Sixth Grade Elective Choices

Elective choices are Introduction to Art, Beginning Band, Beginning Choir, Beginning Orchestra, and Introduction to Theater. A brief description of each class is below:

721 Introduction to Art

Introduction to Art is a comprehensive course that provides students with introductory experiences by expressing themselves inventively and imaginatively through a variety of art, media, techniques and vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on art production incorporating the study of artists, artistic styles, and the elements of art and principles of design. The art studio is a creative environment, rich with experiences to personally develop every student. This course fulfills the state requirement that all students must complete one year long TEKS-based fine arts course in grades 6, 7, or 8.

723 Beginning Band

No previous experience is required for entry into this band class. Students are taught the basic skills of playing an instrument and music reading. Students are placed on instruments by recommendation of the band director. If possible, effort is made to honor the student’s instrument request. However, each band director works to place students on instruments that provide the best opportunity for the individual success of the student and to balance the instrumentation of the band program. Students playing flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet/cornet, trombone, and percussion furnish their own instrument and accessories. Student may purchase or rent an instrument through a wide range of music instrument dealers. An instrument should not be obtained until the student has interviewed with the band director. A limited number of school-owned instruments including oboe, bassoon, French horn, euphonium, and tuba are available. Parents of students with financial needs should contact the band director at the school. The students perform 1-3 concerts per year. Some outside of-the-school day rehearsals are required to prepare for the concerts. This course fulfills the state requirement that all students must complete one year-long TEKS-based fine arts course in grades 6, 7, or 8.

722 Beginning Choir

Choral Music is open to students interested in singing and learning the basics of singing. Students must enroll for the entire year. Students will learn and develop proper vocal technique and music reading skills in order to perform many difference types of music from popular to traditional styles. Performance opportunities may include public concerts throughout the year, a spring festival competition, and a pop show. Prior to each performance/competition, students may have rehearsals outside-of-the-school day. Calendars will be distributed to students at the beginning of the year and rehearsal/performance schedules will be updated throughout the year. This course fulfills the state requirement that all students must complete one year long TEKS-based fine arts course in grades 6, 7, or 8.

737 Beginning Orchestra

No previous experience is required for entry into this program. Students are taught the basic skills of playing an instrument and music reading. Students are placed on instruments by recommendation of the orchestra director. If possible, effort is made to honor the student’s instrument request. However, each orchestra director works to place students on instruments that provide the best opportunity for the individual success of the student and to balance the instrumentation of the orchestra program. Students playing violin, viola, and cello their own instrument and accessories. Student may purchase or rent an instrument through a wide range of music instrument dealers. An instrument should not be obtained until the student has interviewed with the orchestra director. A limited number of school-owned instruments are available. Parents of students with financial needs should contact the orchestra director at the school. The students perform 1-3 concerts per year. Some outside of-the-school day rehearsals are required to prepare for the concerts. This course fulfills the state requirement that all students must complete one year-long TEKS-based fine arts course in grades 6, 7, or 8

724 Introduction to Theatre

This beginning course covers the fundamentals of acting and theatrical production. Classroom activities include mime / pantomime, improvisation, characterization, technical theatre (including: scenery, lighting, sound, costuming, hair / makeup), and play production. Emphasis will be placed on a variety of in-class performances and individual / group presentations. This course fulfills the state requirement that all students must complete one year long TEKS-based fine arts course in grades 6, 7, or 8.