Middle School

Students in the middle school years continue to have expanded offerings in the arts. Students that began instrumental instruction in the lower school are encouraged to continue through band or orchestra courses. The opportunity for vocal and visual art instruction continues and theater is added as an option.

Band

Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade have the option to participate in band class as a fine arts elective during middle school. Middle School Band is for students who have had a basic foundation on a specific band instrument and desire to continue their instruction in a more focused ensemble that continues to expand on ensemble skills. Students in middle school band classes comprise the Middle School Band ensemble which performs regularly during the school year, including a music festival where their performance will earn a rating and comments from professional music adjudicators.

Orchestra

Students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade that have had at least one year in orchestra have the option of choosing to continue in orchestra as their fine arts elective course in middle school.

Middle School Orchestra is one class of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students that meets during 2nd period. Classes meet daily except for chapel days.  Middle School Orchestra concentrates on moving to the next performance level and expanding their instrumental and ensemble skills.  The Middle School Orchestra will perform approximately four times per school year, participating in Grandparent's Day, Christmas Concert, Southern Star Music Festival, and a Spring Concert.

Vocal Arts

Middle School Chorus is designed for 6th-8th grade students who enjoy music, have a passion for singing, and have a general interest in improving their voices. This class meets four days a week (no class on Wednesdays due to chapel schedule) from 10:25am-11:10am. This is a performing ensemble that showcases music of many styles and genres while gaining a basic knowledge of music theory. Chorus members study gospel music, art songs, classical music, madrigals, Broadway tunes, as well as pop and contemporary styles. Students perform at Fall Festival, Grandparents Days, Christmas and Spring productions, in addition to a choral festival in the spring.

Visual Arts

Students in 6th or 8th grade may choose to participate in visual art class as their fine arts elective.

Using visual perspectives through Art in connection with God's character and word is a way to establish the student's sense of glorifying Him with the work of their hands (Psalm 90:7). By integration of God's word with tangible examples of spiritual concepts we are more able to understand His love, purpose, and instructions for living. 

Middle school students choosing the art elective continue with art techniques taught in the preceding grades and learn more advanced ones such as shading, blending watercolor washes, pen and ink, colored pencils, two-dimensional paper construction, and tempera paints. The projects chosen use a variety of mediums and include portrait drawing ("In His Image"), a pen and ink house with a watercolor wash ("In My Father's House"), and colored pencil art  ("Magnificent Mandalas").

Theater

Humans, as beings created in the very image of God, are blessed with talents and abilities, as well as a need for creative outlet in which to display those gifts. Recognizing these truths, Middle School Theatre Arts provides students with an opportunity to explore their talents and express their feelings through the theatrical arts, both on and off the stage. By learning to better utilize their talents, students can discover ways in which they can glorify God by worshiping through rehearsal and performance.

Students in 6th and 8th grade have the option of choosing theatre as their fine arts elective. 6th grade drama meets under the instruction of Amanda Ledbetter. 8th grade theatre is instructed by both Amanda Ledbetter and Matthew Hendrix. Students learn about the fundamentals of theatre within the classroom through various activities, skits, role-playing, and writing assignments.

Middle School Theatre Arts 6 and 8 teach the basic fundamentals of theatre, including terminology and skills needed to create believable characters and to develop a confident stage presence, with the 8th grade class delving deeper into these areas. The courses provide an introduction to the world of theatre, allowing students to explore this realm of creative arts and to develop skills that can be used not only on the stage, but also in their lives. Course objectives are met through various activities designed to stretch the students, such as role-playing, journaling, script writing, and in-class performances. Opportunities for the students to perform outside of the classroom include skits performed as part of our chapel worship experience.

Middle School Fine Arts Faculty

Ms. Carrie Anderson - Band Director

Mrs. Debbie Brink - Orchestra Director

Mr. Nate Rupp - Visual Arts Instructor

Mrs. Cindy Rich - 6th Grade Theatre Arts Instructor

Mrs. Amy Wallace - Vocal Arts Instructor / Director, Middle School Chorus

Mr. Matthew Hendrix - Director of the Arts