Middle School Core Academic Classes (7:45am - 12:15pm)

Academic requirements for Middle School (grade 6 to 8) students include the following;

	Grade 5	Grade 6	Grade 7	Grade 8
English	English 5 Literature studies, written expression and grammar.	English 6	English 7	English 8
Social Studies	Geography, Us History, European exploration and colonization of North America	Ancient Cultures: Greece, Rome, Egypt	Native American and Arizona History	American History
Science	Life Science, Earth Science, simple machines,Scientific Method Theme: Systems	Science 6: Integrated Science Theme: The Ocean	Science 7: Environmental Science Theme: Plants and Animals	Science 8: Integrated Science Theme: Matter and Energy
Math	Math 5	Math 6	Math 7	Math 8
Life Skills	-Study and organizational Skills, Biz Town (Junior Achievement)	- Grammar - Health	- Organization and Time Management - Study Skills - Health - Grammar	- Organization and Time Management - Research Skills - Health
Piano	2 hours of instruction per week. Students study at their individual levels.	2 hours of instruction per week. Students study at their individual levels.	2 hours of instruction per week. Students study at their individual levels.	2 hours of instruction per week. Students study at their individual levels.

Middle school Academic Curriculum Details

English - 5th Grade
5th grade students will be exploring a variety of books and creating vast amounts of writing during the year. They will be exposed to a selection of literary genres including realistic fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, persuasive, functional and expository texts as outlined by the Arizona State and Common Core Standards. Grammar and spelling lessons will be integrated into students' literature and writing activities. Students are expected to be active participants in our inquiry based discussions, projects and activities.

English - 6th Grade
Sixth grade English is a course designed to help each student improve his/her ability to critically read and interact with assigned texts. The students will learn to write inventive, well-structured creative stories and properly structured formal essays. The class will also focus on improving each student's ability to use proper punctuation and grammar in creative and formal writing.

English, 7th Grade
This is a course designed to help each student improve his/her ability to critically engage with challenging texts and ideas (one of our English Department's core values). Using a variety of literature (classic novels, short stories, poetry, Shakespeare, and modern literature), students are encouraged to analyze the methods authors use in order to create a unique experience for the reader. When we practice writing in the classroom, it is with the ultimate goal that students enhance their ability to clearly and creatively express ideas supported by relevant evidence (another of our Department's core values). As we read and write this course will preserve (or foster) a students' love for literature by appealing to their core sensibilities as responsible members of the surrounding community.

English - 8th Grade
The focus of this year is to fully prepare students for high school level English. To this aim, the majority of time will be spent in developing writing, grammar, and punctuation skills. We will also work on reading competencies and literary analysis. ASA places a high level of importance on community and cooperation in learning. Discussion and participation skills will be taught, practiced, and assessed on an equal basis with the other academic language arts skills.

Social Studies - 5th Grade
The focus during 5th grade is U.S. history. Students study the reasons for European exploration and colonization of North America; Native American tribes they encountered; geographic features discovered; and the ideals established. Students also explore life in Colonial America and participate in an American Revolution re-enactment. Students present monthly current event projects and participate in various project-based learning.

Social Studies - 6th Grade
Geography, Ancient Cultures: Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome.

Social Studies- 7th Grade
Students study culture, history and geography by conducting, presenting, and writing about research; creating maps; writing reflective journals; participating in discussions; and participating in collaborative activities.

Geography & American History - 8th Grade
Social Studies for 8th Grade focuses on American History from the Reconstruction to the present. Rather than explore American History solely in terms of chronological events and time periods, this course will utilize thematic units in a method that encourages a holistic and dynamic understanding of American History across regions and eras.

Science - 5th Grade
At ASA, students participate in a hands-on, integrated science curriculum that focuses on the development of scientific method skills. Fifth grade students will apply these skills in their investigation of Life, Earth, and Physical Science

Science - 6th Grade
Students participate in a hands-on, integrated Science course that focuses on the development of Scientific Method skills. Using the ocean as the central theme, students then apply these Scientific Method skills in their investigation of Life, Earth, and Physical Science.

Science - 7th Grade
Students participate in a hands-on, integrated Science course that focuses on the development of Scientific Method skills. Using Environmental Science as the central theme, students then apply these Scientific Method skills in their investigation of Life, Earth, and Physical Science.

