Academics & arts together

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

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

Middle school Academic Curriculum Details

Language Arts, 7th Grade
Students read and study a variety of literature including novels, short stories, poetry, and plays. The novels are primarily historical fiction and adolescent fiction while the rest of the literature is primarily classical.

Grammar/Study Skills, 7th & 8th Grade
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of grammar and the study skills necessary for successful student learning. The grammar component of the class begins with the eight parts of speech, continues through diagramming techniques, and concludes with skill building exercises that emphasize smooth sentence construction consistent with excellent writing.

Language Arts - 6th Grade
The year will be spent studying a variety of literature genres in whole class literature studies as well as in smaller literature circles. Literary elements will be analyzed throughout all literature studies through projects and discussion and writing descriptive, clear literary responses will be a focus throughout the year. The writing process will be reviewed and expanded upon through Writer's Workshop and guided writing activities.

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
The students will have a chronological overview of American History, regular current events discussions, and geography centered on the five themes of geography.

Social Studies - 6th Grade
The study of ancient civilizations and religions will be the focus during the 6th grade. Students are responsible for reading a variety of materials, actively participating in classroom discussions and completing clear, organized thoughtful writing assignments and projects.

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, Earth, and Physical Science.

Math - 6th Grade
During the year we will solve problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions, decimals and percents. We will calculate and analyze basic statistics and introduce coordinate graphing. In geometry we will formalize the study of two-dimensional shapes.

Math - 7th Grade
During this year we will use data, graphs and tables to demonstrate and analyze the relationship between two variables, leading to an introduction to linear modeling. We will also extend problem solving to include integers (negative numbers). In Geometry, we will analyze three-dimensional shapes.

Math - 8th Grade
Topics include: Formalizing linear modeling to represent data, simple statistical analysis using graphs and numerical measures, synthetic transformational geometry, and development of the Pythagorean Theorem.

Middle School Core Arts Requirements

Middle School Arts Curriculum Details

Ballet

Ballet Foundations I/II
A ballet class taught off campus. 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 focuses on the fundamental elements of classical ballet. Students in FoundationsI/II will concentrate on learning basic ballet positions and body stance. All female students must wear black camisole leotard, pink full-fashion tights, and pink ballet slippers. Gentlemen must wear a white cotton leotard or shirt, black tights, white socks, and white ballet slippers. Pre-requisites: Audition only. 6-8 grades.

Ballet Foundations III/IV
A ballet class taught off campus. 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 class is a continuation of Foundations I/II. Fundamentals of classical ballet are stressed while students are required to master more difficult combinations and movements. 6-8 grades.

Ballet Corps
A ballet class taught off campus. 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. In this level, students begin the study of more complex combinations and are required to think critically about their dancing. 6-12 grades.

Ballet Corps Intensive
A ballet class taught off campus. 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 theatrical nature of classical ballet. 6-12 grades.

Band

Band Foundations 1
A beginning course in which woodwinds, brass, and percussion are taught in an ensemble setting. Pre-requisites: None. 6-8 grades.

Band Foundations 2
A continuing course in ensemble playing for woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 6-12 grades.

Concert Band
An upper-level intermediate band program. Large ensemble work with an emphasis on performance. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 6-12 grades.

Wind Ensemble
An advanced band ensemble. Emphasis on performance, sight-reading, and advanced literature. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 6-12 grades.

Jazz Band
A Jazz ensemble performing many levels of music with an emphasis on ensemble performance and improvisation. Pre-requisites: Must be enrolled in another band class at ASA. Instructor permission. 6-12 grades.

Percussion Ensemble
A large performing ensemble composed entirely of percussionists. Class emphasis is placed on performance techniques of traditional, non-traditional and world percussion instruments as they apply to classical and contemporary percussion ensemble literature. Pre-requisites: Must be enrolled in a band class playing percussion at Foundations 2 level or higher. Instructor permission only. 6-12 grades.

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. 6-12 grades.

Piano

Middle School Piano
Class piano instruction during academic hours to all middle school students. Students work independently at full-size Yamaha digital keyboards with individual headphones. The curriculum includes performance, theory, and technique. Basic skills for sight-reading and some general music appreciation are also incorporated. The classes are multi-level and the curriculum is designed to allow students to progress according to their own abilities. No previous experience is required. Access to a piano or keyboard at home is recommended.

Strings

String Foundations 1
A beginning course in violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Students will learn the basics in string technique, music theory for strings, and ensemble playing. Separate technique classes offered. Pre-requisites: None. 6-8 grades.

String Foundations 2
A continuation of String Foundations 1 at an intermediate level. Students will learn to play in a large ensemble and understand higher-level string theory. Students will learn shifting, 2 & 3 octave scales & arpeggios, and chamber music. Class will include an introduction of music history. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 6-12 grades.

Concert Orchestra
An upper-level intermediate, performing ensemble. Chamber music is an integral part of the program. Emphasis will be placed on shifting, 3 octave scales, arpeggios, and more advanced technique including vibrato. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all members. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 6-12 grades.

Sinfonia
An advanced string performing ensemble. The large 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. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 6-12 grades.

Voice

Voice Foundations 1
A beginning level voice class which focuses on building the foundation of a healthy vocal technique. Topics covered include breathing, posture, diction and interpretation. Proper vocal technique is demonstrated through the learning and performance of unison and two-part choral music. A wide variety of vocal music styles and genres are explored. The students learn to sight-read simple passages through the use of solfege hand-signs and syllables and basic music theory is addressed. Pre-requisites: None. 6-8 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-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. 6-12 grades.

Men's Choir
A continuation of Voice Foundations 1 with a further application of proper singing techniques. Class is designed for male singers. Students learn vowel production, consonant production, 2-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. 6-12 grades.

Concert Choir
Advanced ensembles that study, learn, and perform multi-part music from a wide variety of styles and cultures. This course focuses on advanced musicianship and sound vocal technique. Pre-requisites: Audition only. Instructor permission is required. 6-12 grades.

Chamber Singers
An advanced audition only choral ensemble. Singers are exposed to the finest choral repertoire of the last five centuries. Rehearsals stress precision in attack, release, balance, blend, and intonation at a very high level. The result is frequently the standard of a four-year college. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 8-12 grades.