Arts courses seek to broaden each student’s appreciation and artistic skills as he or she participates in visual and performing arts. The department promotes personal confidence, self-worth and creative expression as it integrates faith and learning. Students are encouraged to view their efforts as pleasing to God and of service to others.
Elective art courses may require an additional fee for materials.
* indicates a required course.
*Art 6
One trimester
This course studies two artists with diverse artistic and racial styles: Frida Kahlo (a Mexican self-portrait artist and symbolic painter) and Romare Beardon (an African-American collage artist). Students also learn cartooning and study Walt Disney’s beginnings in the film industry. Students work with clay to create Mexican clay suns and have the option to learn how to create macramé wall hangings.
Art 7
year-long
Students learn about a variety of artists and emulate their work: painted wall hangings in the style of Faith Ringgold, Impressionism in the style of Van Gogh, Cubism in the style of Picasso, clay sculpting in the style of Augusta Savage, Dadaism in the style of Marcel Duchamp, Australian Aboriginal dream paintings and Native American wall hangings and paintings. Throughout the course students learn and incorporate elements of design. A $30 art fee is charged for paint sets, brushes, palettes, canvas, mats and clay; at the end of the course these supplies are sent home with the student.
Art 8
year-long
Students explore a variety of art forms including acrylic painting, sculpting with clay and other objects, and colored pencil drawing. Students study Michelangelo’s religious art, Matisse’s papercuts and still life paintings, Louise Nevelson’s box sculptures, and Georgia O’Keefe’s acrylic painting. Students work with a variety of mediums as they learn to express beliefs through art. A $30 art fee is charged for paint sets, brushes, palettes, canvas, mats and clay; at the end of the course these supplies are sent home with the student.
General Music 6
year-long
Students develop music-reading skills and demonstrate understanding of basic elements of music (pitch, time, form, tone color, expression). Activities include singing, listening, evaluating recorded performances, playing instruments (recorder, guitar, keyboard), and using computer music technology to create simple compositions. Students do not
perform in concerts outside of class.
Explore Sound 8
one trimester
Students listen to, compare, and learn to recognize a variety of musical styles, and explore the creative process of making music. Students develop an awareness of “what makes good music sound good,” and use this knowledge to make personal music choices. Students also compose their own musical works, using computer software (GarageBand™, Finale Notepad™), guitar, and keyboard.
Drama and Theatre 8
one trimester
Fundamentals of acting, oral interpretation, improvisation, and technical theatre are taught through theatre games, direct instruction, written tests, and preformances. Students may perform in class, convocations and chapels within the Minnehaha community.
6th Grade Girls Choir
7th Grade Girls Choir
8th Grade Girls Choir
6th Grade Boys Choir
7th Grade Boys Choir
8th Grade Boys Choir
each level, year-long
Choir offers a comprehensive approach to musicianship, developing music reading skills and exploring basic elements of music (pitch, time, form, tone color, expression). Special attention is given to healthy vocal technique, and the needs of changing voices during middle school. Choirs are divided by gender to meet the specific needs of boys and girls as their voices mature. The choirs combine occasionally, to sing mixed-voice literature appropriate for this age group. Choirs perform two or three times each year on campus, and off-campus at least once during the year. Audition is not required, but the ability to match pitch is helpful to a singer’s success in choir.
6th Grade Band
7th Grade Band
8th Grade Band
each level, year-long
Prerequisite: must be able to play an instrument. Percussionists enrolling in Middle School band must have 2 years of piano background and must have a bell kit for practicing keyboard mallet parts.
The band program is comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of musicianship including technique, intonation, tone quality and style. In addition, students learn about music history, music theory, and music composition. Students attend a weekly sectional lesson to focus on individual instrument technique. Private lessons are encouraged but not required. This group gives public performances throughout the year.
6th Grade Strings
7th Grade Strings
8th Grade Strings
each level, year-long
Prerequisite: must be able to play an instrument.
Designed for students with some past string instrument instruction, this course gives students opportunity to develop listening skills, experience performance, explore a variety of musical styles and learn aspects of ensemble playing. Private lessons are encouraged but not required.
Co-curricular Groups
Jazz Band
This group focuses on learning about the Jazz in a traditional instrumentation setting. Students learn about jazz history, different styles of jazz music and theory, and improvisation. This group performs multiple times through the year, and meets twice a week throughout the school year. This group is auditioned and made up mostly of 7th and 8th grade students.
Jazz Orchestra
This group focuses on learning about the Jazz in a non-traditional instrumentation setting. Students learn about jazz history, different styles of jazz music and theory, and improvisation. This group performs multiple times through the year, and meets twice a week throughout the school year. Any instrumentalist in grades 6-8 is welcome. Students playing rhythm section instruments may be asked to audition.
Instrumental Lessons
Open to all students on an individual basis.
Special fee.
Redhawk Singers
This co-curricular singing group meets before school once a week and is open to all Middle School students.
Voice Lessons
Open to all students on an individual basis.
Special fee.
Keyboard Studies
Keyboard lessons are offered to all students on an individual basis. Half-hour weekly piano lessons are adjusted to the individual student’s needs. Two piano practice rooms are available for lessons.
Special fee.