Elective Course Descriptions - Grades 7 & 8

DESCRIPTION OF ELECTIVE COURSES (All electives are not offered at all campuses)

FINE ARTS

BEGINNING BAND	GRADES 6, 7, & 8	FULL YEAR
This class is for students who have had no previous experience in instrumental music. Beginning band classes are composed almost exclusively of 6th grade students, although 7th and 8th graders who did not start band as a 6th grader and now wish to learn to play a wind or percussion instrument may enroll. Students will choose one of the five basic instruments for study: flute, clarinet, saxophone, cornet/trumpet, or trombone. Securing an instrument is the responsibility of each individual student. Used instruments may be purchased or new instruments may be rented from music stores through rental plans. Used instrument prices vary according to the type of instrument and condition. The emphasis in Beginning Band is on the physical performance fundamentals associated with the chosen instrument. All students are expected to gain a basic understanding of music theory, history, and appreciation.
BAND	GRADES 7 & 8	FULL YEAR
There are typically two bands, Symphonic and Concert, in each middle school for 7th and 8th grade students. Placement in the bands is generally based upon a combination of instrumentation and performance ability. In addition to the continued emphasis on physical performance fundamentals, ensemble performance becomes an important component. Regardless of the performance group to which they are assigned, students are expected to increase their working knowledge of music theory, history, and appreciation. Although all of the 7th and 8th grade bands will perform publicly, the Symphonic Band is designated as a performing ensemble and as such, will perform several times during the year. The Symphonic Band will participate in the U.I.L. concert and sight-reading contest in the spring. Symphonic Band membership is by audition. Most students in the Symphonic Band will be 8th graders. Symphonic Band students will have additional rehearsals before or after school, usually once a week, and performances may be scheduled in the evenings and on weekends. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is required as a condition of membership in the Symphonic Band.
BEGINNING ORCHESTRA	GRADES 6, 7, & 8	FULL YEAR
This class is for students who have had no previous experience playing an orchestral stringed instrument. Grade 6 is regarded as the entry level into the orchestra program in Spring Branch and as such, beginning orchestra classes are composed primarily of sixth grade students. It is recommended that students who would like to be in the orchestra program during their middle and/or high school years give serious consideration to starting orchestra in sixth grade, but may begin in grade 7 or 8. Students choose one of the four basic instruments for study: violin, viola, cello, or string bass. The District furnishes a limited number of violas, cellos, and string basses. Violins are furnished by the individual students and may be purchased used or new from music stores through various rental plans. The emphasis in Beginning Orchestra is on the fundamental techniques associated with the chosen instrument. All students are expected to gain a basic understanding of music theory, history, and appreciation.
ORCHESTRA	GRADES 7 & 8	FULL YEAR
The number of seventh and eighth grade orchestras on each middle school campus is determined by enrollment in the program. Typically there are two orchestras: Symphonic and Philharmonic. Placement is generally based upon a combination of instrumentation and performance ability. In addition to the continued emphasis on fundamental techniques, ensemble performance becomes an important component of the course curriculum. Regardless of the performance group to which they are assigned, students are expected to increase their working knowledge of music theory, history, and appreciation. Students will have additional rehearsals before or after school, usually once per week, and performances may be scheduled in the evenings and on weekends. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is required of all students in Orchestra.
CHOIR	GRADES 7 & 8	FULL YEAR
Students in the choir sing as a group and in smaller ensembles The number of choirs offered varies from campus to campus. Placement in one of the following ensembles is based upon an audition with the choir director taking into account student proficiency and interest as well as voicing requirements. Regardless of the performance group to which they are assigned, all students are expected to increase their working knowledge of music theory, history, and appreciation. Students will have additional rehearsals before or after school and performances may be scheduled in the evenings and on weekends. Choirs may perform at UIL contest and SBISD solo and ensemble festival and may audition for All-Region choir, if qualified. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is required of all students in Choir. Treble Choir For girls or boys with unchanged voices Tenor/Bass Choir For boys with changed or changing voices Mixed Choir Treble and Tenor/Bass voices combined which may perform a varied repertoire or focus upon a particular style of music such as madrigal or musical comedy
GENERAL MUSIC	GRADES 7 & 8	ONE-HALF or FULL YEAR
Students will sing; play instruments; increase their working knowledge of music theory, history, and appreciation; and create their own music using computer sequencing and notation programs. Students in General Music classes rarely perform in public.
THEATER ARTS A	GRADES 7 & 8	ONE-HALF YEAR
The student will be provided opportunities to develop sensory use of the body and voice, experiment with imitative and interpretive movement, utilize acting concepts and skills, practice audience etiquette, and attend live theatrical events.
THEATER ARTS B	GRADES 7 & 8	ONE-HALF YEAR
The student will explore acting concepts and skills through the development of basic acting techniques. The student will develop theater production concepts and skills through the production of a play, puppetry, and reader's theater. The student will develop an appreciation of theater by analyzing and evaluating theatrical experiences. Prerequisite: Theater Arts A.