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Middle School Overview of the Arts Curriculum

Penn Griffin School for the Arts

Overview of the Middle School Performing & Visual Art Programs

 

Band – Ms. Christina Jones, Director (Band is yearlong)

Penn-Griffin School for the Arts Middle School Band program focuses on developing students’ fundamental musical skills through the study of wind and percussion instruments. In sixth grade, students are introduced to the basics of music reading, rhythm, tone production, and instrument care. Instruction emphasizes correct posture, breathing techniques, and ensemble playing. The curriculum aligns with the North Carolina Essential Standards for Music, which promote musical literacy, performance, and critical listening skills.

As students progress into seventh and eighth grades, the band program builds upon these foundational skills with more challenging music and greater emphasis on ensemble performance. Students work on improving tone quality, tuning, articulation, and sight-reading abilities. They are introduced to more complex rhythms, key signatures, and musical forms. These grades often include opportunities for participation in district-level events, such as All-County or All-District Band, where students audition and play with peers from other schools. Repertoire becomes more varied and sophisticated, allowing students to explore different musical styles and historical contexts. The program encourages personal growth, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for music as both an art and a discipline.  

Dance – Ms. Amelia Byrd, Educator (Dance is taught on A-day, B-day schedule)

6th grade: This course is designed as a survey of the fundamentals of dance. Students will engage in physical dance activities designed to focus on the foundational elements of dance including utilizing the dancing body in a variety of ways: shapes, action, space, time, energy, effort, etc. Students will engage in different technique practices including but not limited to jazz, modern, ballet, tap, choreography, improvisation, performance and history. This course is available at certain middle schools with Dance programs.

7th grade: Students will engage in physical dance activities designed to focus on the foundational elements of dance including utilizing the dancing body in a variety of ways: shapes, action, space, time, energy, effort, etc. Students will engage in different technique practices with an increased level of progression from content learned in 6th grade, including but not limited to:

jazz, modern, ballet, tap, choreography, improvisation, performance and history. The course is

offered to seventh-grade students at schools with a dance program.

8th grade: Students will engage in physical dance activities designed to focus on the foundational elements of dance including utilizing the dancing body in a variety of ways: shapes, action, space, time, energy, effort, etc. Students will engage in different technique practices with an increased level of progression from content learned in 7th grade; including but not limited to jazz, modern, ballet, tap, choreography, improvisation, performance and history. The course is offered to eighth-grade students at schools with a dance program

Guitar – Mr. Chris Cloud, Director  (Guitar is taught on A-day, B-day schedule)

In the 6th-grade Guitar course, students are introduced to the basics of guitar playing while developing their overall musicianship. Students will learn essential guitar techniques such as strumming, fingerpicking, and chord formation, while exploring basic music theory concepts like reading standard notation and tablature. The course will cover a range of musical styles, allowing students to experience various genres, from classical to popular music. In addition to individual practice, students will participate in group performances, fostering collaboration and ensemble skills. Through guided instruction and hands-on activities, students will strengthen their understanding of rhythm, melody, harmony, and dynamics. This course encourages creative expression and critical thinking. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in guitar playing and a deeper appreciation for music as an art form.

The 7th-grade Guitar course builds on the skills introduced in the previous year, offering students an opportunity to expand their guitar playing techniques and deepen their musical understanding. Students will explore more complex chord progressions, fingerpicking patterns, and scales, while continuing to develop their ability to read standard notation, tablature, and chord charts. The course introduces improvisation and basic songwriting techniques, encouraging creativity and self-expression. Students will explore a broader range of genres, from folk and rock to jazz and blues, connecting these styles to historical and cultural contexts. Group performance remains a central focus, with students working together to perform as part of a guitar ensemble, fostering collaboration and teamwork. At the end of the course, students will have improved technical skills, a deeper understanding of music theory, and an increased ability to analyze and perform diverse musical styles.

The 8th-grade Guitar course offers students the opportunity to refine their guitar playing skills and explore advanced musical concepts. Students will delve into advanced fingerpicking, barre chords, solo playing, and improvisation, while continuing to enhance their ability to read and interpret standard notation, tablature, and chord charts. The course expands into more intricate genres such as jazz, classical, and world music, allowing students to explore the guitar’s versatility across different musical traditions. Composition and arranging become key components, with students encouraged to create original music and perform both solo and in ensemble settings. Technology is integrated into the course, with students learning basic recording techniques and digital music tools. By the end of the year, students will have achieved a greater mastery of the guitar, deeper music literacy, and the ability to critically engage with and perform complex pieces.

Modern Music Production – Mr. Chiwahn Walden, Director (MMP is taught on A-day, B-day schedule)

·         A deep dive into the world of modern music production. Our program helps foster creativity & artistic expression by providing students access to industry veterans, and state of the art recording equipment, and an introduction to the fundamentals of producing music. “Modern Music Production" helps lift the veil of the mysterious world of the recording industry. Our youth learn how to create, track, mix & master their own music and the projects of various hand selected clients from the community. MMP covers all aspects of the recording process, from the idea inside your head to putting the finishing touches on your master using outboard gear. This is a one of the kind program and studio that you do not want to miss out on.

·         D.A.W.S we use 

·         (Pro-tools , Ableton , Fl Studio , Logic Pro, & Soundtrap)

·         Our available outboard gear ranges from Neve 1073’s, SSL Bus+  to AMS reverb units

 

Music Appreciation – Dr. Matt Wilson, Educator (Music Production is taught on A-day, B-day schedule)

Music Appreciation provides an overview of the various elements that come together to create music. This includes rhythm, pitch, texture, dynamics, etc. We will also learn about a wide variety of musical genres as well as music from around the world. 