Science - 8th Grade
Students participate in a hands-on, integrated Science course that focuses on the development of Scientific Method skills. Using Matter and Energy as the central themes, students then apply these Scientific Method skills in their investigation of Life and Physical Science.

Math - 5th Grade
The 5th Grade Math curriculum at Arizona School for the Arts is built on the foundations of the revised Arizona state standards. Layered on this, are objectives and approaches used by states with excelling math programs with an emphasis on problem solving and higher order thinking skills. The curriculum will be implemented with a combination of hands-on manipulatives to grasp concepts and repetition of material to master subject matter. The program is also designed to integrate seamlessly into the existing ASA Math curriculum.

Math - 6th Grade
Through exploring worthwhile mathematical tasks, students in Grade 6 will develop skills in the areas of number operations, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, with a concentrated emphasis on developing operations fluency with rational numbers and algebraic representation. There is an instructional focus on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing understanding of statistical thinking.

Math - 7th Grade
In Grade 7, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.

Math - 8th Grade
In Math 8, instructional time will focus on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

 

Middle School Core Arts Requirements

	Grade 5	Grade 6	Grade 7	Grade 8
Required Classes	All Middle School students take piano as part of their core academic program in the morning.	All Middle School students take piano as part of their core academic program in the morning.	All Middle School students take piano as part of their core academic program in the morning.	All Middle School students take piano as part of their core academic program in the morning.
Required Arts Options for Grade Level (2 Classes)	Students may choose either: 1. Instrument + Vocal, OR 2. Ballet + Vocal	Students may choose either: 1. Instrument + Vocal, OR 2. Ballet + Vocal	Students may choose either: 1. Instrument + Vocal, OR 2. Ballet + Vocal	Students may choose either: 1. Instrument + Vocal, OR 2. Ballet + Vocal
Notes	Students may not take Beginning Guitar in 6th Grade.	Students may not take Beginning Guitar in 6th Grade.	Jazz Band & Percussion Ensemble available for students as an additional class to core arts classes. Audition only.	Jazz Band & Percussion Ensemble available for students as an additional class to core arts classes. Audition only.
Other Arts Options Available	After school program (fee-based) in Drama is offered. Students take this in addition to their regular Core Arts Classes. Subject to availability.	After school program (fee-based) in Drama is offered. Students take this in addition to their regular Core Arts Classes. Subject to availability.	After school program (fee-based) in Drama is offered. Students take this in addition to their regular Core Arts Classes. Subject to availability.	Students interested in Drama may elect to take an additional 9th-hour class. Subject to availability.

Middle School Arts Curriculum Details

Intro to Dance
Students will concentrate on learning the basic ballet positions, body stance, and introductory steps. To be successful in this level students must learn the essential skills to ballet and apply them consistently in class. Students will be taught the correct way to stand and move with proper posture and turn out at the hip joints. During the school year they will study set barre work, center practice, and choreography. They will study classical ballet 3 days a week. The other two days will consist of a jazz dance class and a dance study class where they will explore the history of classical ballet, basic body conditioning, and introductory ballet vocabulary. This level is open to 5th and 6th grade students. Pre-requisites: none.

Ballet Foundations 1
Students will concentrate on increasing their knowledge of ballet steps, vocabulary, build strength, and flexibility. Students will execute longer combinations that require more stamina and memorization in class. Batterie (Beats) in allegro work, turns, and grande allegro will be incorporated in barre and center work. Students will study classical ballet 3 days a week. The other two days will consist of jazz dance class and a dance study class where they will explore the history of classical ballet, basic body conditioning, and ballet vocabulary.. This level is open to 5th and 6th grade students. Pre-requisites: Instructor approval or audition.

Ballet Foundations 2
Students in this level will concentrate on preparing for pointe (Ladies) and Men's (Gentlemen) work. Class in this level will focus on building strength in the corps, lower legs, and feet. Ballet exercises at the barre and in the center will become more complex focusing on releves, balances on one leg, increased speed, and batterie in allegro work. Beginning pointe and Men's work will be offered during the school year for students with the instructor's approval. Students will study classical ballet 3 days a week. The other two days will consist of a jazz dance class and a dance study class where they will focus on body conditioning with thera-bands, pre-pointe/pre-men's exercises, and expanding their ballet vocabulary. This level is open to 7th and 8th grade students. Pre-requisites: Instructor approval or audition.

