Art, Music & Drama
In 7th grade, work expectations are more demanding than earlier in Middle School. There is increased independence in choices and subject content. Group work is used to strengthen peer communication and interactions. Integrated language arts/social studies/visual art experiences are a significant component of the program.
General Music
The approach to music in the Middle School consists of general-music unit studies and performance-based activities. During this vocally-transitional adolescent period, emphasis is placed on the unique qualities of each individual’s voice and how it can best be used, while grade-level units offer a wide range of areas to be explored.
Students will sing songs in various styles, listen to recordings from various places and in various styles, do vocal and physical exercises, sing in two- and three-part harmony, perform as a choir at Winter Concert, and connect music with the history of the times. Topics include singing and choral technique, music history and theory, multicultural music, and music in today’s society.
7th-Grade Strings Program
This is primarily a fourth-year course in string instruction. The emphasis is in learning to play independently as a soloist and cooperatively as an ensemble musician. The group is also open to those playing piano and keyboard on a limited basis. Students playing wind and percussion instruments and wishing to perform in a group are invited to do so. The group performs a minimum of three times during the year and has numerous other opportunities to play on and off campus throughout the year. Practice at home is required. Private lessons reinforce and further what is taught in class and are encouraged.
Topics include review of notes on all strings, including naturals, sharps, flats, and extensions. Shifting into higher positions is introduced. Music is in simple meters. Music in compound meters is introduced along with syncopation and more complex rhythmic combinations.
Jazz Band
Jazz Band is a new offering starting in the 08-09 school year. This ensemble, which includes both instrumentalists and vocalists, is open to any student who plays an instrument not included in the strings program, including trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, flute, piano, percussion, guitar, or bass. In addition to rehearsals, the class will take trips to hear and work with other jazz bands, and guest clinicians will be invited to work with the group. This group will also have an exciting opportunity to participate in an artist-in-residence program this year. This will include a week-long residence with a jazz performer who will work with students and participate in the Lake Ridge Academy Jazz Festival in April.
7th-Grade Drama / 8th-Grade Drama
Three basic strands—perception, creative expression/performance, and critical evaluation—provide broad, unifying structures for organizing knowledge and dramatic skills that students are expected to acquire in 7th and 8th grades. Perceptual studies help students increase their understanding of self and others and develop clear ideas about the world. A variety of theatrical experiences enable students to communicate in a dramatic form, make artistic choices, solve problems, build positive self-concepts, and relate interpersonally. Student response and evaluation promote thinking and further discriminating judgment, helping students become appreciative and evaluative consumers of live theatre, film, television, and other technologies. Topics may include: Reader’s Theatre pieces, play production, scene study, and monologue work.