Orchestra – Mr. Damien Miles, Director (Orchestra is yearlong)

6th grade: This course is open to all sixth-grade students regardless of their level of experience with playing string instruments. It emphasizes the fundamental skills necessary to play a bowed string instrument (violin, viola, cello and double bass) in an ensemble setting. Students in this class participate in performances several times a year. It is encouraged for guardians to secure an instrument for their student.

7th grade: This course will build on skills taught in the sixth grade. Previous experience is preferred. The musical literature, techniques and concepts studied reflect an intermediate level and skill necessary to play a bowed string instrument (violin, viola, cello and double bass) in an ensemble setting. Students in this class participate in performances several times a year. While some instruments are available through the school including large and/or expensive instruments, parents are encouraged to secure an instrument for their student. Students will be encouraged to audition for local, regional, and state-wide honor orchestras.

8th grade: This course is open to all eighth-grade students with previous string experience. Students will begin a more advanced study of music, concepts, and literature. Students will be encouraged to audition for local, regional, and state-wide honor orchestras. Groups are involved in performance related activities throughout the school year. It is encouraged for guardians to secure an instrument for their student.

Photography – Ms. Jasmine Joyner, Educator (Photography is taught on A-day, B-day schedule)

Photographic Design offers students the opportunity to develop photographic skills, focusing on design principles and digital editing. Using cell phones and DSLR cameras, Middle School students will explore composition, lighting, and storytelling through photography while learning to create visually compelling images.

Piano – Taught by Ms. Jones, Mr. Miles, and Ms. Poteat

The 6th grade piano is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of piano playing, focusing on both technical skills and musicality. It provides an opportunity for students to engage with music in a structured yet creative environment, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts. In this course, students will develop proper technique, musical literacy, creativity and improvisation, performance and expression will expose students to a diverse repertoire. Students will be introduced to the role of the piano in different genres and cultures including listening activities and discussions that explore the global impact of the piano in music history. It is open to students in schools with Piano courses.

Building on the foundational skills from the 6th grade piano course, the 7th grade piano curriculum focuses on advancing technical proficiency, musical literacy, and creative expression. Students will refine their piano technique, deepen their understanding of musical notation, and further explore the expressive possibilities of the instrument. This course continues to foster a structured yet creative learning environment, encouraging students to grow both as performers and thoughtful musicians. Students will expand their repertoire to include more complex pieces, spanning various musical genres and cultures. Emphasis will be placed on interpretation, phrasing, and dynamic control, enabling students to bring greater expression and individuality to their performances. It is open to students in schools with Piano courses

The 8th grade piano course is designed for students who have a solid foundation in piano technique and musical literacy, aiming to further refine their skills and deepen their musical understanding. This course focuses on advanced technique, musical interpretation, and creative exploration through both performance and composition. Students will be encouraged to develop their individual musical voice while continuing to engage with a diverse repertoire and cultural contexts. As students progress, they will encounter more challenging technical exercises and repertoire that require greater attention to detail, expression, and musicality. This course places an emphasis on interpreting complex pieces and connecting technical skills with artistic expression, preparing students for more independent music-making. This is available at schools with piano courses.

Theatre – Mr. Keaton Brower, Director (Theatre is taught on A-day, B-day schedule)

In 6th grade, students learn about improvisation, masks, projection and articulation, theatre history through the year 1400, and other topics.


7th graders advance their improv skills, begin to explore the works of William Shakespeare, study theatre history from 1400-present, and learn about musical theatre and its origins in the United States.

8th grade students work on monologues and scene studies and learn about North Carolina theatre history, including the state's tradition of outdoor historical drama. They also explore Laban Movement Analysis as a tool for both acting and creating original work.

Throughout the middle school program, students learn about the many types of jobs, organizations, and businesses in the theatre industry. They are also challenged to identify theatre connections to other art forms and fields of study.

Visual Art – Mr. Richard O’Hara, Educator (Visual Art is taught on A-day, B-day schedule)

6th grade: This course is open to sixth-grade students interested in exploring basic art techniques and media. It emphasizes elements of art and design, along with opportunities for enhancing critical-thinking and writing skills.

7th grade: The course is designed for seventh-grade students who have a strong interest in art. They will focus on elements and principles of art and design. Students will be encouraged to explore a variety of activities designed to stimulate active participation in the creative process through verbal, written, and visual communication.

8th grade: This course is open to eighth-grade students who have a strong interest in art. It is recommended but not required that they successfully complete seventh-grade art before enrolling. These students will develop a more extensive understanding of the elements and principles of art and design, along with opportunities for enhancing critical-thinking, collaborative, creative and writing skills.

Vocal Music – Ms. Jada Poteat, Director (Vocal Music is taught on A-day, B-day schedule)

6th grade: This course is open to all interested sixth graders. Students will begin a more in-depth study of vocal technique and choral literature and will develop fundamental skills of music literacy. Students will be encouraged to audition for local, regional, and state-wide vocal ensembles. Groups are involved in performance-related activities throughout the school year.

7th grade: This course is open to all interested seventh graders. Students will begin a more in-depth study of vocal technique and choral. Students will be encouraged to audition for local, regional, and state-wide honor vocal ensembles. Groups are involved in performance related activities throughout the school year.

8th grade: This course is open to all eighth-grade students with a strong interest. Students will begin a more advanced study of music, vocal concepts, and literature. Students will be encouraged to audition for local, regional, and state-wide honor vocal ensembles. Groups are involved in performance related activities throughout the school year.