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. Students in middle school band classes will comprise the Middle School Band ensemble for various performances throughout the year. 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. The Middle School Band will perform regularly during the school year, including a music festival where their performance will earn a rating and comments from professional music adjudicators.

A Handbook is provided for students to clearly understand the commitment, requirements, and expectations of middle school band.

For more information, please contact Carrie Anderson, Band Director.

Orchestra

Students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade that have been continuously involved in orchestra have the option of choosing to continue in orchestra as their fine arts/electives course.

Middle School Orchestra is divided into two classes; 6th grade attends orchestra during 5th period, 7th/8th grade attends orchestra during 6th period.  Classes meet daily except for chapel days.  These two classes will combine for performances.  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.  The Southern Star Music Festival is a local festival that will involve performing off campus then heading to Six Flags Over Georgia for a day of fun followed by an evening awards ceremony where our ratings and comments are announced.

For more specific information about orchestra practice requirements, practice records, orchestra handbook, and performance test assessments, please click here.

Vocal Arts

Middle School Chorus is open to students in 6th-8th grade who enjoy singing together in an ensemble. Middle School Chorus meets Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (no chorus on chapel day schedules). 6th & 7th grade chorus class is during 5th Period, from 11:45 AM to 12:30 PM; 8th grade chorus class is during 6th Period, from 12:35 PM to 1:20 PM. Under the direction of Mrs. Amy Wallace, the Middle School Chorus performs regularly during the school year at events such as Fall Festival, Christmas Spectacular, and Southern Star Festival.

For more information, please contact Amy Wallace.

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. 

Sixth grade 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"). Please contact Joanie Jones for more information.

For more information on 8th grade visual arts, please contact Jessica Starnes.

Theater

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, rollplaying, and writing assignments.

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 worshipping through rehearsal and performance.

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.

For more information on theater, please contact Amanda Ledbetter or Matthew Hendrix.