MIDDLE SCHOOL FINE ARTS OFFERINGS FOR 2020-2021
BAND OFFERINGS
Our Beginning and Intermediate Bands meet as classes in the curriculum during the school day. They are both traditional wind bands that include brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Students are instructed in instrumental technique, music literacy, and performance skills. Beginning Band is for students who have never played a traditional wind band instrument before. Intermediate Band is for students who have had at least one year of school band experience or comparable instruction. No audition is required for either band.
Beginning Band
Beginning Band gives an opportunity for middle school students with no prior experience in a school concert band program to begin the process of learning a concert band instrument. The students are divided between four specialized music instructors for woodwinds, upper brass, low brass, and percussion and are combined as a full band when ready to rehearse concert music. Students learn to read music and develop foundational instrumental technique that can be applied to areas such as musical performance, composition, and improvisation. All sixth through eighth graders are eligible and performances are included in the course. Band instructors will assist each student with placement and instrument selection before the first day of school. BA supplies all Beginning Band instruments, books, music, and supplies free of charge. Contact Matt Nygren at matt_nygren@brentwoodacademy.com.
Intermediate Band
Intermediate Band consists of middle school students who have at least one year of school band experience on a concert band instrument. The students are divided between four specialized music instructors for woodwinds, upper brass, low brass and percussion and are combined as a full band when ready to rehearse concert music. Students continue to develop general music literacy and instrumental technique that can be applied to areas such as musical performance, composition, and improvisation. All sixth through eighth graders are eligible and performances are included in the course. Contact Matt Nygren at matt_nygren@brentwoodacademy.com.
Blues/Jazz Band
Middle school students with at least one year of instrumental experience can join this extracurricular Blues/Jazz class. Students will get an overview of these two musical styles to include performance techniques and an introduction to improvisation. This is an excellent training ground for those who might be interested in auditioning for our upper school jazz and rock bands when the time comes. Unlike the Beginning and Intermediate Band classes, this group does accommodate students who play guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, and drum set. No audition is required, but Mr. Nygren will interview each student to make sure that they are ready for the challenge. This group meets Mondays at 7:00 AM and Fridays at 2:00 PM during Q2, Q3, and Q4. Contact Matt Nygren at matt_nygren@brentwoodacademy.com
CHORAL OFFERINGS
6th/7th Grade Chorus (no audition required)
This performance class is an ensemble focusing on vocal technique, music theory, and music appreciation. We will also develop collaborative skills while working together as an ensemble. Of course, we will sing and perform! Students can expect to improve in vocal and music reading skills. In addition, students will leave this class with a greater appreciation for and understanding of various genres of music, a broadened worldview, and a stronger sense of community as we cultivate the gift of music together. Contact Alissa Suver at alissa_suver@brentwoodacademy.com
8th Grade Chorus (no audition required)
This performance class is an ensemble focusing on vocal technique, music theory, and music appreciation. We will also develop collaborative skills while working together as an ensemble. Of course, we will sing and perform! Students can expect to improve in vocal and music reading skills. In addition, students will leave this class with a greater appreciation for and understanding of various genres of music, a broadened worldview, and a stronger sense of community as we cultivate the gift of music together. Contact Alissa Suver at alissa_suver@brentwoodacademy.com
Academy Juniors (audition required)
This extra-curricular vocal ensemble is auditioned from the middle school chorus elective classes. Selected students have an opportunity to learn more advanced repertoire, ranging from pop to sacred music styles. Students perform for a variety of school and community events. Currently, Academy Juniors are excused from Chorus and study hall one day each week to rehearse. There may be some rehearsals scheduled from 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM on selected days TBA). Auditions are held in August before school begins. Contact Jenny Oldham at jenny_oldham@brentwoodacademy.com
MS DANCE OFFERINGS
Dance PE (no audition required)
This dance offering satisfies the PE requirement for any MS student wanting to improve her dance skills. The class meets Monday-Friday from 2:00 - 3:00 PM. Whether the student is a serious or beginner dancer, they are able to study and develop technique in jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical and hip-hop genres. PE Dance is a semester long requirement. Contact Robyne Kennedy at robyne_kennedy@brentwoodacademy.com
Academy Dancers (audition required)
This group is an auditioned group of intermediate to advanced dancers in grades 6th, 7th and 8th. Although participation in our dance classes is encouraged, girls will NOT be required to be in the BA dance classes in order to audition for Academy Dancers. They must, however, commit to the practice and performance schedule. The Middle School Academy dancers will dance at home (MS) football games, pep rallies, (MS) basketball games, some varsity football and basketball games, and the Spring Dance Show in May. MS Academy Dancers will be required to attend summer dance practices that are mandatory, and each girl will be responsible for the fees as well as dance wear costs to be determined. Dancers of all levels are welcomed at auditions. Please email Robyne Kennedy to obtain a tryout packet. Tryouts this year will be via video submission. Contact Robyne Kennedy at robyne_kennedy@brentwoodacademy.com
MS DRAMA OFFERINGS
Drama 7
Drama 7 is a semester-long elective exploring the fundamentals of theatre. Students will audition for, rehearse, and perform a short play for the entire 7th grade class at the end of the semester. Every student will have a speaking part in the play! Students of Drama 7 learn to collaborate, create a character and perform confidently through engaging activities. Contact Kasey Carmona at kasey_carmona@brentwoodacademy.com.
