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Fine and Performing Arts

 

Fine and Performing Arts Staff

Sharon Bonneau
Bette Gawinski
Thomas Zumchak
Claire Simanski, Department Chair
Jonathan Timmes
Barbara Williams

FCPS Fine Arts Site
Contains links to SOL infromation and student and parent resources and curriculum materials.

Fine and Performing Arts Department Course Descriptions


ART( top)
Introductory Art -Semester
Grade: 7 Elective

Students will develop creative thinking and problem solving skills as they observe the world around them. They will explore and produce artwork including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and crafts. A study of artists and their work will assist students in understanding the techniques, skills, and diverse intentions of artists from many cultures and times.

Intermediate Art - Semester
Grade: 8 Elective

Students will refine their ability to communicate visually, manage a wide range of tools and materials and achieve quality, style, and craftsmanship in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and crafts. Students will have opportunities for evaluating and critiquing their own and other students' artwork as well as studying artists and their works from many cultures and many times.

Advanced Art - Year
Grade: 8 Elective - Prerequisite - Art teacher's recommendation

Advanced art offers an opportunity to eighth grade students with above average interest and ability in art to refine their artistic skills and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on achieving quality, style, and craftsmanship in their drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures, and crafts. Students will be encouraged to interpret and express personal feelings, experiences, and observations in art projects at advanced levels. Students will have opportunities for evaluating and critiquing their own and other students' artwork as well as studying artists and analyzing their work.

FCPS Middle School Art Link
Contains links to SOL information and student and parent resources and curriculum materials.


MUSIC( top)

Beginning Level Band (Training Band) - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective

Training band classes will develop beginning skills on woodwind or brass instruments. Guidance will be given by the instructor in the selection of an instrument. Simple duets, rounds, and other ensemble groupings will be performed in class. Limited opportunities for public performances will be provided. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.


Beginning Level Band (Percussion Class) - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective

Percussion class will develop beginning skills on percussion instruments. Students will be instructed in basic snare drum techniques as well as introduced to other percussion instruments. Limited opportunities for public performances will be provided. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Intermediate Level Band (Cadet Band) - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective
Prerequisite: Audition by the instructor.

This intermediate level band will continue to develop skills on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. Musical styles will be studied through various band selections. This band offers students limited performance opportunities and may require rehearsals and performances outside of normal school hours. The Cadet Band is designed as a technique class for students with at least one year of playing experience. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Intermediate Level Band (Concert Band) - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective
Prerequisite: Audition by the instructor.


This intermediate level band will continue to develop skills on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. Musical styles will be studied through various band selections. This band offers students performance opportunities and may require rehearsals and performances outside of normal school hours. The Concert Band is the second of the two major performing groups at Herndon Middle School. This course is designed for students who have had approximately two years of previous instrumental training. It provides continued development of basic fundamentals and introduces band literature. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Advanced Level Band (Symphonic Band) - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective
Prerequisite: Audition by the instructor.

Advanced level band offers instruction to the more advanced-level player. Placement in this group is by audition only. An in-depth study of musical styles will be realized through challenging band selections. Many performance opportunities are offered and may require rehearsals and performances outside of normal school hours. This is the major performing group at Herndon Middle School. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Music Participation Lab - Semester
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective

This course provides students with an opportunity to explore many kinds of musical experiences. Students will be actively involved in singing, listening, playing instruments, moving, and improvising. Vocal and instrumental ensembles, including such instruments as guitar and keyboard; improvisational activities, musical dramatizations, American music, and contemporary music, including such activities as creative computer music, may all be part of this course. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.


Beginning Level Chorus (Mixed Chorus) - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective

This course provides instruction in proper vocal techniques and rehearsal practices. Through a variety of choral literature, students will experience two and/or three-part singing. Types of performances may include concert choral performances, choral choreography, and/or dramas. Required rehearsals and performances outside of normal school hours may be scheduled at the discretion of the director. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Advanced Level Chorus (Concert Choir) - Year
Grade: 8 Elective
Prerequisite: Audition by the instructor.

This course offers advanced instruction in vocal techniques, music fundamentals, and sight-reading. Through a variety of choral literature, students will experience three and/or four-part singing. Types of performances may include concert choral performances, choral choreography, and/or musical dramas. Rehearsals and performances outside of normal school hours will be required as a part of this course. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.


Training Level "Concert" String Orchestra - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective

The training orchestra offers the opportunity for beginning students and those with some playing experience to develop their playing skill. The course is designed to meet the needs of string students (violin, viola, cello, bass) who need to develop skills necessary for admission into the Symphonic Strings Orchestra. Required rehearsals and performances outside of normal school hours will be required as a part of this course. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Symphonic String Orchestra - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective
Prerequisite: Audition by the instructor.

Concert string orchestra offers instruction to the advanced level player. Complete string orchestra literature will be studied and performed. Required rehearsals and performances outside of normal school hours will be required as a part of this course. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

FCPS Music Site
Contains links to SOL information and student and parent resources and curriculum materials.


DRAMA( top)
Speech and Theatre Arts Appreciation - Semester
Grade: 7 Elective

Students develop an appreciation of speech and dramatic arts through an introduction to the basic concepts and skills of oral communication and acting. They begin to develop poise and confidence in speaking, and they develop skills in listening and discussing in group situations. They participate in a variety of dramatic activities by exploring improvisation and interpretation. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Advanced Speech and Theatre Arts Appreciation - Semester
Grade: 8 Elective

Prerequisite: Theatre Arts Course in Grade 7 and/or recommendation of the Theatre or Speech Arts Teacher

Students who are continuing the study of theatre arts for a second year will be able to apply and expand the skills developed in the preceding class. They will participate in a variety of dramatic activities and perform for various audiences. This course is designed for students who are interested in an expanded study of theatre arts and oral communication. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.


Photography - Semester
Grade: 8 Elective

This is an introductory course, which centers arounds the development of basic photographic skills. These skills include: Camera operation, black and white film and print processing, employing compositional techniques, use of lighting (both available and basic studio portraiture), creative use of controls to capture action and direct viewer attention. The course offers the opportunity to communicate visually and to react to one's own photography as well as that of others through verbal and written communication. Cameras and darkroom equipment are provided.

Journalism/Yearbook - Year

Grade: 8 Elective

Journalism/Yearbook provides students opportunities for participating in the production of the school yearbook; developing skills in yearbook copy writing and layout design; developing basic photographic skills needed in production of a yearbook, including camera handling, film development and printing black and white photographs; and developing the skills necessary in being a responsible member of a group which makes cooperative decisions to achieve the goal of a finished publication. Recommendation of seventh grade English teacher required. * Final acceptance by yearbook instructor.


 

 

 
     

Updated: September 16, 2008
Comments? Questions?Contact our Curator: Nancy.Fehrle@fcps.edu

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