MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS Band #E117 & #E118 * Grades 7 & 8 Meets 2/3x for Year >P>Band is a performing ensemble open to students who play woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Instruction includes balance, blend, coordination of musical effort and performance of band literature that represents a variety of musical styles and cultures. Chorus #E127 & #E128 * Grades 7 & 8 Meets 2/3x for Year >P>The chorus is a performing group open to all students. Instruction centers around tone, diction, expression, and reading accuracy plus the opportunity to sing varied choral literature. Orchestra #E137 & #E138 * Grades 7 & 8 Meets 2/3x for Year String orchestra is open to students who play violin, viola, cello and bass violin (string bass). Emphasis is placed on tonal balance, blend, coordination of musical effort, and offerings of solo, ensemble, and string and orchestral literature. Music of Today #E157 * Grade 7 Meets 2/3x Semester In this course students will create their own music using computers, MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) keyboards and sequencers. Students will explore the basic forms and styles of today’s music. Music of Tomorrow #E158 * Grade 8 Meets 2/3x Semester >P>“Music of Tomorrow” is an 8th grade, entry-level music elective that emphasizes song writing and multi-track computer recording. This class features an introductory guitar unit for students who have had little or no guitar experience. Students will also learn basic piano keyboard skills. Students taking this class may be continuing concepts learned from the 7th grade elective, “Music of Today,” or beginning musical concepts for the first time at the 8th grade level. Students will create and produce their own music CD. “Music of Tomorrow” is an interdisciplinary course involving language arts through the creation of original lyrics and utilizing art in the creation of the CD covers. Theater Arts Meets 2/3x Semester In this course students will explore the basic skills in acting, blocking, characterization, role-playing, stage set design, lighting, acoustics, sound and production. Student assessment is based on class presentation of monologues, scene work and improvisation by individual and group performances. The evaluation may include participation in a full-scale production.