Middle School Drama Production
The Middle School Drama Production/Musical is open to all rising 6th-8th graders for both acting, singing, dancing, and technical support roles. There is a concentrated rehearsal commitment for cast members from the time of auditions through the last performance. Auditions are typically held in late September/early October and the production will take place late January/early February. Contact Holly Shepherd Urbanowicz at holly_shepherd@brentwoodacademy.com
MS SPEECH OFFERINGS
8th Grade Speech and Debate Elective
In this yearlong elective, students learn the basic principles of speech communication and debate through hands-on exercises and activities. By playing daily improvisational acting games, students build stronger verbal and nonverbal delivery skills. Students will work in competition teams and independently to create arguments and voice opinions. This elective is designed as an opportunity for students to gain confidence, listen critically, and think outside the box. No prior experience in speech and debate is necessary to participate. Contact Kasey Carmona at kasey_carmona@brentwoodacademy.com.
MS Speech Team (Extra-curricular)
Students have the opportunity to attend competitive speech tournaments. There are many opportunities to develop speaking and acting skills in a variety of individual, duo, and group events, including humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, duo acting, poetry, prose, extemporaneous speaking, and more. Contact Kasey Carmona at kasey_carmona@brentwoodacademy.com.
VISUAL ART OFFERINGS
6th Grade Art Exploratory
Art 6 is a course designed for sixth grade students to explore and experience creative expression, critical evaluation, greater self-awareness and appreciation for the inherent value of visual art. This course develops student's sculpting, drawing, designing skills, as well as introduces printmaking and collage. Lessons in art history are incorporated into each project within the curriculum. Each 6th grade student has a rotation in art and has opportunities for work to be exhibited both within the school and local art shows. Contact Janet Laws at janet_laws@brentwoodacademy.com.
Art 7 Elective
Art 7 is a semester-long course which incorporates world geography, culture and customs and examines the role of art throughout the world. Students work in traditional mark-making medium, like pencil, printmaking and paint in both two and three-dimensional formats. They also work with new techniques and mediums like wax resist, batik and Pysanky, (Ukrainian Egg Decoration), plaster frescos and tin repousse, (creating texture and dimension on foil). Students have opportunities for work to be exhibited both within the school and local art competitions. Contact Janet Laws at janet_laws@brentwoodacademy.com.
8th Grade Art Exploratory
Students in the Art 8 exploratory work with the 7 elements of art to produce projects that focus on line, shape, color, texture, space, form and value. Students continue expanding their creative expression, technical development, critical evaluation, and build upon and refine drawing, painting, and designing skills. Each 8th grade student will have a rotation in art and have opportunities for their work to be exhibited both within the school and local art competitions. Contact Janet Laws at janet_laws@brentwoodacademy.com.
Art 8 Elective
Art 8 is a yearlong studio class that affords students a deeper investigation into foundational drawing and painting while strengthening creative vision and technical skills. Projects will provide exploration of mark-making media, photography and ceramics as well as reinforcing concepts learned in previous middle school art classes. Art 8 Elective will encourage students to design imaginative visual expressions while developing their artistic voice, critical thinking and problem solving skills through a wide array of two and three-dimensional media. Students have opportunities for work to be exhibited both within the school and local art competitions. Contact Janet Laws at janet_laws@brentwoodacademy.com.
