Visual Arts
Advanced Art - Ceramics
Students will work on the potter's wheel throwing such basic shapes as bowls, plates, and cups. They will construct hand-built projects in clay. They will leave with a sound working foundation of the production and the appreciation of art as well as knowledge and usage of the elements and principles of design.
Studio Art
Students may work in a variety of 2D and metal works media, as well as jewelry from copper, brass, and silver sheet metal. Students will leave this class with a sound working foundation of the production and the appreciation of art. Students will also leave the class with the knowledge and usage of the elements and principles of design.
To register for this course, students must have been in one quarter of 2-D art in either the sixth or the seventh grade or similar experience. Due to space limitations and times classes are offered, students accepted into this class may not enroll in 8th Art or Advanced Art - Ceramics.
8th Art
This class is open to all students interested in furthering their knowledge of art. Students are rotated through the two-dimensional art class and the three-dimensional art class, spending nine weeks in each class. More advanced and age appropriate experiences are offered in this eighth-grade class, but we review terms, techniques, and skills acquired in grades six and seven. Students will also be responsible to maintain a sketchbook journal for recording ideas. Students will leave this class with a sound working foundation of the production and the appreciation of art, so that any high school art experience can be better understood and valued. Students will also leave the class with the knowledge and usage of the elements and principles of design.
There are no prerequisites for this class.
Performing Arts
Symphonic Band
Eighth-grade students with appropriate performance background may sign up for Symphonic Band. Special attention is given to the refinement of music reading and performance skills, as well as to the development of a broader understanding of music as an art and a science. Learning opportunities are for the motivated eighth-grade musician. This performance group develops advanced concerts that serve as a bridge to the high school band. This group has several required evening performances as part of the grade.
History of Rock & Roll and Pop Music
Students will explore chronological influences of music on American society from the 1930s through present day. Students will learn about instrumentation, structure, composition, concepts, and vocabulary.
8th Choir
The class is for students who have a strong desire to sing and perform. Students in this ensemble will experience a rich choral environment that will develop their ability to sing in harmony, to express musicality, and to work as a member of a team. Emphasis will be placed on proper vocal technique, choral interpretation, and sight reading. Students will participate in evening performances at MRMS and may also have the opportunity to sing at exciting venues outside of school.