Specials Program

Specials Programs

Art

Our environment is jam-packed with visual art. In our art classes students will hone their visual vocabulary by using the elements and principles of art in their own work. Students will develop problem-solving skills while creating works of art with a variety of art media. Media for the sixth graders will include some use of computers. Our goal is to help students learn about, appreciate and communicate in the visual world around them.

A portfolio will be kept in the Art Room for each student. This portfolio will contain all the student’s work for the whole school year. Keeping a portfolio helps assess student progress and preparation for art shows and displays. All student work will be returned at the end of the school year.

Information Technology (Fifth Grade Only)

• Basic operations and concepts
  • Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems
  • Students are proficient in the use of technology
• Social, ethical and human issues
  
  • Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology
  • Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software
  • Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity
• Technology productivity tools
  • Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity
  • Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works
• Technology communications tools
  • Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences
  • Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences
• Technology research tools
  • Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
  • Students use technology tools to process data and report results
  • Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness to specific tasks
• Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools
  • Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions
  • Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world

Music

After completing one year of 5th grade music, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate basic breathing techniques and posture
• Demonstrate Solfege note reading
• Sing in unison for pitch matching
• Sing rounds, partner songs, and descants
• Demonstrate proper performance etiquette
• Use proper choral speaking, diction and pronunciation
• Units of study will include:
  • Music of Today
  • Jazz
  • Introduction to Instruments
  • Composers/Musical Eras

Instrumental Music - Sixth Grade

After completing one year of 6th Grade Band or Orchestra, students will be able to:

• Learn to play a band/orchestra instrument of the student's choosing
• Demonstrate care of and assembly of instrument
• Develop understanding of proper playing posture for their instrument
• Produce a quality sound on their instrument
• Identify letter names of notes on the music staff
• Demonstrate proper articulation (slur, tongue, legato, staccato)
• Demonstrate reading and performance of whole note, whole rest, dotted-half note, half note, half rest quarter note, quarter rest and paired eighth notes
• Develop understanding of Duple and Triple meter
• Demonstrate proper performance etiquette
• Play expressively (i.e. loud, soft, fast, slow, phrasing, crescendo and diminuendo)
• Participate in a program performance

There will be two required performances during the year. Additional performance opportunities may be offered. These will be announced several weeks/months in advance.

Because these classes meet only twice per week, at home practice will be absolutely essential to your child's musical success. In order to get the most out of your investment, please be sure your child is setting aside time in their busy schedules every day for at least 15 to 30 minutes of practice.

Vocal Music - Sixth Grade

After completing one year of Vocal Performance Music in 6th grade, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate proper breathing techniques and posture
• Demonstrate Solfege note reading
• Sing in unison for pitch matching
• Sing rounds, partner songs, and descants
• Sing two and three-part songs
• Demonstrate proper performance etiquette
• Demonstrate choral choreography and staging
• Use proper choral speaking, diction and pronunciation
• Demonstrate proper choral techniques: vowel sounds, diction and ensemble singing
• Use expressive speech through drama
• Sing as solo or in small ensembles
• Participate in a program performance

There will be two required performances during the year. Additional performance opportunities may be offered. These will be announced several weeks/months in advance.

Because these classes meet only twice per week, at home practice will be absolutely essential to your child's musical success. In order to get the most out of your investment, please be sure your child is setting aside time in their busy schedules every day for at least 15 minutes of practice.