Art, Music & Drama
Art
Eighth-grade art continues a hands-on approach and furthers the development of abstract thinking. There is a greater emphasis on direct observation, specifically on the human form, placing the figure in context, and giving it meaning. Students are also taught to see how they work and how that helps them grow in their skills. For example, an analysis of four drawing systems—axis, motion, measured, and grid—are a few of the discrete elements that enable an individual to see other possibilities for their work.
In fact, how students see themselves and how they think the world sees them drives the year-long theme of face and human form. This subject matter is used in drawings, paintings, and sculptures. Students are encouraged to stretch their skills and to be more proactive in creating deeper visual dynamics through analysis and deed. Skills are developed in the framework of time, perception, and respect to individual growth. An individual’s culture and interests are respected and folded into their work when appropriate.
The critical interpretation and evaluation of works of art will also be included. Sketchbooks will be kept and artworks will be displayed and critiqued.
General Music
The approach to music in the Middle School is a balance 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. Topics include music history and theory, vocal production and choral technique, music from around the world, and music in daily life.
8th-Grade Strings Program
The 8th-Grade Strings Program is a mixed ensemble of fifth-year advanced players of all instruments. It is primarily a string orchestra. The emphasis is on playing chamber and orchestra literature from many areas of music, including classical, holiday, contemporary, bluegrass, show, jazz, Medieval, and Renaissance. The music chosen is generally challenging. Practice at home is required. Private lessons reinforce and further what is taught in class and are encouraged.
Jazz Band
Jazz Band is a new offering this 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. The 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.
8th-Grade Drama
From Middle School on, our students study improv, employ the methodologies of Stanislavski and Viola Spolin, and emulate the moves of great Broadway choreographers and directors like Bob Fosse. They analyze plays, learn to direct full-length productions for different types of theaters and, in the case of one student schooled in stage lighting, became master electrician for an all-Ohio play of Dead Man Walking. Our students also have the ideal venue in which to perfect all of this. Our campus is home to a black box theater and The Bettcher Convocation Center, which houses a proscenium stage and a state-of-the-art sound system.
Students achieve instructional goals by studying scenes and monologues, musical scenes, and improvisation for the theatre.