Course Descriptions for 6th graders - 2015-2016 (these courses may not all be offered – they are
subject to enrollment):
Band I: Prerequisite: one year experience with instrument. Students will be exposed to more advanced musical fundamentals: tone production, embouchure
development, breath support, and musical interpretation.
Ceramics: You will work with clay to create three dimensional works of art. You will learn basic hand-building techniques such as slab and coil
construction, and pinch pots. Ceramic pieces are fired and glazed; you will also be introduced to wheel throwing.
Choir (Limelight) - This is a choir for everyone! There is no audition and everyone is encouraged to give it a try. We sing songs with a combination of two
part harmonies and unison, and sometimes we even do three part harmonies. There is no assigned homework, although you are encouraged to practice at
home so that you will enjoy class even more. Why not give Limelight a try next year?
Concert Jazz Band: Audition required. Jazz concepts of style, articulation, improvisation and ensemble playing will be emphasized. This class is open to
7th and 8th grade students who have played at least two years as well as advanced 6th grade students by audition.
Debate - If you want to hone your thinking and speaking skills, debate is the class for you! Learn styles of structured argument as we debate important
public issues of the past and present.
Drawing and Cartooning: Learn how to draw in perspective and use shading so your pictures look three dimensional. You will create fantastical
cityscapes and learn how to draw people. Later, we will focus on creating your own cartoon. Discover how cartoonists give life to their drawings and learn
cartoon drawing skills.
Electro-Cute, Hands-on Projects and Programming: Technology can be incorporated in a variety of fun hands-on projects. Explore electronics and
programming in the world of arts and fashion. Projects include integrating light into clothes, brush box and more as well as programming interactive graphic
greeting cards. You will use basic circuits, and learn basic programming to explore new projects. Do you want to make your hoodie or backpack light up
with LEDs or make an electronic greeting card? This is the class for you!
Filmmaking: Do you love watching movies? Do you like being creative? Working with peers? Using technology? We will be not only watching and
studying short films, but also learning all of the steps of the movie process by making our own. No acting or film making experience required; however, you
must have a positive and cooperative attitude, an eager work ethic, and a willingness to learn, change your mind, and take a risk. Lights! Camera! Action!
History of Popular Music: A look at the history of popular music in the US, culminating in a unit on today's music trends and student taste preferences.
Goal to help develop richer understanding of US popular music and appreciation for a variety of genres.
Intro to Creative Design: Do you love tinkering with materials? Designing and building something totally new? Want to learn how to wow others in digital
storytelling, in building miniature bridges, bird houses, marble tracks or other new inventions? Join us in Intro to Creative Design class where you will work
on projects that challenge you to use natural materials to create, solve problems, invent, and share your work with others. In this class, you will also use
technology programs (such as Storytelling Alice, Story Bird, Tynker, Exploratorium, Hour of Code and others) become a tech-savvy and creative at the
same time!
Intro to Programming—Come and learn to program! This introductory course uses the Python language to teach the basics of programming structure and
syntax. There are lots of programming languages out there—we’ll use Python because it’s relatively easy and powerful. That’s a good combo. Together we’ll
create games and solve problems. All abilities are welcome and encouraged.
Musical Theatre, one semester course: Students will learn the various skills needed to perform a major musical production. This includes acting, dancing,
singing and stage movement. Enrollment in this elective is required for participation in the school musical.
Music Theory, Technology, and Composition (MTTC): MTTC is an introductory level course for students with varying levels of music expertise. In this
class, we will explore basic elements of Western music theory, create original compositions using notation software, and engage with electronic music
programs/tools to foster creativity and develop musical understanding. This course is available to 7th and 8th grade students.
Orchestra: Audition required: Focus will be on refining musical skills and developing musicianship as it relates to individual and group performance. A more
advanced approach to ensemble playing will be emphasized.
Painting: Learn techniques for acrylic and watercolor paints and all about color mixing, elements of design, and self-expression. Develop visual perception
and the ability to transfer what you see onto paper. Projects include: portraiture, still life, landscapes, realistic painting and abstract painting.
Photography: Learn how to take interesting photos. We will learn about composition, exposure, and digital manipulation techniques. You will also learn to
use Photoshop.
Sculpture: Discover the world of three-dimensional art forms and explore the techniques, materials and methods of sculpture. You will work with a variety of
materials including wire, plaster, clay, papier-mâché and found objects while using traditional and contemporary sculpture practices.
Sewology - Do you want to impress your grandma? Come learn the lost arts of sewing, crocheting and knitting. We will learn the basics of each while
making things like pajama pants, superhero capes, scarves, beanies, pouches for orphaned kangaroos, and thumb holes!
Silver Rain: Audition required: Requires excellent music reading and vocal skills. Continue developing the highest level choral ensemble skills with a broad
variety of music. Activities include advanced reading and singing, a cappella music, show choir choreography, solo opportunities, and performances in the
community.
Strings: Prerequisite: one year experience with instrument. Strings offers students the time and instruction to develop effective technique on their chosen
instrument and to deepen their musical knowledge.