MUSIC

BEGINNING BAND
Beginning Band is a music course for students who would like to learn a concert band instrument. Students may choose from one of the following instruments to play: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone or percussion. All instruction is done in a group setting with mixed instruments. This course starts at the very beginning and there is no music knowledge prerequisite to join this class. Students will be expected to practice daily, and will also be expected to perform in public. Most instruments must be leased from the school for $100 USD for the year.
Length of Course: One Year
Note: Guitar, piano, and string instruments are not taught in this course.

CONCERT BAND
Concert Band is a music course designed to teach musical concepts through instruction on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. All instruction is done in a group setting with mixed instruments. All students in this class should have at least one year of instruction on their instrument as a prerequisite. Students will enhance independence in reading skills, sight-reading, and music theory while becoming more self directed in the preparation of music through various styles of repertoire. This course is a performance course and all students will be expected to practice daily and participate in several public concerts during the year. Most students will already own their instruments; however, some musical instruments may be leased or rented from the school. More information is available from the instructor.
Prerequisites: One Year of previous study on the instrument.
Length of Course: One Year (may be repeated in subsequent years)
Note: Guitar, piano, and string instruments are not taught in this course.

STRINGS ENSEMBLE
This course is designed for music students who have at least one year of experience playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello or contra-bass) and have a desire to improve their musical skills. This course enables students to progress by focusing on more advanced bowing and vibrato methods, expression, intonation, sight-reading and repertoire. The course will enhance students' knowledge of classical music, encourage the value of self-motivation and create practical opportunities for local public performances. This course is performance based and all students will be expected to participate in several public concerts during the year. Enrollment in one of the string ensemble electives is required to audition for the Association for Music in International School's International Honor Orchestra. Students are expected to provide their own instrument, but some sources are available for instruments. Contact the music teacher for help with obtaining an instrument.
Prerequisites: One year or more of previous study on a string instrument or permission of the teacher.
Length of course: One Year
Note: Guitar and piano are not part of this course

MIXED CHOIR
This class is open to all Grades 6, 7, and 8 regardless of musical experience or singing ability. Members of this choir will be introduced to 2-part and 3-part choral music. Singers will also learn rehearsal skills, how to read music and how to perform. The Mixed Choir will participate in several performances at various times during the school year.
Prerequisites: None
Length of Course: One Year

THEATER

In Theater, students embrace their creativity and take to the stage! Through informal and formal performances students

IMPROVISATIONAL THEATER
Students will learn a variety of different techniques to engage an audience. Students will first develop their improvisational skills through skill-building activities and games. The focus will be on saying yes, accepting and building on offers and learning from our mistakes. Students will be assessed on their egagement and creative risk-taking throughout the course. Students will then develop an understanding of how to use physicalization and vocal qualities to express their ideas. Students will perform original works. The emphasis of this course is placed on students developing their stage presence, listening and reacting skills.

INTRODUCTION TO FILM & PRODUCTION
In this Semester-long class, students will learn how to appreciate, analyze & interpret theme, character, story structure, & narrative technique through the medium of film as they study movies, write scripts, & learn about the business of cinema.
Length of course: Semester

MUSIC, MOVEMENT, and CABARET
Students will learn about song, dance and their relationship to Theater. This course focuses on drama, music, movement and how they can be combined to better engage an audience and express an idea. Students will engage in vocal and physical activities to allow them to better express themselves on stage. The culminating performance may include such elements as monologues, song, dance, or a fusion of these forms.
Length of Course: Semester

STORYTELLING
Storytelling is a creative, imaginative form of Drama. The emphasis will be placed on formative skill-building and fun in-class informal performances and activities. Students will create and perform a monologue, a collaborative skit (group performance), explore the world of improvisation, puppetry, and more. Students will work to develop some basic acting skills and knowledge pertaining to vocal and physical expression. Students will learn to create and collaborate together and to trust and believe in their performance ideas and abilities. The focus of this class is on inquiry, creation, fun, and exploration. A goal will be for students to build their confidence and overall well-being.
Length of Course: Semester ( 1 & 2)

INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL THEATER
This class is designed to introduce students to technical theater and the design process. Students will be exposed to all aspects of theater production including backstage, front of house, and production management. Students master the safe operation of some of the equipment in the theatre and complete a design process, working towards a public performance (Showcase or MS Play or the MS or ES Musical). Students will also be required to work behind the scenes on a major school production.
Length of course: Semester 1

VISUAL ARTS

What will I learn?
The learning experience in the Middle School visual art program stems from three clear objectives.
Students will learn: to be creative thinkers, to be problem solvers, to be global explorers.
How will I learn?
You will develop creative thinking skills through initial research and careful planning of projects. Through making art and experiencing the use of a variety of media, you will develop problem-solving skills. You will learn to speak the language of art and make informed choices based on your individual learning experience. Drawing on creative ideas and information from various cultural and historical influences will enrich you as a global explorer. You will see new and unique ways of looking at the world.

MIXED MEDIA
This course is designed for students who have an interest in investigating multiple ways of incorporating printmaking, drawing, collage and painting techniques into a variety of mixed media works of art. If you enjoy using paint, experimenting and exploring new ideas and styles, want to discover your expressive self, and empower your creative side, then this course is for you. Emphasis in student learning will center on developing a strong foundation in understanding the elements and principles of art. Throughout the course, students will participate in class discussions, develop problem solving skills and learn to evaluate and reflect on their learning process.
Prerequisites: None
Length of Course: Semester

SCULPTURE
This course investigates constructing 3-D sculptural forms using various materials such as cardboard, paper mache, plaster, and found objects. The emphasis on student learning is on developing a solid foundation for understanding the elements and principles, techniques, and creative processes specific to sculpture. Students participate in class discussions, develop creative problem-solving skills and connect key concepts between the visual arts and other subjects. They learn different ways of constructing forms, how to add details, and how to finish their work with a good level of craftsmanship.
Prerequisite: None
Length of Course: Semester

FIBER ARTS
This course introduces students to the Fiber art process of painting on cloth. They planned their design and followed through with the creative process of learning to paint with acrylic paint. Emphasis on student learning centers on developing a solid foundation in understanding the elements and principles, techniques, and creative processes applied to Fiber Arts. Students participate in class discussions, develop creative problem-solving skills and connect key concepts between the visual arts and other subjects.
Prerequisites: None
Length of Course: Semester

PUBLIC ART
This course is designed for students to work in groups to design and create works of art for display around the school. The focus on learning is developing art techniques, promoting positive student interactions, and strengthening communication skills. Creativity, craftsmanship, personal effort, and critical thinking are all included in the grading process. A consistent willingness to work collaboratively and consult each other is essential in this course.
Prerequisites: None
Length of Course: Semester

STUDIO ART
This semester course focuses on nurturing students' interest and skills in drawing and painting using various media such as pencil, watercolor, pastel, and acrylic. Students strive to develop and achieve a high level of craftsmanship. An emphasis on student learning centers on developing a solid foundation in understanding the elements, principles, techniques, and processes. Students participate in class discussions, develop creative problem-solving skills and connect critical concepts between the visual arts and other subjects.
Prerequisites: None
Length of Course: Semester

GENERAL ART
This semester course offers students the opportunity to explore various art-making methods and materials, using various media to create 2-D works of art. Students will strive to develop and achieve a high level of craftsmanship. The emphasis on student learning centered on developing a strong foundation in understanding the elements, principles, techniques, and processes and how they are applied to the creative process. Students participate in class discussions, develop creative problem-solving skills and connect critical concepts between the visual arts and other subjects. Students created a unique design using Acrylic paint. They learned to mix color tints and use contrasting colors effectively in their work. Their design project helped them develop their painting skills and gain an understanding of composition in their work.
Prerequisites: None
Length of Course: Semester