Instrumental Ensemble I

Instrumental Ensemble I is open to all instruments including strings, woodwinds, brass and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, percussion). This performing arts course strives to build a strong foundation for the student musician. Students will study and play a wide range of repertoire with a focus on building technical skills while exploring the cultural and historical context of the repertoire. This course utilizes components from the classical music traditions and contemporary styles from blues to rock and pop as vehicles to develop students’ technique and creative processes. Class material will integrate music theory, instrumental technique, rehearsal/performance skills, and improvisation skills. The ensemble will perform in formal mandatory concerts throughout the year. Students should be capable of playing their instrument independently with at least one full year of private lessons and/or ensemble experience. Students who are new to Beaver will be contacted by a faculty member prior to the beginning of the school year to ensure proper ensemble placement. Weekly individual instrumental lessons are not required, but are available on campus to students for an additional fee. Students who are on financial aid at Beaver have the same percentage of aid applied to private lessons. Students interested in taking more than one art class should reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to discuss possible options. Two Term Course Prerequisite: One year experience with private lessons and/or ensemble experience.

Music

As part of our Instrumental Music curriculum, all students learn how to play an instrument or hone their skills if they are already accomplished musicians.  Using orchestra and chorus as a model for collaboration, students learn instrument technique and musicianship skills through practicing and rehearsing a range of repertoire. They begin by test driving each instrument (trumpet, trombone, tuba, cello, violin, viola, voice, flute, clarinet) before being matched with an ensemble, taking into consideration the student’s interest, feedback from the teachers, and the needs of the ensemble.  Those with previous experience in percussion can audition to join the percussion section which joins with the brass and woodwind ensembles for their combined rehearsals. The ensembles comprising 6th, 7th, and 8th grades are highly differentiated, allowing beginners and advanced students to thrive together by learning multiple parts of the same piece of music. Although this is a music program that builds technical skills and artistry, the impact goes far beyond music, focusing on collaboration, creative problem solving, empathy, and leadership skills.

Theater Arts 8

In 8th grade, students practice theatre as a collaborative art form, learning more about the processes of making, developing, and performing theater. Students work to create believable characters through improvisation and scripted work, express themselves physically and vocally, write and develop original dramatic work that is linked to or informed by other disciplines, and explore the roles and responsibilities of the director. Through ensemble games and warm-ups, students continue to develop an awareness of and responsibility for the ensemble and to build their collaboration skills. Students also continue to expand their ability to evaluate and shape their own work, as well as the work of others, through continuous feedback, critique, and reflection. The culmination of the class is a self-designed Final Project, where students create, rehearse, and present a body of work that represents their growth and understanding as a Theater Arts student.

Visual Arts 8

How can I begin to navigate this world using visual art and process as a starting point? In 8th grade, students continue to build upon their brainstorming skills and  learn about artists as they respond to themes such as Time, Text in Art, Creating Space, and Objects in/as Art . The line between art and daily life can be blurry at times as students react to nontraditional materials and processes. 

Theater Arts 7

In 7th grade, students explore and refine their skills as actors, collaborators, and performers, learning how to create spontaneously, rehearse effectively, and perform with confidence. Students practice and perform improvised scenes, learn and demonstrate a variety of stage combat techniques, develop their ability to create a character with the help of background details and an objective, and explore the role of the designer in the artistic process. Students build relationships with one another and strengthen an ensemble that collaborates effectively, focusing on trust, risk-taking, and listening skills. Students also learn the importance of feedback and reflection in shaping their work and have the opportunity to practice these essential skills through writing and discussion.

Visual Arts 7

In 7th grade, students begin to incorporate themselves into their work. Memories, experiences, and emotions slowly make their way into the art making process. Materials continue to play an important role as we join a personal component to the students’ work. This is the groundwork for helping students develop the skills they need to express themselves effectively through their art. Communicating through visual art is a tool that will continue to be a focus as students move through Middle School and Upper School.

Theater Arts 6

In 6th grade, students develop an understanding of theater as a collaborative art form and work to create a supportive, trusting, and cooperative ensemble. Through theater games and activities, students learn the importance of communication and problem-solving and grow more confident as collaborators and performers.  Students also explore physicality and vocal expression, combining these skills to create unique characters, and they are introduced to the various jobs and responsibilities in a theater production. Lastly, students develop their listening, critical thinking, and reflection skills by learning to give and receive feedback as an essential part of the artistic process.

Visual Arts 6

Sixth graders are encouraged to begin to value their art making process over their product as they move through projects dealing with ideas around visual mapping and composition, characters, repetition, scale, and perspective. Students are given a lot of freedom to take their work in directions that interest them. This approach is designed to produce engaged young artists who are excited about their work.