Theater Arts
Students participate collectively in an annual drama production. Emphasis is on developing individual craft as well as team-building while assembling the necessary elements to create a complete production. Students also have the opportunity to help design and create costumes and learn basic lighting and sound craft.
Dance
Students apply choreographic principles, processes, and skills to create and communicate meaning through the improvisation, composition, and performance of dance. Through the introduction of skills and techniques, our dancers gain a working vocabulary and memory of movement that will help them progress into improvisational work as well as choreography. Students use dance elements to develop dance phrases reflecting various musical rhythms, styles, and dynamics. They perfect their performance skills and are able to interpret and communicate through dance. We use a collaborative approach in preparing our dancers for presentation to an audience. We develop partner and group skills to define spatial floor patterns, shape designs, and entrances and exits.
Music
All students in Middle School study music as a year-long course. In a collaborative studio environment students are supported in developing their vocal and instrumental skills whether they are beginners or advanced. Students sing a repertoire representing various genres, styles, and cultures, as well as working together on music written in two and three parts. They also develop the confidence and skill to perform on an instrument, and to compose and arrange simple pieces. Our musicians create, develop and perform music for the school and local community, providing them with exciting opportunities to present their talents.
Visual Arts
Our Middle School visual arts program is designed to spark students’ imaginations, promote their skill development, and encourage them to take risks as they engage in the creative process. Students develop and refine their visual communication skills through the application of the elements and principles of art along with exploration of historical and contemporary artists. They apply artistic processes and skills, using a variety of media to communicate meaning and intent in original works of art. They use observational skills to depict a variety of subject matter, and employ different tints, shades and intensities. Areas of study include drawing, painting. 3D projects incorporate ceramics, sculpture and fiber arts.