Middle School Performing Arts Offerings

This class is designed for students with two or more years of school band and/or private lessons on a band instrument. Advanced Band offers a fun and challenging atmosphere that will equip students with the skills necessary to develop advanced technical excellence. Music theory, music history, scale, and rhythmic studies will be incorporated into daily lessons. This includes the study and performance of advanced band literature emphasizing tone, intonation, balance, blend, and musicality. Several performances will be planned throughout the year. Rental or purchase of an instrument is required.

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Bass

Open to all students. At least one year of classroom instruction or private lesson equivalent is required. The music learned will require greater knowledge than Intermediate Strings regarding intonation and range, rhythms, key signatures, time signatures, tempo, dynamics, and styles. The students will expand their knowledge of music theory and scales (major and minor) and be expected to sight-read, play in upper positions, and use vibrato. The students will participate in at least one public performance each quarter and have the opportunity to perform in smaller chamber ensembles. The students will also participate in at least one adjudicated event per year involving travel outside school. Rental or purchase of a stringed instrument is required. Placement audition required.

3.0 GPA required (this class will not be participating in Academic Help during the fall semester). This group will work on a variety of musical styles. Students will learn advanced techniques in different vocal styles including traditional choral music, Broadway, jazz, gospel and pop. This group will also work on advanced sight-singing skills and music theory. In addition to regular concerts, Vocal Ensemble performs at special events throughout the year. Please contact Mr. Rouse to set up an audition.

Beginning Band is open to all students who desire to learn a band instrument (woodwinds, brass, and percussion). No prior playing experience is necessary. Students will learn note names, correct hand position, articulation, phrasing, basic music theory, music history, scale, and rhythmic studies. Students will participate in several performances throughout the school year.

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Bass

This course is for students who do not have any prior instruction on a stringed instrument. The students will learn the basic techniques of position, instrument care and maintenance, music theory, rhythm patterns, note reading, and improvisation as a part of their daily lessons. Pedagogy incorporates both traditional and Suzuki methods. The students will begin learning songs together in unison and progress to playing as a multi-part ensemble. A diverse repertoire will be studied and presented in ways that are fun, creative, and engaging. The students will grow to understand the fundamental importance of teamwork and collaboration in relation to the success of ensemble performance. The students will partake in several concert performances throughout the year. Rental or purchase of a stringed instrument is required.

No audition required. Students will work on developing good singing technique and choral tone focusing on ensemble singing. Students will learn different vocal styles including traditional choral music, Broadway, jazz, gospel and pop. This choir will also work on sight-singing skills and music theory. Boys Choir will perform in concerts and one choir festival during the year.

No audition required. Students will work on developing good singing technique and choral tone focusing on ensemble singing. Students will learn different vocal styles including traditional choral music, Broadway, jazz, gospel and pop. This choir will also work on sight-singing skills and music theory. Girls Choir will perform in concerts and one choir festival during the year.

Dance I - This class has an emphasis on fundamental technique and basic performance skills. First-time and/or inexperienced dancers will be exposed to multiple genres (jazz, ballet, contemporary and hip-hop), and nurtured in personal expression, physical awareness, and creative discipline. Students will be put to the test in these areas during their performance in the annual dance concert.

Dance II - This is a class designed to develop and challenge the skills of previously-trained dancers. Emphasis is placed on proper technique and form through the advanced study of multiple genres (jazz, ballet, contemporary and hip-hop). Performance skills are also polished through participation in many different productions throughout the year, including the annual dance concert. Personal goal setting, concentration on physical discipline, and embracing the creative process are all on the agenda.

Students who love theatre but aren’t singers will enjoy the opportunity to be part of the cast who presents the middle school fall drama. From character development to curtain calls, this class allows both beginning and experienced actors to grow in their abilities through the process of putting on a show. Enrollment is not based on auditions, but students (and parents) should know that choosing this class is making a pledge to be in the fall production. It requires a professional commitment, including lunchtime and weekend rehearsals near the dates of the production. (Note: Students who audition for Musical Theatre may want to mark this as their #2 choice!)

Designed for students who have been playing for one year and can play at an intermediate level. Intermediate Band offers a fun and challenging atmosphere that will equip students with the fundamental skills necessary to develop technical excellence. Music theory, music history, scale, and rhythmic studies will be incorporated into daily lessons. Students will refine the mechanics of proper sound production, acquire knowledge of more difficult music reading, rhythm, and rhythm patterns, and further develop the social skills necessary to function successfully in a large group situation. Students will participate in several performances throughout the school year. Students will be assessed in both written and performance formats.

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Bass

This class is designed for the string player who has had at least one year of classroom ensemble instruction and is still developing foundational skills. The students will work on advancing their music reading, technique, tone, intonation, and facility on their stringed instrument. Advancing scales and etudes will be taught as well as intermediate repertoire. The students will perform several times throughout the year. Rental or purchase of a stringed instrument is required. Placement audition required.

In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of jazz improvisation and technique. In addition to the techniques and rehearsal of performance, students will learn the theory and history of the music performed. Students are taught improvisation, jazz forms, and styles. Students will play beginning to intermediate-level jazz music from various selected eras of musical history. Styles of music to be covered include swing, blues, rock, pop, and Latin. Concurrent enrollment in Intermediate or Advanced Band required (or another core music elective with permission of instructor).

Students will learn theatre basics: character development, choreography, stage movement, etc. The culmination of the class is a full-length musical production in the spring. Note: Parent signature MUST be on the audition sheet in order to be considered for the class. Once in the class, a $50 theatre fee is required to help cover the expenses of the show. There will be outside mandatory rehearsals as the show nears, including lunchtimes, afternoons and weekends. * This class requires a mandatory audition process to finalize proper placement; no experience necessary.

A mix of levels will be enrolled in this piano course. Students without prior experience will be taught basic skills such as correct hand position, note reading, counting, and basic theory. Experienced students will be taught sight reading, improvising, and more advanced theory as well as continuing to master basic piano skills.

The purpose of this class is to provide training, spiritual mentoring and leadership opportunities for students who sincerely desire to use their musical talents to honor God and serve the student body through our weekly chapel program. Our aim is to learn to use music as a “tool” or “vehicle” that helps us all connect more closely with God. As such, this is not a class for students whose primary interest is performing onstage within a “band” context, nor is it a music instruction class for those just learning to sing or play an instrument. Rather, interested students should already be experienced and reasonably skilled in their craft. We have room for many different types of musicians and singers who are motivated by a desire to take on a position of real spiritual responsibility and leadership within the school! *All Worship Team students are required to go through a mandatory application process to finalize proper placement. Application may be picked up in the academic dean’s office.