In addition to the many resources found within each of the disciplines, here are some helpful links to assist you with learning more about Oklahoma’s fine arts educational curriculum:

• State Department of Education Curriculum Frameworks
• Oklahoma Fine Arts Academic Standards

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

VISUAL ARTS

Arts & Culture Course (Grades 6-8)

Students taking the exploration of arts in culture class will be examining the various examples of art in human culture. The class will examine how language, architecture, music, and art have played a role in human cultures. Classroom projects and activities will be incorporated within each unit to emphasize the material covered.

Art I (Grades 6-8)

Introduction to the visual language of elements of art and principles of design through project-based learning.

Art II (Grades 6-8)

Students will further develop an understanding of visual language through project-based learning. Projects in both two and three dimensions will build an understanding of elements of art and principles of design.

Art III (Grades 7-8)

Students will explore a variety of media and techniques to refine creative problem-solving skills through elements of art and principles of design. Through both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional project based learning and art history, students will attain appreciation and understanding of themselves and western culture.

Art IV (Grades 7-8)

Students will apply reasoning and critical thinking in an in-depth exploration of visual issues and ideas in a variety of modes and dimensions. Students will enhance perceptual and tactile sensitivity in both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensions, and technical facility while understanding the creative process and developing individual talents.

Advanced Art (Grade 8)

Students will utilize prior knowledge from previous art courses in more advanced ways. They will continue to refine skills and become adept at using related art terms. Higher standards of work will be emphasized at this level. The goal for this level is to produce a quality portfolio suitable for acceptance into Pre-AP Art I in ninth grade. 

THEATRE

Intro to Theater Arts (Grade 6)

In the Intro to Theatre Arts semester course, 6th grade students will develop an awareness of the elements of drama, discover techniques to overcome stage fright, learn audience etiquette, and learn the basics of theatre acting and physicality through ensemble activities and theatre games.

Theatre Arts I (Grades 7-8)

Through active participation in acting games and exercises, seventh and eighth grade students will learn the nature and structure of theatre, and experience first-hand the discipline and confidence needed to perform on the stage. The fundamentals of pantomime, improvisation, stage movement, vocal production, and characterization are covered in this one-semester class.

Theatre Arts II (Grades 7-8)

In this course, advancements in stage movement and characterization will be pursued as well as additional units on audition techniques, scene study, and elements of play production.

Advanced Theatre Arts (Grade 8)

Elements of play production and developing the character for performance are study units which frame the objectives and performance assignments of this course. The Advanced Theatre Arts students participate in the Broken Arrow Middle School Theatre Festival and two theatre productions (one in the fall and one in the spring). After school rehearsals and performances are required. 

BAND/ORCHESTRA

Beginning Band: Beginning Brass, Beginning Woodwinds, Beginning Percussion (Grade 6)

This full-year course is primarily for sixth grade students with no previous instrumental experience. The director must approve each student’s instrument selection prior to enrollment either through one of the program’s band fair events or private meeting. The class concentrates on basic tone production, instrument care, and music-reading skills. Performances include concerts and a parade.

Intermediate Band: Intermediate Brass, Intermediate Woodwinds, Intermediate Percussion (Grade 7)

This year-long course is available primarily for, but not limited to, seventh grade students having one year of instrumental experience. The emphasis is on continued growth of skills learned in Beginning Band, both on an individual and group level. Performances include concerts, a parade, group festival, and optional individual competitions.

Advanced Band (Grade 8)

This full-year course is for students who have two years’ instrumental experience, although there could be special circumstances that would allow very advanced students with only one year of experience to participate in this class. Continued growth of skills is expected, as well as an increasing awareness of phrasing, articulation, dynamics, intonation, and balance. The Advanced Band performs at home football games, concerts, contests, and parades. Individual competitions are encouraged but optional.

Beginning Orchestra (Grade 6)

This is a full-year course primarily for sixth grade students with no previous stringed instrumental experience. The director must approve each student’s instrument selection prior to enrollment through a summer strings class or private meeting. Private instruction is encouraged but not required. The class concentrates on basic tone production, instrument care, and music-reading skills. Students will present 2 required concerts outside of regular school hours. Instruments required to rent or purchase.

Intermediate Orchestra (Grade 7)

This is a full-year course available primarily for but not limited to seventh grade students having one year of stringed instrument experience. The emphasis is on continued growth of skills learned in beginning orchestra, both on an individual and group level. Performances include concerts, festivals, and occasional small ensemble performances. Individual competitions are encouraged but optional.

Advanced Orchestra (Grade 8)

This is a full-year course for students who have two years of stringed instrument experience; although there could be special circumstances that would allow very advanced students with only one year of experience to participate in this class. Director approval for enrollment is required. Continued growth of skills is expected, as well as an increasing awareness of phrasing, articulation, dynamics, intonation, and balance. The advanced orchestra performs annually at concerts, contests, festivals and occasional small ensemble performances. Individual competitions are encouraged but optional. This class may be scheduled separately or combined with the intermediate orchestra. Prior to the end of the school year students may audition for the high school orchestra. 

VOCAL MUSIC

6th Grade Choir

This is a non-audition choir for sixth grade students. The sixth grade choir performs a variety of fun and challenging music as well as learning vocal and singing techniques, performance skills, and music theory instruction. Students will participate in school and community performances.

7th and 8th Grade Choir

This is a non-audition choir for seventh and eighth grade students. The seventh and eighth grade choir performs a variety of fun and challenging music as well as learning vocal and singing techniques, performance skills, and music theory instruction. Students will participate in school and community performances.

6th, 7th, or 8th Grade Show Choir

Show Choir is for students with an exceptional voice and a flair for the dramatic. Membership in this class is based on singing ability and dance experience with an emphasis on vocal and dance productions. Each student will have the opportunity to learn correct singing techniques and combine these with creative movement. Students will be required to attend performances, rehearsals, and competitions which could be outside the school day. These outside activities will be a factor in determination of the grade. There is a required fee of $125-200 depending on number of events in which the site participates. Fundraising opportunities are available to cover the cost.

Men’s Choir (Grades 6-8)

This is a non-audition choir for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade male students. The choir performs a variety of fun and challenging music as well as learning vocal and singing techniques, performance skills, and music theory instruction. Students will participate in school and community performances such as Broken Arrow Men’s Night Out. There is a $50-150 required fee depending on the number of events in which the site participates. Fundraising opportunities are available to cover the cost.