MYP Arts
The aims of the teaching and study of MYP arts are for students to:

• create and present art
• develop skills specific to the discipline
• engage in a process of creative exploration and (self-) discovery
• make purposeful connections between investigation and practice
• understand the relationship between arts and its contexts
• respond to and reflect on art
• deepen their understanding of the world

Courses Offered

Beginning Visual Art - An introductory course designed to help students become acquainted with art and artists, designed for 6th through 8th graders that are new to middle school art.

Intermediate Visual Art - Designed to build upon skills and learning from the introductory course.  Students must successfully complete Art I before enrolling in this class.  This course concludes with a student-developed exhibit and service opportunity at the end of the year.

Choir
This is an exploratory course for students with little or no singing experience. Music fundamentals will be taught through sight-reading, ear training and vocal technique.

Music Elective
The Music Elective Class provides an opportunity for students to learn about and experience music. Students will receive basic music theory and apply the knowledge to practice using band instruments.

Beginning Band
No previous experience is required to join Beginning Band. Learning is in large group format. This group is where our students have the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. Students pick an instrument like flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet and trombone. Oboe, Bassoon, French horn and Tuba are encouraged but need outside one on one lesson help. Students are instructed on two things: how to master their own instruments, and how to play music as part of a group. We have fun learning something hard!

Intermediate Band
Intermediate Band is our middle level band. Students need to read easy music and play the first 5 notes on their instrument. We review those skills each fall. In Intermediate Band our students develop their skills and increase their abilities by playing progressively more difficult music.

Advanced Band
Advanced Band is our top level band at HPMS. The music is challenging and all members are dedicated. Advanced band prepares our musicians for the next level of playing as they move forward to high school. These students lead our band program and provide a vivid example of where they are headed, and what is possible for our younger players.

Beginning Orchestra
No previous experience is required to join Beginning Orchestra. Learning is in large group format. This group is where our students have the opportunity to learn to play a stringed instrument. Students start by learning the violin. Half way through class students have the option to switch to viola or cello or to continue on violin. Students are instructed on two things: how to master their own instrument, and how to play music as part of an ensemble. We have fun learning something hard!

Intermediate Orchestra
Intermediate Orchestra is our middle level ensemble. Students need to read easy music and play the first 5 notes on their instrument to join this group. We review those skills each fall. In Intermediate Orchestra our students develop their skills and increase their abilities by playing progressively more difficult music.