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.

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!

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!

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.

Become the director of your own dance journey in Choreo Lab. This class focuses on building original movement and developing your own movement vocabulary. You will begin with foundational warm-ups, then explore the art of dance composition through creative, task-based challenges. You’ll experiment with different styles, collaborate with peers, and shape your ideas into original choreography. This class emphasizes creativity, process, and student-driven work, with opportunities to share your pieces.

Whether you’re a lifelong mover or just dance-curious, this class is a place to explore and build your skills. You will begin with high-energy warm-ups to develop strength and technique, then learn choreography across styles, including hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary. In addition to learning steps, you will begin to explore choreography and develop your own artistic voice. The class includes opportunities to perform and share your work.

Step into the spotlight and explore dance through music videos, concerts, and current trends. In M.O.V.E., you will learn choreography inspired by popular culture while also exploring the origins of these styles. You’ll collaborate with peers to create original work, experiment with performance, and bring your ideas to life. This class focuses on creativity, collaboration, and connecting movement to the world around you.

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.

This class is for anyone who loves to sing, act, and perform. You will explore influential and exciting shows, from Wicked to West Side Story and beyond, while building skills in vocal technique, acting through song, and stage presence. Through group numbers and solo work, you will develop storytelling, character, and ensemble performance skills. This class culminates in a performance for the Menlo community.

This class is for students who are excited to explore both acting and the creative work behind the scenes. You will combine scene work and acting technique with hands-on experiences in lighting design, sound design, set design, playwriting, and more. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how all elements of theater come together to tell a story while developing your creativity both onstage and offstage. This class does not include a public performance, and instead focuses on process, skill-building, and collaboration.

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.

Pick up your instrument, find your groove, and perform real music with a full ensemble. Whether you play drums, bass, guitar, or keys, there is a place for you here. This class is for students who are ready to play with others, develop their parts, and contribute to a group sound. All levels are welcome, with the expectation that you come ready to engage, practice, and grow as a musician. This class culminates with performances for the community.

Beats & Tracks is a hands-on class focused on rhythm and music production. You will build beats, layer sounds, and produce your own tracks using GarageBand. Time on drum set and marimba feeds directly into your digital work, as you turn rhythms into fully realized tracks. This class is less about trying everything and more about developing your groove and producing finished music. Open to 7th and 8th graders. No experience needed.

Never played an instrument or want to experiment with new ones? Music Lab is about exploration. You will explore a wide range of instruments and the different musical families they belong to. The focus is on discovering what you enjoy and building foundational skills across instruments and different styles of music. No pressure, no audition, just a chance to experiment and find your sound.