Intermediate Dance
Students have an extended class that covers two arts periods. The class will focus on increasing the difficulty of pointe and men's work. It is expected that students develop the ability to execute with consistent use of proper posture and turn-out multiple pirouettes, adagio and all allegro work. They will also focus on self-evaluating their technique. Students are expected to apply corrections related to the principles of posture and turn out without redirection from the instructor. Students will study classical ballet 3 days a week. The other two days will consist of an alternate dance form (1 semester each) and a dance study class where the use of student video tapping will be used as a tool for self evaluation, creating ballet combinations, and expanding their ballet vocabulary. This level is open to 7th and 8th grade students. Pre-requisites: Instructor approval or audition.

Ballet Corps
Students are expected to display an advanced level of ballet technique. Ladies will have both barre and center work on pointe twice a week. This level will focus on the refinement of the principles of classical ballet as it relates to how students use ports de bras, epaulement, articulation of the body, spatial awareness, balon, and choreography. Students will develop artistry in ballet, flamenco, and modern dance. Students will study classical ballet 3 days a week. The other two days will consist of an alternate dance form (1 semester each) and a dance study class that will include learning classical variations which will be evaluated by the instructor. Students will be expected to use self evaluation in order to display aesthetic quality in their movement. Pre-Requisites: Instructor approval or audition. 7th-12th grades.

Ballet Corps Intensive
All classes for Corps Intensive are taught off campus at the School of Ballet Arizona. A bus is provided to the off-site location. Parents are required to pick-up students at the off-site location at the end of class. This level is for the student seriously studying ballet. Students will continue to expand and explore in greater depth the technical and artistic nature of classical ballet, flamenco, and contemporary dance forms. Students are expected to consistently display proper posture and rotation, line and extension of the legs in adagio, proper speed, ballon, and spatial awareness in all allegro work. They are expected to have a command of the fundamentals of ballet and to be able to use them to form expressive, quality movement in classical and contemporary styles of dance. The students will continue to develop their musicality and strength in the execution of the ballet vocabulary. Ladies will be have both barre and center work on pointe 2-3 times a week. Students will study classical ballet 3 days a week. The other two days will consist of an alternate dance form (1 semester each) and a dance study class that will include a variety of opportunities that support a well rounded dancer. Pre-requisites: Instructor approval or audition. 8th-12th grades.

Band

Introduction to Woodwinds and Brass
In this class we focus on the basics of playing woodwind and brass instruments. The students learn how to hold, take care of, and play the instruments, follow a conductor, maintain a steady practice routine, and how to play in a large group with mixed instruments. Students will learn to play scales and musical examples up to 4 flats and 4 sharps. Rhythmically, students will be able to understand and execute eighth note and sixteenth note rhythms in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, as well as syncopated rhythms. Compound meters, like 3/8, 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8 will also be introduced. There is a strong emphasis on understanding the music theory that applies to what the students are playing. There is no audition required. 5-6 Grades

Advanced Beginning Woodwinds and Brass
In this class we focus on expanding technical and rhythmic understanding on these instruments. The students will expand their understanding of playing in a large group and also get to experience playing in smaller groups. Each student will learn to play all major scales 1-2 octaves within the range of their instrument. We will expand our knowledge of compound meters and begin executing them more challenging ensemble pieces. We will also begin talking about more advanced triplet rhythms, i.e. quarter note triplets. There is a strong emphasis on the music theory that applies to what the students are playing. Audition only, instructor permission. 5-6 grades.

Band

Program Overview
Students in the 7th -12th grade band program are placed into a unique environment where they receive small group instruction by a specialist in their instrumental area while alternating with the traditional full band experience.

Sectionals:The sectional program is divided into four areas: flute & oboe, single reeds & bassoon, brass, and percussion. This program is accelerated and in-depth with heavy emphasis placed on refining and expand upon fundamental skills including but not limited to breathing, sound production, intonation, finger motion, (both adjacent and non-adjacent), articulation, (both single and multiple), stroke production, registral sound unity, range extension, consistency, musicality, and combinations of the above. Students have the opportunity to work in solo and small ensembles. They also receive addition support on the band literature they are working on.

