8th Grade Fine Arts
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8th Grade Music
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Course Description
Band is open to all students who desire to play an instrument and perform in an ensemble. All students will learn to read music as well as proper playing techniques on their instrument. Students will be required to practice 100 minutes per week as homework. The band will perform a variety of styles of music (from classical to pop) at the school, in the community, and possibly at festivals and / or competitions.
Grading
Grades will be based on the following criteria:
40%: Classroom performance (based on classroom behavior, preparedness, attitude, attendance in class, etc.)
30%: Playing tests, written tests and other assignments
30%: Performances – attendance is mandatory at all performances (concerts, festivals, and other special events)
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8th Grade Drama
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Course Descriptive:
Middle School Drama class is a year-long class, which will be divided into four quarters.
Middle School Drama will be dedicated to introducing the performing arts to students. Students in MS Drama class will be introduced to basic theatre terminology, including stage directions and areas, script components, and technical terms. The class will engage in numerous improvisational activities and creative drama exercises designed to create an awareness of the actor’s voice and body. Students will learn how to create an array of characters using facial expressions, vocal inflection, and body language. Stage presence and audience awareness will be stressed as students learn the vital relationship between the actor and the audience. The class will produce a Final Project (specifics to be determined as the school year progresses) at the end of the year, which will be a culmination and presentation of skills learned.
Units Include:
Basic Theatrical Terms & Theatre History
Stage Directions/Blocking
Body Awareness
Pantomime
Facial Expressions
Stage Awareness
Vocal Skills
Improvisation
Characterization
Motivation
Subtext
Scene Work
Story-Telling
Stage Business/Props
Audition Skills
Script Analysis
Grading Criteria:
In Class Work: 60%
Assignments: 15%
Daily Journal: 10%
Final Project: 15%
Class and Student Conduct:
MS Intro to Drama is a class in which the members are experimenting and taking risks in front of their peers. Therefore, I expect the utmost respect and support from each class member.
The following guidelines exist so that the class as a whole may operate in a smooth manner. My wish is that each student will have a rewarding experience, have fun, learn how to be comfortable on stage, build confidence, and hopefully walk away from Drama class with a love of performing and many newly formed friendships.
- All performers must come to class ready to focus
- All performers must participate in group warm-up exercises, designed to focus actors.
- Initially, students are not required to participate in individual improvisational games, but are encouraged to do so. However, if they are not comfortable speaking or performing alone, they may simply say, “pass”.
- In keeping with LJA guidelines, there will be absolutely NO PUT-DOWNS. Class members will be viewed as a family, and will therefore support and encourage each other.
- It is very important that performers listen attentively to the instructor in order to insure a productive and harmonious environment. If a student continually disrupts class or chooses not to listen, he/she may be asked not to participate for a specified amount of time. Excessive disruptions will be managed by Ms. McNeill or Mr. Funasaki.
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8th Grade Art
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COURSE DESCRIPTION AND RATIONALE:
Middle School Art incorporates the four disciplines of art education: studio production, aesthetics, art history and criticism. Students will work with a wide range of mediums and materials. In a teacher directed setting students will explore and incorporate the elements and principles of design in a body of work that will be guided and self-directed, also, integration with other subjects will help determining the basis for art works and projects.
Course Objectives:
Students are graded on the set objectives/criteria guided by the individual lesson, the process (when applicable), effort, growth, application of knowledge, and the completion of the work.
This is a graded course.
60% of the grade is based on portfolio work.
25% of grade is sketch pad work/research
15% participation
Studio Projects: The class will be introduced to a broad range of art techniques and media, such as: acrylic and watercolor paint, clay and reductive sculpture, collage, printmaking, oil pastels and colored pencil. Studio projects count for 60% of the final grade.
Sketch Pad: Students will be responsible for organizing and completing sketches and assignments in their sketch pad. The sketch pas will be a place for students to brainstorm their thoughts and ideas, keep course information, handouts and reflections and complete homework assignments. The sketch pad will count for 25% of the final grade.
Critiques: A Critique is a time to reflect upon your experience with each project and also a time to give appreciations and suggestions to the work of your peers. Critiques are to be written in complete sentences using terminology from the elements and principles of design. Critiques will be a part of each project and will count towards the participation grade.
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