Sixth Grade artists are introduced to the Elements and Principles of Art in a lively, hands-on studio environment. This class fosters creativity, critical thinking, and art appreciation. Students work to create 2D and 3D pieces as they explore artistic themes within diverse contexts. This class provides students with the opportunity to learn techniques specific to materials and practice those techniques through projects that interact with a wide variety cultures and communities. Students start to develop their own artistic interests, routines, and creative voices.

Seventh Grade artists explore the Elements and Principles of Art in increasingly advanced ways as they continue to develop their skills in a multitude of 2D and 3D media. This class expands their critical thinking, visual vocabulary, and art appreciation in a lively and constructive environment. They continue to deepen their understanding of artistic themes within diverse historical and cultural contexts. Exploring different artists and ways of making allows students to make meaningful connections to other disciplines, their own lives, and the communities around them. Students are provided more opportunity to explore their own artistic ideas by creating a dialogue with existing works.

Eighth Grade artists use their deeper understanding of the Elements and Principles of Art to create artworks based on specific, often student-driven themes. Working more independently in a wide variety of 2D and 3D media, students continue to explore artistic themes within diverse historical and cultural contexts. Ongoing cross-curricular collaboration enhances the connections they make between the arts and to their day-to-day lives, other disciplines, and communities both similar to and different from their own. Students engage more in-depth with art appreciation and technique as they begin to prepare for Upper School Visual Art. Teacher-guided student choice is offered more frequently as students are encouraged to find their own unique voice.

This is a year-long course and is offered across all grade levels.  From the beginner to the advanced student, this course is designed to foster and promote musical growth through playing an instrument. All 6th grade students are welcome at the beginner level. At the 7th grade level, a minimum of 1 year experience on their instrument is required. For 8th grade, a minimum of 2 years’ experience on their instrument is required. Students work with their instructor individually and in large group ensembles. The Middle School band will perform concerts in December and in May. as well as perform during other various assemblies and events.

This is a year-long course and is offered across all grade levels.  From the beginner to the advanced student, this course is designed to foster and promote musical growth through playing an instrument. All 6th grade students are welcome at the beginner level. At the 7th grade level, a minimum of 1 year experience on their instrument is required. For 8th grade, a minimum of 2 years’ experience on their instrument is required. Students work with their instructor individually and in large group ensembles. The Middle School band will perform concerts in December and in May. as well as perform during other various assemblies and events.

Throughout this course, students will delve into the core principles of choral singing, focusing on vocal technique, sight-singing, and ensemble dynamics. From solfege exercises to vocal warm-ups, students will develop their singing skills while learning the fundamentals of musical expression and harmony. Our repertoire spans both modern and classical pieces, offering students a rich and diverse musical experience. Through collaborative rehearsals and personalized instruction, students will prepare for a memorable performance at the end of the semester in either the winter or spring concert. Join us to explore the joy of choral singing and discover the power of collective musical expression in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Throughout this course, students will delve into the core principles of choral singing, focusing on vocal technique, sight-singing, and ensemble dynamics. From solfege exercises to vocal warm-ups, students will develop their singing skills while learning the fundamentals of musical expression and harmony. Our repertoire spans both modern and classical pieces, offering students a rich and diverse musical experience. Through collaborative rehearsals and personalized instruction, students will prepare for a memorable performance at the end of the semester in either the winter or spring concert. Join us to explore the joy of choral singing and discover the power of collective musical expression in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Dance is designed to introduce the students to movement and creative thought through various types of dance. Movement to music is an enjoyable way for students to be creative and improve their flexibility and maneuverability.

This class is tailored to equip students with the essential skills needed to embark on their guitar-playing journey. Throughout the course, students will learn fundamental techniques such as proper hand placement, strumming patterns, chord formations, and basic music theory concepts. From mastering foundational chords like C, G, and D to understanding rhythm and timing, this course provides a solid groundwork for aspiring guitarists. Personalized instruction ensures that each student progresses at their own pace, with ample opportunities for practice and reinforcement. Additionally, students will have the chance to explore a diverse range of musical styles, from folk and blues to rock and pop, as they work on pieces of music catered to their individual abilities. Whether you're picking up the guitar for the first time or seeking to enhance your skills, this class offers a supportive and engaging environment to foster your musical growth.

