Balance of Learning, Understanding and Exploring
Fine Arts
THEATRE ARTS
This course provides an avenue for artistic expression through the elements of drama and conventions of theatre. Students will work effectively in a group, improving their self-esteem and enhancing communication skills as they continue to build an ensemble. This course provides a learning experience for which student actors will explore imagination through pantomime, movement, improvisation, storytelling, character development, monologues, and scene performances. In addition to theater-specific skills and knowledge, students will expand their knowledge of theatre history. Through in-class performances, individual / group presentations and artistic practices, students learn to accept constructive criticism, revise personal views to promote creative and critical thinking and develop the ability to appreciate, construct and evaluate live glee.
EXPLORING MUSICAL THEATRE
Welcome to the magical world of musical theatre! In this course, students will explore the fundamentals of musical theatre performance and production. Through fun and interactive activities, students will learn about singing, acting, and dancing while discovering the magic of storytelling through song and dance. From learning basic vocal techniques to experimenting with movement and expression, students will develop their confidence and creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment. This course will culminate a showcase where students will have the opportunity to shine on stage and share their newfound talents with family and friends. Join us for a journey full of laughter, learning, and lots of applause!
ADVANCED THEATRE
This advanced course provides a natural progression into further studies in Theatre. Students will continue to strengthen their acting skills in a variety of theatrical experiences. This course provides opportunities for talented students to fully develop their artistic abilities, instilling in each student a working knowledge of the theatre arts and a greater appreciation for all theatre, including performing, design, stagecraft, theatre history, dramatic theory, and directing. Emphasis is placed on the development of self-discipline, group participation, research and writing, and time management skills.
MUSICAL THEATRE
In this course students will be able to explore storytelling through song. The majority of the course involves creating, rehearsing, and performing musical numbers. Students perform solos, duets, trios, and ensemble numbers, and direct and choreograph for their classmates. A portion of the course develops musical theatre appreciation as students learn about Broadway history and tradition while watching performances from different musical theatre genres and composers. Students enrolling in Musical Theatre should feel comfortable performing onstage, which is a required component of the class. Students will prepare for competitions, where they will showcase their talents and creativity to a wider audience. In addition to competitions, students will also participate in a variety of performances, including full-scale musical productions and showcases.
VOCAL ENSEMBLE - GLEE
This course will touch on voice production fundamentals: correct posture, use and control of breath, placement and development of tone, diction (vowels and consonants), and vocal expression. A variety of popular musical styles including musical theater excerpts will be studied and performed. May include special lectures by faculty and guest artists.
BEGINNER DANCE TECHNIQUE (Dance/PE Level 1)
This class is designed for beginner dance students. Students will learn/practice the basics of dance while learning to create and express themselves through improvisation, composition, and performance. Students study several styles of dance in their historical and cultural contexts, including ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, jazz/funk, tap and various cultural genres. Students will perform with the Dance Preparatory in school productions. Performances will take place in the Winter and Spring Showcases.
INTERMEDIATE DANCE (Dance/PE Level 2)
This class is designed for intermediate dance students. Students create and express themselves through improvisation, composition, and performance. Students study several styles of dance in their historical and cultural contexts, including ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, jazz/funk, tap and various cultural genres. Students analyze, compare, and contrast their work and critique their artistic development. Students will choreograph and perform in school productions. Students will perform with the Dance Preparatory in school productions. Performances will take place in the Winter and Spring Showcases.
ADVANCE DANCE PERFORMANCE & COMPETITION TEAM (Dance/PE Level 3)
Participation is a commitment as it is strongly encouraged to participate in outside training in ballet and contemporary dance genres to compete at this level. Please carefully consider the team expectations before selecting to audition. Auditioning information will be emailed to those students selecting this course.
• Perform for Pep Rallies and Homecoming – Fall Semester
• Perform with the Dance Preparatory in the Winter Showcase
• Compete at least in one regional event – Spring Semester
• Perform with the Dance Preparatory in the Spring Showcase
Bootcamp will be held the last two weeks of summer where students will work with the director to learn dances that will be performed during pep-rallies. Schedule of competitions and performances will be announced at the parent welcome meeting. Students will meet other dancers on the team, receive quality training and have a blast!
EXPLORATORY BAND
Exploratory band is a semester course for students with limited or no experience playing a band instrument. Students will learn to play a band instrument, or further develop their playing skills. This course is perfect for students who would enjoy the band experience, but who don't wish to commit to a full-year course. Instruments and music will be provided.
MUSIC APPRECIATION
Music Appreciation is a course where students will explore music’s various functionalities in order to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for all types of music. This course will include various musical topics, music theory, and fundamental instrumental techniques. Instruments and music will be provided for this course.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND
Middle School Band is a full year course. Students with limited experience, as well as those students who already play a band instrument, are welcome to sign up for this course. Students will participate in several band activities, including performances at school and at district festivals. Band students are expected to provide their own instruments, which are easily available for rental or purchase from local music stores. A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for student use.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STRINGS I
❖ Offered: Full year course
❖ This course is open to beginning and returning violin, viola, cello, and bass players with one year or less of experience. In MS Strings I, we will establish all the strings fundamentals: correct playing position and bow hold, music literary, ensemble skills, and home practice techniques. Through daily exercises, games, and performance of a variety of musical styles, we will learn to play beautifully and confidently. Students will have the opportunity to perform together throughout the year at school concerts. MS Strings I is a fantastic steppingstone to future participation in Concert Orchestra.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STRINGS II (CONCERT ORCHESTRA)
❖ Offered: Full year course
❖ This course is open to string instrument players with at least two years of orchestra experience/private instruction. Placement in Concert Orchestra is by audition and at the discretion of the director. The Concert Orchestra is one of the advanced performing ensembles at the Maclay School and focuses on taking strings musicians to their next level. Daily technique drills and a broad variety of musical styles will be used to further advance all aspects of musicianship. Students will perform regularly in school concerts as well as in outreach events for the Tallahassee community. The Maclay Concert Orchestra will have the opportunity to compete in district and state MPA while individuals will be encouraged to audition and participate in district, all-state, and summer orchestra festivals.
