PE or Dance
In 6th grade, students will take functional fitness in the fall and PE in the spring (or year-long dance).
Fine Arts
All 6th graders are required to take on of the yearlong Fin Arts courses below:
- Art
- Band
- Choir
- Dance (FA)
- Guitar
- Orchestra
- Theatre
Art Studio
Art Studio - Beginning: An intro to drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, screen printing, 2D/3D design, sculpture & found art. (YR)
Art Studio - Intermediate: Prerequisite Art Studio - Beginning or Teacher Approval; Intermediate drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, screen printing, 2D/3D design, sculpture & found art. (YR)
Art I: (High School Credit) Open to 8th graders with at least two years of art experience or teacher approval. High School drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, artist research, art history. (YR)
Guitar
Classical Guitar: This course provides ensemble instruction for students interested in learning to play the classical guitar, including technique, music reading, and ensemble skills, as well as general music theory. Classical Guitar satisfies the prerequisite for Music Theory I offered in 8th grade for high school credit. (YR)
Dance
Dance 1: Dance for P.E. credit - Includes study in Elements of Dance, Ballet, World, and Jazz dance with performance opportunities. (YR)
Ballet: Prerequisite Dance 1 or Teacher Approval; In depth study of classical and contemporary ballet for PE credit with some outside performance required. If Ballet is taken along with Dance 2 or Dance 3, then Ballet will count as a fine arts credit. (YR)
Dance 2: Dance for P.E. credit - Includes study in Ballet, Jazz, Modern/Contemporary, Tap, and Composition with performance opportunities. (YR each)
Dance 3 & Dance Company: Dance for P.E. credit - Includes study in Ballet, Jazz, Modern/Contemporary, Tap, and Composition with some outside performances required. (YR each)
Orchestra
Orchestra: Orchestra is a full year of instruction in instrumental music. There will be some outside performances required. (YR)
Orchestra - Alternative Strings: Performing group that plays a mixture of genres (must also be in Philharmonic or Symphony Orchestra). (YR)
Orchestra - Chamber Music: Students play in small ensembles and receive small group coaching. (must also be in the Philharmonic or Symphony Orchestra). (YR)
Publications English Yearbook: Students write and edit the school yearbook. Production may involve photography, layout and design, and extensive writing. Principles of desktop publishing may also be included. Strong writing skills are preferred. (YR)
Theatre
Theatre Arts: Students will learn movement/mime, theatre history, voice/diction, characterization, improvisation, playwriting, technical design, and creative ensemble. (YR)
Technical Theatre I: An introduction to the many facets of the technical “behind-the-scenes” side of Theatre Arts. Students will learn basic theatre and technical theatre terminology. Students will explore set design, costumes, makeup, lighting, prop-making, stage management, and sound design. (YR)
Technical Theatre II: Continues to refine those concepts and skills outlined in Technical Theatre 1. The topics covered include research techniques and tools, play analysis for visual interpretation, graphics techniques of expression including sketching, drafting, rendering and model building. Students learn specialized vocabulary and explore set design, lighting design, and costume design. Students reflect on design elements found in school and outside productions with design analysis and critiques. (YR)