Band Foundations 1
Foundations I is ASA's ensemble for beginning students of band, as well as those who are getting down the basics for performing in a band setting. The emphasis here is on acquiring the fundamentals: posture, instrument knowledge, note-reading skills and rehearsal technique. Students will develop basic musicianship skills through the practice and performance of concert works & exercises in a large ensemble setting, develop & improve proper playing technique (embouchure, posture, sticking…etc.), and build a positive self-concept and group work ethic through performance.Pre-requisites: None. 7- 9 grades.

Band Foundations 2
Foundations II continues the track started by Foundations I, by applying note-reading skills, musicianship, rehearsal techniques to increasing challenging literature. Students will improve basic musicianship skills through the practice and performance of concert works & exercises in a large ensemble setting as well as develop & improve proper playing technique (embouchure, posture, sticking…etc.). Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Concert Band
Concert Band is our 3rd Performance level at ASA. Students who have been promoted to this level have acquired the basic skills for performance, developed in Foundations I & II and are ready to tackle bigger challenges. The curriculum of this course involves complex works of music, challenging technical repertoire and rhythmic study, and adventurous music. In these classes, students will go from simply working their instruments correctly to approaching them like young artists. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Wind Ensemble
Wind Ensemble is our 4th and highest level Band at ASA. Students who have been promoted to this level demonstrate a high degree of proficiency on their chosen instrument. In these classes, we explore deeper listening, precision of execution, phrasing, balance and blend and interpretive style. Wind Ensemble focuses on performing advanced High School and early College level works of significant length and artistic depth. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Jazz Band
The ASA Jazz Band is Big Band consisting of saxes, trumpets, trombones and a full rhythm section (drum set, bass, guitar and piano) in a traditional Big Band setting popularized by acts like Count Basie or Duke Elllington. This group studies and performs a variety of literature from various periods of Jazz performance, ranging from Swing to Bossa Nova, Funk to Fusion and anything else that will enrich the class. Pre-requisites: Entrance Audition/Permission of Instructor. (Concert band and wind ensemble level only). 7-12 grades.

Percussion Ensemble
An advanced level performing ensemble focusing on mastery of traditional, non-traditional and world percussion techniques through the study of contemporary percussion ensemble literature. Entrance Audition/Permission of Instructor. (Concert band and wind ensemble level only)

Guitar

Guitar Foundations 1
An entry-level guitar class. Classical guitar techniques are taught in a group setting. All students will learn to read music. Pre-requisites: Students must purchase a nylon string classical guitar and foot stand for participation in class. Students with other equipment will not be admitted. Pre-requisites: 7-9 grades only.

Guitar Foundations 2
A continuing class in classical guitar techniques with an emphasis on ensemble work, beginning study of solo repertoire, sight-reading, and performance. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 6-12 grades.

Advanced Guitar Ensemble
An advanced classical guitar ensemble. Class emphasis is on advanced performance techniques, including extensive study of solo repertoire, sight-reading, and performance. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Theatre Arts

Acting 1
This course will explore the fundamentals of acting. Study will include but is not limited to the following: monologue and scene work for audition preparation, voice and diction, connecting the physical body, the mind and the soul. Pre-requisites: 9-10 grades. Open to majors and non-majors. 9th Period class will be open to 8th grade students based upon availability only. Interested 8th grade students will be required to audition with Theatre Department Chair. (theatre majors - required)

Piano

Middle School Piano
Class piano instruction during academic hours to all middle school students. Students have individual full size digital keyboards with headphones. The curriculum includes performance, theory, and technique. Basic skills for sight-reading and some general music appreciation are also incorporated. No previous experience is required. Students studying with private teachers have time during class to practice assigned music. Access to a piano or keyboard at home is highly recommended.