The general music curriculum is an overview of all fundamentals of music.  Topics include music elements such as, duration, pitch, expressive qualities, cultural context, and tone color.  Students will explore and develop music appreciation, gain an understanding of reading music, and have opportunities to sing a varied repertoire of music, as well as introductions to playing pitched instruments.

The Performing Arts class for eighth-grade students is an overview of the various elements that make up the art of theater. Under the direction of the Middle School Performing Arts faculty, students will work to produce a full-length musical. Each student will audition for a part and sing, dance, and act on stage during the final production. Students are not only exposed to stage work, but also behind-the-scene details such as directing, costuming, publicity, make-up, and lighting. This course will run for four quarters and will fulfill the art/music requirement.

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of piano playing while fostering a deep appreciation for music. Throughout the sessions, students will delve into essential techniques such as proper hand positioning, posture, and basic music theory. From mastering scales and chords to understanding rhythm and dynamics, this course provides a solid foundation for budding pianists. Moreover, personalized attention will be given to each student, ensuring that the learning pace matches their abilities. As students progress, they will have the opportunity to explore a variety of musical styles and genres, with repertoire carefully selected to suit individual skill levels. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your piano skills, this class offers a supportive and enriching environment to nurture your musical journey.

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of piano playing while fostering a deep appreciation for music. Throughout the sessions, students will delve into essential techniques such as proper hand positioning, posture, and basic music theory. From mastering scales and chords to understanding rhythm and dynamics, this course provides a solid foundation for budding pianists. Moreover, personalized attention will be given to each student, ensuring that the learning pace matches their abilities. As students progress, they will have the opportunity to explore a variety of musical styles and genres, with repertoire carefully selected to suit individual skill levels. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your piano skills, this class offers a supportive and enriching environment to nurture your musical journey.

Now in the regular rotation of classes, our 7th grade strings class is also open to guitarists in addition to violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, ukulele, etc. We play together music both old and new, and we'll learn music theory and how it applies to the pieces we are playing. Students in the String Ensemble should have some familiarity with the instrument they are playing--generally at least two years of instruction such that they can read music (or TAB). Most of the students will be taking private lessons in addition to our playing, as the class is focused on playing together, not on learning to play. It is implied that all music students will practice on their instruments daily at home.  We will perform at concerts in December and in May.

Now in the regular rotation of classes, our 6th grade strings class is also open to guitarists in addition to violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, ukulele, etc. We play together music both old and new, and we'll learn basic elementary music theory and how it applies to the pieces we are playing. Students in the String Ensemble should have some familiarity with the instrument they are playing--generally at least a year of instruction such that they can read music (or TAB). Most of the students will be taking private lessons in addition to our playing, as the class is focused on playing together, not on learning to play. It is implied that all music students will practice on their instruments daily at home.  We will perform at concerts in December and in May.

Now in the regular rotation of classes, our 7th grade strings class is also open to guitarists in addition to violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, ukulele, etc. We play together music both old and new, and we'll learn music theory and how it applies to the pieces we are playing. Students in the String Ensemble should have some familiarity with the instrument they are playing--generally at least two years of instruction such that they can read music (or TAB). Most of the students will be taking private lessons in addition to our playing, as the class is focused on playing together, not on learning to play. It is implied that all music students will practice on their instruments daily at home.  We will perform at concerts in December and in May.

Now in the regular rotation of classes, our 8th grade strings class is also open to guitarists in addition to violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, ukulele, etc. We play together music both old and new, and we'll learn music theory and how it applies to the pieces we are playing. We will gear our studies to prepare for playing at the high school level.Students in the String Ensemble should have some familiarity with the instrument they are playing--generally at least two years of instruction such that they can read music or TAB well. Most of the students will be taking private lessons in addition to our playing, as the class is focused on playing together, not on learning to play. It is implied that all music students will practice on their instruments daily at home. We will perform at concerts in December and in May.