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: Integrated Science Theme: Plants and Animals |
Science 8: Integrated Science Theme: Space |
| 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
This level is open to 5th and 6th grade students who are new to the study of dance. Students in this level will explore the introductory concepts of ballet four days a week and jazz one day a week. Class activity includes exercises and movement to build body strength, flexibility, endurance, musicality, coordination and discipline. Pre-requisites: none. 5-6 grades.
Ballet Foundations 1
This level is open to 5th and 6th grade students who are at an advanced beginning level in ballet. Students in this level will attend ballet class four days a week where emphasis will be placed on expanding their knowledge of the basic concepts of classical ballet taught in Introduction to Dance. In addition, they will have a Jazz class once a week. Pre-requisites: Satisfactory completion of Introduction to Dance or audition. 5-6 grade.
Ballet Foundations 2
This level is designed for students who are at a beginning intermediate level in ballet. Students in this level are expected to have a good foundation in ballet technique. They will attend ballet classes four days a week and jazz once a week, where emphasis will be placed on development of corps and lower leg strength necessary to prepare them for more complex enchainements (combinations). Beginning pointe work and Men's work are introduced to students in this level with the approval of the instructor. Two sections are offered and must be assigned by the instructor. Pre-requisites: Satisfactory completion of Ballet Foundations 1 or audition. 7-8 grades.
Intermediate Dance
This level is designed for students who are at an intermediate/advanced level in ballet. In Intermediate Dance, students attend ballet classes four days a week. Pointe work and Men's work is introduced within the first semester for students with the instructor's approval. The remaining day is reserved for an additional class which will continue through the length of each semester and may include one of the following: Modern or Flamenco. Pre-requisites: Satisfactory completion of Ballet Foundations 2 or audition. 7-12 grades.
Ballet Corps Intensive
Ballet, Pointe, Men's, Modern, and Flamenco. This level is designed for advanced students and the classes 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 will continue to expand and explore in greater depth the technical and artistic nature of classical ballet, flamenco, and contemporary dance forms. These students are expected to have a strong grasp of the fundamentals of ballet and to be able to use them to form expressive, quality movement in classical and contemporary styles of dance. Pre-requisites: Satisfactory completion of Intermediate Dance or audition. 8-12 grades.
Intro to Woodwinds and Brass
This class focuses on the fundamentals of ensemble playing. The students learn the basics of their instrument, how to follow a conductor, and how to play as an ensemble. Instruments offered are flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, and euphonium. There is no audition required. 5-6 Grades
Advanced Beginning Woodwinds and Brass
This class continues to focus on the fundamentals of ensemble playing and begins to expand the students' ability through standard music from the band repertoire and extending their technical abilities on their instrument. Audition only, instructor permission. 5-6 grades.
Band
Band Foundations 1
A fast-paced course in which woodwinds, brass, and percussion are taught in an ensemble setting focusing on building and straightening the fundamentals of their instrument. The course includes both full band ensemble and separate sectional classes. Pre-requisites: None. 7- 9 grades.
Band Foundations 2
A continuing course in ensemble playing for woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The course includes both full band ensemble and separate sectional classes. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.
Concert Band
A high performing intermediate band ensemble. Large ensemble work is focused on artistic development and performance technique. The course includes both full band ensemble and separate sectional classes. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.
Wind Ensemble
An excelling performance ensemble. The course emphasizes performance, technique, sight-reading, and advanced literature. The course includes both full band ensemble and separate sectional classes. 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. 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.
Drama
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.
Intro to: 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. 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 will use their expanding knowledge of scales, shifting and bowing techniques. 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. The course includes both full string orchestra and separate technique classes (violin, viola or low strings). Pre-requisites: None. 7-9 grades.
Concert Orchestra
An upper-level performing ensemble. Emphasis will be placed on shifting, 3 octave scales, arpeggios, and more advanced technique including vibrato. Students will study advanced music theory and historical performance practices. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all members. The course includes both full string orchestra and separate technique classes (violin, viola or low strings).?Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.
Sinfonia
An advanced string ensemble that performs regularly. The ensemble performs music from the standard concert string orchestra literature. Chamber music is an integral part of the program. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all members. The course includes both full string orchestra and separate technique classes (violin, viola or low strings). Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.
Voice
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
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
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.
Voice
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.
Voice
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.
Voice
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.
