Students at E-STEM Middle School get the opportunity to learn a variety of different art forms as a part of their elective options. The opportunity to study art in its various forms is extremely important, allowing students to develop their creativity, acquire a new skill set, and enchancing problem solving skills. 

Music Offerings 2021-22

Band

This is a year-long course where students have the ability to learn one of several instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Tuba, Baritone, Trombone, or Percussion. We have three concerts a year where students will get the opportunity to show off their new skills!

Orchestra

This is a year-long course where students have the ability to learn one of four string instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. We have three concerts a year where students will get the opportunity to show off their new skills!

Choir

Choir is a community. Our first goal will be to connect with each other as humans. Together, we will dialogue to establish our hopes, dreams, and goals for choir exploration. Students will learn about the fundamentals of singing including breath control, vocal techniques, vocal and physical health. We will explore the concepts of music theory, sight singing, ear training, musicianship, performance, songwriting, and music listening. Students will have an opportunity to sing in large and small groups. Choir is a year-long course. Students will perform in two or three concerts during the school year.

Rock Band (Musical Production)

Rock Band will focus on building relationships through large and small group work. All students will be introduced to the fundamentals of singing, plus the basics on all the rock band instruments including guitar, ukulele, bass, keyboard & drums. Students will explore songwriting and arranging with classroom instruments and vocals, and electronic music production using iRig and GarageBand. Students will have an opportunity to perform in one or two concerts during the school year. At this time, Rock Band is set up as a semester course.

Art classes within the middle grades expand on the elementary foundation in understanding and skills in the visual arts in an exploratory manner consistent with the middle school philosophy. Through the Middle School Visual Arts Curriculum, students:

• Develop increasingly sophisticated creative strategies, skills, and habits of mind through artistic practices.
• Apply design literacy to a wide variety of traditional and new media.
• Acquire increasing complex procedural knowledge, skill and craftsmanship in art making while exploring an expanded range of media.
• Develop more sophisticated aesthetic judgment that supports the making and understanding of rich meaning in art.
• Explore a wide range of notions about the meaning and purpose of visual art.
• Form a broader knowledge and understanding of our rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage through art. 

Beginning Art, 6th Grade

Beginning Art is for sixth grade students. During this course, students explore a variety of media as they continue to build their skills in drawing, painting, graphics, and sculpture. Theory is introduced to further elaborate upon ideas about color, perspective, and design. We will discuss artists, artwork, and provide technical demonstrations to develop the four strands of art education: art appreciation, art history, art production, and art criticism; as well as problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Intermediate Art, 7th Grade

Intermediate Art is for seventh grade students. This course focuses further on developing art skills, vocabulary, creativity, and concepts of design. Two-dimensional lessons may include painting, college, drawing, and printmaking. Three-dimensional projects may include functional or sculptural ceramic experiences. Art history, art appreciation, and art criticism are integrated into the lessons as a framework of the curriculum.

Advanced Art, 8th Grade

Advanced Art is for eighth grade students. In this course, students express themselves creatively through drawing, graphics, sculpting, painting, metalwork, 3D ceramic sculpture, and jewelry to develop art skills and concepts. Composition, technique, the elements and principles of design, and attention-to-detail are explored. Art history, art appreciation, problem solving, and critical thinking are integrated into lessons.

Introduction to Digital Photography, 8th Grade

Introduction to Digital Photography is for eighth grade students. This course introduces students to digital photographic equipment, materials, programs, processes and philosophies while examining photography and its role in historic and contemporary cultures, with a focus on artistic content.