MODERN MUSIC PRODUCTION
In this course, we will examine the many facets of creating music in a modern setting. Students will learn basic music theory and chord functions. Then we will explore current popular music genres while learning about the technology used to create them. Students will learn basic introductory levels on instruments such as piano and guitar, and how to use those instruments to create melodies or Harmonic structures. Students will dive into software used by professional audio engineers and producers and learn to record, edit, and export projects in a Digital Audio Workstation. With knowledge acquired in class, students will be encouraged to collaborate with others to write, edit, and produce musical projects.
EXPLORING THROUGH STUDIO ARTS
This intermediate art class emphasizes observation, critical thinking, and creativity. Students explore diverse media and techniques including drawing, design, color theory, and printmaking. By studying historical and contemporary artists, they develop a profound understanding of visual arts. The class nurtures creative thinking, initiative, and expression, enabling students to make informed artistic decisions in problem-solving scenarios. Throughout middle school, visual arts classes utilize a spiraling curriculum that integrates the elements of art, principles of design, and Studio Habits of Mind, fostering holistic artistic growth in accordance with national art education standards.
URBAN AND CONTEMPORARY ART
This course offers a comprehensive study of Urban and Contemporary Art, examining its rich history and major movements. Students will explore themes such as Pop Art, Photorealism, Conceptualism, Minimalism, Performance Art, Installation Art, Earth Art, and Street Art. Through this exploration, students will deepen their appreciation and understanding of visual arts. Some units may involve the use of digital devices like cameras or smartphones. Throughout middle school, visual arts classes employ a spiraling curriculum that incorporates the elements of art, principles of design, and Studio Habits of Mind, facilitating holistic artistic growth.
STUDIO ART IMMERSION INTO 3-D ART AND CERAMICS
This class allows students to engage in hands-on 3D art experiences focusing on observation, critical thinking, and creativity. They explore various media and techniques, with a particular emphasis on clay, paper mâché and sculpture. Through practical exercises, they learn about the science and history of clay, as well as basic hand-building and glazing techniques. Students also gain familiarity with tools and multiple mediums, fostering their individual creative confidence through various projects. Throughout middle school, visual arts classes implement a spiraling curriculum that integrates the elements of art, principles of design, and Studio Habits of Mind, promoting holistic artistic progression.
FOLK, OUTSIDER, AND FOUND OBJECT ART
This class explores the unique perspectives of self-taught artists like Thornton Dial and Sam McMillan, as well as street artists. Using non-traditional materials and found objects, these artists express their messages through assembled creations. Through this course, students will deepen their appreciation and understanding of visual arts. Throughout middle school, visual arts classes employ a spiraling curriculum that incorporates the elements of art, principles of design, and Studio Habits of Mind, facilitating holistic artistic growth.
LAUNCHING INTO VISUAL ARTS
This class will allow students to explore foundational art concepts and techniques. The curriculum covers drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking fostering independent artistic exploration. Through studying global artistic works and famous artists, students develop skills in various mediums while learning about design principles. Throughout middle school, the visual arts curriculum utilizes a spiraling approach, incorporating the elements of art, principles of design, and Studio Habits of Mind to promote comprehensive artistic development.
STEM
ROBOTICS
The course will cover principles of robot design, engineering, troubleshooting, robotic sensors, and computer programming using the Lego Mindstorms Education software. Both a mathematical and an experimental approach are used in solving designed (and sometimes unexpected) problems and challenges. This class will
be an open lab environment with hands-on learning, experimentation, and collaboration of ideas. Students will design, build, program, and troubleshoot their robots, utilizing them in a series of project-based activities and competitions – including elements from the FIRST LEGO LEAGUE Challenges, and a Robo Sumo battle competition/tournament where the creative design component really comes into play.
COMPUTER SCIENCE DISCOVERIES
This is an introductory computer science course with a focus on problem-solving, critical/computational thinking, creative design, and collaboration. The curriculum covers fundamental concepts of Programming, Physical Computing, HTML/CSS, Apps, Animations, and Game creation. Students explore topics of their choosing for a final semester project.
ADVANCED/COMPETITIVE ROBOTICS
This course is focused on preparing students for a variety of Robotic/STEM competitions including the FIRST LEGO LEAGUE Challenge, VEX Robotics Challenge, as well as other competitions or activities that students would like to participate in. Students will work with a variety of Robots and materials including Lego Mindstorms EV3 Robots, Lego Spike Prime Robots, and Vex Robots. Participating in the competitions is not mandatory to take the course (though it is recommended). The curriculum will be primarily focused on preparing and practicing for the challenges, so priority will be given to students that express the desire to be on the Competitive Robotics Team.
HUMANITIES
MYTHOLOGY
In this class, students will learn about different categories of myths and about the cultures those myths belong to. We will discuss what factors influence a culture's mythology and read and talk about the myths. This is a hands-on, interactive class designed for students who are learning about mythology for the first time as well as for those who are interested in learning more about the subject.
LOGIC & DEBATE
Have you ever seen a commercial that claims “4 out of 5 doctors recommend our product!”? Did you think to ask what kind of doctors were asked? Did they ask medical doctors? PhD in English? Veterinarians? Without that information, you can’t make an informed decision about the claim. Students will learn how to create effective arguments, how to test arguments for validity, and recognize and use persuasion techniques. This a great course for anyone who loves to debate!
DISCOVERY