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 Academic Program > Curriculum Guide > Arts
The Sandy Spring Friends School mission statement specifically mentions an enriched program in the arts. For us, this is related to our belief in the development of the whole child, not just the academic life of the child. As a result, we provide a diverse and broad arts program and require students to take classes in more than one subject area. Arts classes in the SSFS Middle School provide opportunities for all students to be involved regardless of experience or ability. They provide an outlet for students to express their creativity and knowledge of the world by giving students the skills to communicate their knowledge in ways other than writing, both within the arts program, and in other classes as well. We believe that the arts provide a larger cultural context for other academics. Through their participation, students engage in an exploration of themselves. They are encouraged to discover gifts that may not be recognized elsewhere, broaden their horizons, and shine individually. In addition to working individually, students also learn valuable group skills. They are asked to appreciate the unique talents of others, work collaboratively and cooperatively, and appreciate the interdependence of group members. Through our arts program, we build community spirit and allow our students to let their lives speak. In sixth grade, all students participate in music, drama, and art classes. They learn about each subject for one trimester. Seventh and eighth grade students are given a choice of arts classes. They are each expected to take two different semester length classes each year. Seventh grade offerings are music, drama, art, and weaving. Eighth grade offerings are music, art, and movement. In addition, chorus and instrumental ensemble are available to all Middle School students. Sixth Grade Arts Offerings Sixth Grade Arts OfferingsMusicStudents in sixth grade improve their music skills through the playing of the recorder as well as a variety of other instruments. Students learn the basics of music notation and practice music writing skills. Sixth grade students study and listen to a wide variety of music with an emphasis on major periods, styles, and composers. DramaThrough theatre games and exercises we explore our focus, concentration, listening, and improvisation skills. Our goal is to develop each person as a storyteller, and to begin exploring the tools we all need for effective communication. Art
Chorus and Instrumental EnsembleAll students in sixth grade participate in chorus. Students are placed in chorus for one half of the school year and perform in Middle School concerts as well as a variety of other school events. Sixth grade students may choose to join chorus for the entire year. Students who play band or orchestra instruments are welcome to join our instrumental ensemble. Seventh Grade Arts OfferingsMusicSeventh grade music students participate in the playing of handbells as well as a variety of other instruments. Students study and play music representing a number of different styles and have opportunities to create their own original music. The skills of writing music and the use of music notation are practiced throughout the class. Students listen to various types of music with an emphasis on improving their music listening skills as well as their overall understanding of music. The class performs music for handbells at a Middle School concert at the end of the semester. DramaSeventh grade drama provides opportunities for self-exploration and expression through the dramatic arts, helping the students identify and define the necessary elements for effective communication. Students have the opportunity to write and perform original monologues and scenes that inform the audience of thoughts, ideas, and stories that the students feel are important or interesting. They engage in improvisation games and exercises that help build self-confidence and stimulate creativity. The final weeks of the course are spent preparing for their public performance, comprised of samples of student work, and presented at the end of the semester. ArtShape, form, and space are the main goal in seventh grade visual art. In those areas the students learn about the three different types of sculpture and understand the process of perspective. At the beginning of the semester the students learn how perspective was started in the Renaissance and discover how it has influenced art. In perspective there are a set of guidelines and the students develop a strong knowledge of the various techniques by drawing random shapes in space. As they gain more confidence the students begin designing cities and illustrating their names. The bulk of the artwork is in three-dimensional sculpture. WeavingBeginning weaving class is open to seventh graders to explore the use of the four-harness floor loom. They warp a loom and weave a sampler, which exposes them to a variety of weaves. Next they plan and measure a project of their choice. This class also explores various fibers, colors, textures, and weaving patterns. Students can weave as many projects as time allows, and are encouraged to enter their finished projects in competition at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival in May. Chorus and Instrumental EnsembleAll seventh grade students are welcome to join chorus. Seventh graders who play band or orchestra instruments are welcome to join instrumental ensemble. Both groups perform at Middle School concerts as well as a variety of other school events. Eighth Grade Arts OfferingsMusicEighth grade music students participate in the playing of handbells as well as a variety of other instruments. Students study and play music representing a number of different styles and have opportunities to create their own original music. The skills of writing music and the use of music notation are practiced throughout the class. Students listen to various types of music with an emphasis on improving their music listening skills as well as their overall understanding of music. The class performs music for handbells at a Middle School concert at the end of the semester. ArtThe students in eighth grade visual arts have a rare and wonderful opportunity to guide their art curriculum and choose the direction of the course. After reviews in drawing, painting, and sculpture techniques, the students are given the chance to work on two or more independent projects. The art medium and technique are their choice, but they must research, plan, and present a project to meet the course requirements. Many projects have been based on artists, a learned technique they want to refine, or curiosity. MovementThe eighth grade movement class explores a variety of styles ranging from modern to swing to breakdancing and improvisation. Students investigate the elements of movement composition and choreography, and eventually prepare an independent project, which is a chance to research a dance culture of interest and present it to the class. At the end of each semester, the students present their work during the Middle School Movement and Drama Evening Performance. Chorus and Instrumental EnsembleAll eighth grade students are welcome to join chorus. Eighth graders who play band or orchestra instruments are welcome to join instrumental ensemble. Both groups perform at Middle School concerts as well as a variety of other school events.
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Using a variety of 20th century artists and their works, the sixth grade students increase their art appreciation and develop a sense for two and three-dimensional art. Many forms of art are experimented with and we develop several projects based on the artists we study. The goal is to give the students background knowledge of the tools and techniques used in the visual arts. They learn the basics of color theory and develop skills in mixing hues, shades, and tints. The students are shown how to organize their thoughts and to develop bright and imaginative ideas.