MIDDLE SCHOOL Electives

Art I (First Year)

INTRO ART: Basic elements of art and principles of design are discussed and practiced.

Drawing and Painting: Emphasis will be on creativity and self-expression that is edifying to the Christian walk. Art history will touch on countries that influenced realism, impressionism, expressionism, modern art, etc., as well as exposure to the works of various artists such as Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Kinkade, and O'Keefe.

Ceramics: Hand built pottery will have incorporated design, planning and workmanship. Pottery from different cultures will be explored including Mexican, Egyptian, American Indian and Chinese ceramics.

Crafts: Art objects of different cultures are studied. Projects may include weaving, quilting or patchwork, calligraphy, paper mache and collage.

Art II (Must have completed Art I)

Art II brings art skills and techniques to a higher level. Students will experience more complex projects including tessalations and oil painting on canvas. Art history continues to be emphasized, and students will gain more background on the different styles of art, such as realism and impressionism. Ceramics, Sculpture and Commercial Art will be taught.

Journalism 1 and 2

Offering a wide variety of journalistic skills, the journalism class covers the production of the school's monthly newspaper, the "Scofield Christian Courier”, and the yearbook, "The Keep." Students learn to write articles from straight news to editorials, as well as complete layout and designs using dummy sheets and desk-top publishing. Part of the curriculum is a hands-on unit of photography. These three areas of writing, layout and photography will give the Middle School student the portfolio necessary to enter high school journalism with ease.

Music Theater I and II

Middle School Music Theater is open to students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades and meets four times weekly for 45 minutes. The class is based on three performances each year. The year begins with a student-written musical in which each student participates in the conceptualization, writing, editing, design, and performance of a traditional musical stage production. Secondly, a one-act play of moderate length is performed with characterizations, costuming, and technical production handled by the students. The year is finished with the production of music videos with each student performing both behind the camera and before the camera. The experience involves the student from storyboards and structural design to performance techniques and musical applications to audio and video mixing and editing. Interspersed throughout the year is vocal training, music theory, and basic musicianship.

Beginning Band (6th Graders) or Intermediate Band (7th & 8th Graders)

Students may choose from the following instruments: clarinet, flute, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, cornet, trombone, baritone, and percussion (bell kit and drum pad). Students will receive individual instruction on their instruments and do supplemental work on music theory in the music computer lab. The group will play as a band and will have opportunities to play in smaller ensembles, such as trios. Everyone will have the opportunity to participate in the ACSI Solo and Ensemble competition. The Band will have concerts and performance opportunities throughout the year.

Beginning Orchestra (6th Graders) or Intermediate Orchestra (7th & 8th Graders)

Students may choose from violin, viola, cello, or bass. We will learn the basic techniques of string playing, which can be applied to any performing style from symphonic to western tunes. The Orchestra will accommodate students at all skill levels. We will perform throughout the year for chapel, as well as participate in the ACSI Solo and Ensemble competition. The Scofield Orchestra has won the highest rating every year it has performed. The Orchestra will also perform a concert/recital at the end of the year.