All art classes in the Middle School begin with a study of the formal elements of Art: shape, line, color, value, texture, space and pattern. Students have the opportunity to see and explore their own artistic creativity using very qualitative methods. Students at all levels will also have the chance to apply knowledge gained from other subjects to their art projects: taking a very interdisciplinary approach. “Art taught effectively, purposefully, and qualitatively has a body of knowledge and skills to be mastered. It has unquestionable merit as a unique avenue to mental, social, and individual growth. Artistic creativity should be recognized, lauded, and embraced as a living and learning experience in it’s own right. Every art lesson augments and enhances the students’ skills in basic learning and in perceiving, reading, analyzing, and building a vocabulary.” Art is education.

Music

The Middle School music program is designed to provide exposure to basic academic material while offering a variety of choices on how to address that material.  Students will choose to participate in one of the five performing groups, and all groups will perform in public concerts.  Every Middle School student thus becomes a performing musician. The five groups are African Ensemble, Band, Chorus, Guitar Group, and Orchestra.  Each group has goals, content and skills pertinent to itself; however each will pursue common literacy and historical goals.  All groups will be exposed to the historical classifications of music and be able to recognize and critique them.  All groups will have a working knowledge of basic music theory and will address standard and particular rehearsal and performance skills and behaviors.

Theater and Dance

Middle School students participate in a theater production each year. All students have the opportunity to take an active role in the production, whether on-stage or working backstage, on props, set design, publicity, and other working groups.

There are many offerings for Middle School students in the Dance Program. Classes are offered after school in our dance studio. Dance students are expected to perform in the Spring Dance Performance each year.