UPPER SCHOOL FINE ARTS OFFERINGS FOR 2020-2021
BAND OFFERINGS
Concert Band
Concert Band is a continuation of the wind band tract that begins in middle school. Concert Band meets as a class in the curriculum 4 day per week and plays classical, modern, and contemporary wind band music from the best composers and arrangers for school bands. The full band performs a Christmas concert and a spring concert each year. Concert Band members also perform 1 chamber music program each semester as the subsets of the whole band, which are The Woodwind Ensemble, The Brass Ensemble, and The Percussion Ensemble. No Audition is required, but prior school band experience is a pre-requisite. Contact Matt Nygren at matt_nygren@brentwoodacademy.com
Jazz Band
Our Upper School Jazz ensemble meets as a class during the entire school year. Brass and woodwind students must also be in the concert band in order to participate in the Jazz Ensemble. Exceptions are made only for academic scheduling concerns. Guitarists, pianists and drummers who do not play a concert band instrument can participate in jazz band only. Our jazz ensemble is a traditional jazz band covering all of the major jazz styles (swing, latin, be-bop, fusion, etc.) with an emphasis on the theory and skills required for jazz improvisation. This group requires and audition. If you are interested in playing in our Jazz Band next year, contact Matt Nygren at matt_nygren@brentwoodacademy.com. He will work with you to schedule an audition/interview and see if this band is a good fit for you.
Contemporary Music Ensemble/Rock Band
This versatile group plays current pop music, classic rock, and contemporary Christian music and serves instrumentalists who play drums, keyboards, bass, and guitar. This group also meets as a class for the entire year. This group requires and audition. If you are interested in playing in our Rock Band next year, contact Matt Nygren at matt_nygren@brentwoodacademy.com. He will work with you to schedule an audition/interview to see if this band is a good fit for you.
CHORAL OFFERINGS
Chorus (no audition required)
This yearlong performance class is an ensemble focusing on vocal technique, music theory, and music appreciation. We will also develop collaborative skills while working together as an ensemble. Of course, we will sing and perform! Students can expect to improve in vocal and music reading skills. In addition, students will leave this class with a greater appreciation for and understanding of various genres of music, a broadened worldview, and a stronger sense of community as we cultivate the gift of music together. Contact Alissa Suver at alissa_suver@brentwoodacademy.com
Academy Singers
The Academy Singers is a vocal ensemble that meets as a class for the entire school year with the goal of performing, as well as recording a professional quality CD. Students are expected to market and sell CDs of their recording as a part of the class.
Audition Criteria
- Solo Performance - Students will be asked to prepare 30-seconds of a song in any style without accompaniment or tracks. Song choice should allow for the student to demonstrate strength of range and vocal quality, and students should deliver the song with a confident and poised stage presence. It is always a good idea to select a song that has a discernible melody that does not heavily depend on an instrumental track since the solos will be sung a cappella.
- Sight-Reading - Students will be asked to sight-read a short melody, using any neutral syllable (na,na,na) solfege (do re mi fa) or numbers (1, 2, 3). Examples of sight-reading exercises may be found on the Academy Singer website under the AUDITION tab at https://www.academysingers.com/audition.html
- Part-Singing - Students will be asked to sing a harmony part (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone or bass) of a short musical excerpt. The ability to blend, adapt to the musical style, and perform with good intonation (pitch) are important parts of this criterion.
- Stage Presence - Students should sing with good stage presence (visually expressive, able to perform in a convincing manner appropriate to the style of the song.
- Attitude and Commitment - The Academy Singers is a team sport that is only as strong as its weakest link. Each member will be required to commit to learning his/her part, maintain a high moral standard, and a positive attitude throughout the year..
There will be modifications to the audition process for this year due to COVID-19 distancing. Please check the Audition tab AUDITION tab at https://www.academysingers.com/audition.html beginning May 1 to learn updated procedures and sign-up for the audition. Please contact Jenny Oldham at jenny_oldham@brentwoodacademy.com
DANCE OFFERINGS
Dance PE
US Dance is a dance class that receives PE credit. The class meets after school from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The US Dance program offers quality training in all aspects of dance. Whether the student is a serious or beginner dancer, they are able to study and develop technique in jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical and hip-hop genres. PE Dance is a semester long requirement. Specific dancewear items must be purchased to wear to class.
Academy Dancers
Auditions are open to all rising 9th–12th grade girls. There is an intense workout and practice commitment required of this group that will be fully outlined in information available through Mrs. Kennedy. All dancers must commit to the practice and performance schedule. The Upper School Academy Dancers perform at home varsity football games, home basketball games, pep rallies, TSSAA State Dance Competition in November, Nationals in March and the Spring dance show in May. Dancers will be expected to make the necessary time commitment after reviewing details outlined in the tryout packet. US Academy Dancers will be required to attend summer dance practices that are mandatory, and each girl will be responsible for the fees as well as dancewear costs to be determined. Please email Robyne Kennedy to obtain a tryout packet. Tryouts this year will be via video submission. Contact Robyne Kennedy at robyne_kennedy@brentwoodacademy.com.