Strings

Intro to Strings: Violin, Viola, and Cello/Bass
Students will learn the basics in string technique, music theory as it applies to their string instrument, and ensemble playing. Emphasis is placed on posture, position and note-reading skills. Assessment includes periodic practice checks, comprehensive playing exams, and public performances. Classes are separated by instrument. No audition required. 5-6 Grades

Advanced Beginning: Violin, Low Strings (Cello/Bass)
Students will continue to work on string technique and music theory. There will be an emphasis on solo and ensemble playing allowing students to use their expanding knowledge of scales, shifting, vibrato and bowing techniques. Assessment includes periodic practice checks, comprehensive playing exams, and public performances. Classes are separated by instrument. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 5-6 Grades

Strings

String Foundations 1
A continuation of the ASA Intro courses in violin, viola, cello, and double bass. This course is also for incoming students without prior experience. Students will learn the basics in string technique, music theory for strings, and ensemble playing. Assessment includes periodic practice checks, comprehensive playing exams, and public performances. Additionally, students are required to attend one professional classical music concert each quarter. This course includes both full string orchestra and separate technique classes (violin, viola or low strings). Literature is based on ASTA grade levels 1, 1-1/2 and 2. Pre-requisites: None. 7-9 grades.

Symphony Orchestra
An upper-level performing ensemble with emphasis being placed on shifting, 3 octave scales, arpeggios, vibrato, and advanced bowing techniques. Students will study advanced music theory and historical performance practices. Assessment includes periodic practice checks, comprehensive playing exams, and public performances. Additionally, students are required to attend one professional classical music concert each quarter and write a concert reflection paper each semester. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all members. This course includes string orchestra, full orchestra (with winds, brass & percussion) and instrument specific technique classes (violin, viola or low strings). Literature is based on ASTA grade levels 3-1/2 and above (including traditional concert literature). Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Chamber Orchestra
An advanced string ensemble that performs regularly. The ensemble performs music from the standard concert string orchestra and chamber music literature. Chamber music is an integral part of the program. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all members. Assessment includes periodic practice checks, comprehensive playing exams, and public performances. Additionally, students are required to attend one professional classical music concert each quarter and write a concert reflection paper each semester. This course includes string orchestra, full orchestra (with Symphony Orchestra, and select winds, brass & percussion) and instrument specific technique classes (violin, viola or low strings). Literature is based on ASTA grade levels 4 and above. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Choral Arts

Voice Foundations 1
This class offers the building blocks for proper vocal technique, music reading skills, and working within an ensemble. Students will be assessed individually and corporately through class participation, test and quizzes, performances, and one-on-one evaluation. Pre-requisites: None. 5-6 grades.

Voice Foundations 2
A continuation of Voice Foundations 1 with a further application of proper singing techniques. Students learn vowel production, consonant production, 2 and 3 part singing, and further application of music markings. These objectives are used to apply to the various genres of music performed. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 5-6 grades.

Voice Foundations 3
A continuation of Voice Foundations 2 with a further application of proper singing techniques. Students learn vowel production, consonant production, 2 and 3 part singing, and further application of music markings. These objectives are used to apply to the various genres of music performed. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 5-6 grades.

Choral Arts

Mixed Choir I
This class offers the building blocks for proper vocal technique, music reading skills, and working within a mixed voice ensemble. Students explore 3 to 4 part singing in a variety of languages and in various genres of music. that will emphasis vocal health, sight-singing, and theory. Special attention will be made to the changing voice. Pre-requisites: None. 7-12 grades.

Mixed Choir II
A continuation of Mixed Choir 1 with a further application of proper singing techniques and rehearsal discipline. Students will study choral music in 4 plus part singing in a variety of languages and in various genres of music. Students perform with artistic integrity, giving careful attention to accuracy of pitches, rhythms, dynamics, and articulation. Repertoire includes a cappella and accompanied works from the Renaissance to the current century. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Women's Choir
A continuation from Mixed Choir with a further application of proper singing techniques. Students continue to learn correct vowel production, consonant production and 3 to 4-part singing. Sight singing regularly and making music literacy is a priority. Students will have an increased competence in note-reading, rhythm reading, score awareness, symbolic notational devices, and music directions written in other languages. Students perform with artistic integrity, giving careful attention to accuracy of pitches, rhythms, dynamics, and articulation. Repertoire includes a cappella and accompanied works from the Renaissance to the current century. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Concert Choir
Prerequisites are a vocal technique, which demonstrates breath control and good intonation, sight-reading ability with solfege on melodies outlining the tonic triad in major and minor modes, and concentration in rehearsal. Goals at this level are increased vocal technique including the ability to control longer phrases, improved intonation, sight-reading melodies outlining the tonic and dominant triads plus the raised fourth in major and minor modes. The repertoire is expanded to include works by major composers. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 9-12 grades, although experienced singers in Grade 8 may audition.