Performing Arts Curriculum Overview
For Choir, Musical Theatre and Dance
2011-12
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
“Music has the power of producing a certain effect on the moral character of the soul, and if
it has that power to do this, it is clear that the young must be directed to music and must be educated
in it.” – Aristotle
The performing arts are important to life and learning. Choral music, musical theatre and dance
are offered at Timberview to cultivate the whole person, gradually building many types of literacy while
developing intuition, reasoning, imagination and dexterity into unique forms of expression and
communication. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of the essence of each art’s
discipline, the knowledge and skills that enliven it, and the joy of sharing that experience with others.
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
Sixth Grade Choir
In this nine-week class students are exposed to the essentials of vocal music, movement, and
performance. Skills studied include the fundamentals of reading music, basic movement within a steady
beat, simple composition, and music of several cultures. Focused listening exercises train the ear to hear
instrumental timbres, and units on rhythmic notation, clef reading, and vocabulary help to create an
awareness of the larger musical world. The second and fourth quarters of sixth grade music culminate in
an evening performance.
Seventh Grade Choir
The first and third quarters of seventh grade music examine the drumming and chanting patterns of four
cultures. Students learn proper drumming technique on a wide variety of ethnic instruments, and
perform an in-class ensemble at the end of the quarter.
The second and fourth quarters of seventh grade music provide students with continued growth as a
singer while learning the basics of music reading with a varied repertoire including duets, trios, partner
songs and medleys. A multi-cultural emphasis helps to widen the student’s understanding of the
universality of the musical language. An evening performance completes the quarter.
Eighth Grade Choir – The SilverBlue Tones - Fall Semester
The eighth grade choir is an auditioned ensemble that meets every day for the fall semester. The class
participates in choral festivals, an evening performance and singing for the eighth grade end -of -year
ceremony. Instruction focuses on learning the basics of reading choral literature, singing two and threepart choral scores, understanding individual voices and how to use them effectively, developing
techniques in singing that include breath control, blend, intonation and memorization, and performance
skills. All students are evaluated for pitch-matching ability and vocal range.
Musical Theatre - Fall Semester
This class provides students with the opportunity to prepare and perform a fall musical. The emphasis is
on the combination of singing, acting techniques, speaking styles, script reading, character
interpretation, choreography, and costuming. Students learn to apply the creative process to the
fundamental skills of singing, acting and movement, develop interpersonal skills and problem-solving
capabilities through group interaction and artistic collaboration, participate in an audition, and
understand and relate the role of theater arts to culture and history.
8th Grade Dance-Spring Semester
Students will prepare an evening performance that includes large group dances and small ensembles.
The role of music as it relates to dance will be stressed, and students will be encouraged to examine
several cultures through folk dance. We will learn several styles including swing, line, and folk. Dance
reflects a culture, and we will examine how many dances tell a story, creating several of our own. Daily
dancing will increase body awareness and coordination. All levels of dance ability are welcome!
You Are the Star – Spring Semester
Students are involved in several aspects of music awareness: theory, piano skills, singing
skills, music in the movies, recording, and performance. Each unit builds on students’
prior knowledge and takes them to a higher level of understanding and ability.