SPEECH OFFERINGS
Speech
One semester of speech is a graduation requirement for all upper school students. Students will develop their public speaking skills and learn how to research, write, and deliver a variety of speeches. Contact Austin Groves ataustin_groves@brentwoodacademy.com or Kasey Carmona at kasey_carmona@brentwoodacademy.com.
Speech Team (Extra-curricular)
Our competitive Speech Program (formerly known as forensics) provides opportunities for students to develop their speaking and acting skills, allowing them to become confident communicators in any arena. Students prepare, memorize, and present various types of dramatic material, competing locally and nationally against the finest high school speakers in the United States. Tournaments at Universities such as Emory, Yale, and Harvard prepare students for the highest level of competition. Traditionally, Brentwood Academy has excelled in a variety of events such as Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Program Oral Interpretation, Original Oratory, Impromptu Speaking, Informative Speaking, Prose Interpretation, and Poetry Interpretation. Contact Austin Groves at austin_groves@brentwoodacademy.com.
THEATRE OFFERINGS
Set Design
A limited number of students enroll in this year-long fine art elective. Basic carpentry techniques are taught with the goal of designing and producing the sets for three theatrical stage shows throughout the year.Contact Jan Urbanowicz at jan_urbanowicz@brentwoodacademy.com
Theatre Arts
Theatre Arts is a hands-on Fine Arts elective that is an introduction to the understanding, designing, crafting and execution of theatrical productions. Students are taught the basics of theatre terminology, theatre history, and skills required to properly execute the basic theatre production and stagecraft (scenic painting, properties, lighting, sound, costuming and stage make-up). Contact Holly Shepherd at holly_shepherd@brentwoodacademy.com
Fall Play
Our Upper School presents a straight play each fall. Both actors, as well as technical support, will be sought. Auditions are typically held mid-May with rehearsals beginning in late summer just before the school year starts, but they may be postponed due to COVID-19 distancing. The show is scheduled for late September. Contact Holly Shepherd at holly_shepherd@brentwoodacademy.com
Spring Musical
Our upper school musical is presented in April. Rehearsals will run throughout second semester. Auditions for this show will be held in November. In order to audition, students must complete a conflict form outlining any dates for which they will not be available. Contact Holly Shepherd at holly_shepherd@brentwoodacademy.com
VISUAL ART OFFERINGS
Introduction to Art
This beginning level course is designed to introduce students to the elements of art and principles of design through fundamental, yet creative sketchbook and studio projects. Students will learn basic drawing, painting and printmaking techniques and will be introduced to three-dimensional design. The class will focus on the fundamentals of art and will give students an overview of the art history timeline. Open to all students 9-12
Intermediate Studio Art (Prerequisite Intro to Art)
Students will learn techniques in a wider range of media and learn to implement the elements and principles of design and color theory in more comprehensive compositions. One semester will be devoted to drawing, painting, and mixed media, while the other semester will concentrate on three-dimensional media such clay, wood, and plaster. Students will study and complete pieces implementing stylistic characteristics of 20th Century Modernism. Open to grades 10-12
Advanced Media (Prerequisite Intermediate Art)
Students will complete sophisticated projects implementing the elements and principles of design. This course will focus on more advanced media including photography, oils, watercolor, and printmaking. Students will also learn important Photoshop techniques that are essential to developing a well-rounded portfolio. Creative approaches to different types of landscape, still life, figure, and structure will be explored. Open to grades 11-12
Portfolio Development Honors (Prerequisite Advanced Media)
This course is devoted to portfolio development for college preparatory purposes, with an emphasis on designing, innovating, and experimenting with more complex procedures and media. Students will develop a concentration or collection of works related to a common theme. Open to 12th grade
AP Studio Art: 2 D Design (Prerequisite Advanced Media and Recommendation from Mrs. Laws)
Two-Dimensional Design is an AP studio art offering for students who have an interest in pursuing art beyond the high school level. The course encourages creative and systematic investigation of the use of the design elements and principles, and students are asked to demonstrate mastery of 2-D design through any two-dimensional medium or process, including, but not limited to, graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, illustration, painting, and printmaking. Open to 12th grade
