Several days are designated during the quarter to learn to “draw” on the computer. Students participate in several web research projects based on art history topics.

6th Grade Dance focuses on the basic technique and terminology of dance while maintaining the fundamental philosophy that everyone can dance. Dance class meets for 70 minutes 5 days a week. Students will learn to isolate, perform a variety of steps and combos, and the basic elements of choreography. The dancers perform what they have learned in the Middle School Creative Arts Assemblies and in the Upper School Dance Concert in March.

In this quarter-long course, students learn the fun and basic skills of drama. From discovering the expressive elements of dramatic activity to learning theatre terminology, students will explore all of the work that goes into a play, both onstage and behind the scenes! Through story-telling techniques and introductory improvisational games, students develop a greater sense of confidence, self-awareness, and self-expression. We’ll strengthen creative thinking and public speaking skills as we present our work to one another within group settings. The skills from this class integrate across the curriculum spectrum as students are able to apply their learned dramatic techniques to other class assignments, such as oral presentations, creative thinking, and problem-solving. The course culminates with a Creative Arts Assembly where the students showcase highlights from their semester.

The sixth graders will spend a quarter singing and composing music. As they rotate through four stations, students will compose a rock band song, learn the ukulele, create an art piece while listening to music, and write songs using GarageBand. Students will have the opportunity to explore new instruments or play ones that they know. There are chances for students to sing solos, create lyrics, and perform for the class. After spending three class periods working on their songs, students will present their compositions. As a culminating activity, the class will choose their favorite pieces and these will be featured on a “demo day” for all sixth grade Creative Arts classes.

In this semester-long course, we dive in for a deeper understanding of all the work it takes to put a piece of theater on the stage. Students will learn the basics of theatrical design and tech areas, and, of course, practice acting using monologues and scenes. The class is designed to support the students’ pursuit of co-creating characters, sets, costumes, etc. with a script. Together we’ll work on the designs for the mainstage drama productions and build our own performance for a Creative Arts assembly at the end of the semester to feature our successes for an audience.

Theater explores the question: What is the best way to tell stories? In this class, we will explore the history of telling stories through styles such as puppetry, improvisation, playwriting, and watching & reading different styles of plays. Students will practice autobiographical storytelling, public speaking, and creative writing. Together we’ll build a performance for a Creative Arts assembly at the end of the semester to feature our stories for an audience.

Do you love to sing? Do you want to improve your singing skills? Do you want to sing with your friends and create amazing harmonies? Well then, come Sing Your Heart Out! in this Mixed Chorus elective. We will sing a variety of songs including Disney, Pop, Holiday, Broadway, Cultural, Jazz, and songs that you are interested in. You will learn how to read vocal music, understand music theory, and have fun harmonizing using two, three, and four-part harmonies. Songwriting projects and musical activities will also be included in this course for you to explore and develop your creative, musical side! No prior experience is necessary, so don’t worry if you feel like you “can’t sing!” We will perform for various events on and off campus, as well as a Holiday and Spring Concert! Come Sing!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play a steel pan? This is the perfect instrument for a beginner and can challenge a more advanced student. Come Jam! with your friends and play Rock, Reggae, Pop, and Seasonal music. Train your ear to listen to the ensemble, whether you are playing the drum set, vibraphone, or steel pans. Do you have experience playing the electric guitar, keyboard, or electric bass? We can easily add that to our group. If you currently play an instrument, come perféct your rhythm-reading skills and understand challenging rhythmic passages. Individual music projects and activities will also be included in this class. No prior experience is necessary! This performance elective will entertain the community and other special events throughout the semester, including a Holiday and Spring Concert. Come Jam!

Come explore this music class where YOU get to decide on music composition and creation projects that excite you! Do you love writing music or using GarageBand? Compose your favorite style of music and have the dance class choreograph it! Already play an instrument, let’s figure out how we can work that into a musical project for you; perhaps, performing in a rock band with other musicians from our class! Do you love a certain artist? Dive into their music and history and create a slideshow! Create an art project as you listen to your favorite song! Are you interested in becoming better at reading music or understanding rhythms? This may be the class for you. How about learning a cover song on the ukulele, or writing songs to your favorite children’s book? Learn a drum-set solo, try playing the electric guitar, or learn some amazing and famous bass lines on the electric bass! The possibilities are endless. Let’s Explore Music together! Each project will be presented to our classmates (only) on an agreed performance day.

Ever want to let loose in Art class? In Mixed Media, we will work with mediums such as watercolor, acrylic paint, chalk pastel, and oil pastel to harness our individual creativity. Each project will reference a certain art movement, yet provide enough individual freedom to have your artistic voice stand out. Join Mixed Media! Don’t “brush” it off!

This class is designed to be an all-encompassing introduction to the digital arts. We will learn the foundational elements of design, color harmony, and composition while working with digital and traditional mediums. The class will dive into each project while being introduced to key software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Procreate. We will also have fun taking and editing digital photos. If you love art and computers, this class was designed for you!

This class provides an exciting opportunity to hone your drawing abilities and gain new insight into multiple drawing mediums including graphite, charcoal, pen & ink, and colored pencil. Potential projects include portraiture/figure drawing, still life, independent projects, photo rendering, perspective, and on-location sketching. All abilities are welcome! I hope I can “draw” you all in!

This class is for those wanting to learn choreography and create their own! I will teach choreography in different styles, and you will learn the tools to create, stage, and perform your own dances in a collaborative group setting. The class will include warm-ups and stretches, across-the-floor progressions, and choreographed phrases that you will modify and explore with tools learned in class! All students will have the opportunity to perform!

This class is for everyone that wants to dance. We will use our warm-ups and across-the-floor combinations to work on technique and improve strength and flexibility. Following across-the-floor combinations, you will then learn choreography created for your class. Each dance that you learn will be in a different style! These styles may include but are not limited to, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical, and instrumental pieces. I will build the class around the dances that you are excited about! We will also explore the fundamentals of choreography. All students are highly encouraged to perform!

This class is for those who want to dive into dance through the eye of media and technology! We will explore the eclectic culture of dance in media like music videos, concert performances, TV, movies, social media, Youtube, advertisements, etc., and create our own dances utilizing these different platforms. In addition, you will explore choreographing your own TikTok dance challenge, film a dance mini-movie, or create a concert performance. All students are highly encouraged to perform.