Program Updates – Art & Music – October 2024
Art Update:
And we’re off! Off to a creative start in the art room!
First there’s the 6th grade introduction to drawing which they can tell you is all about eye-hand coordination. We had fun using our drawing skills in a game called Exquisite Corpse (a term derived, naturally, from the Surrealists). Then it was on to our first project, an accordion book which displays the Elements of Art. There will be a page dedicated to each element and we’ll explore many of the supplies the art room offers. (In case you’re wondering, the elements of art are, line, shape, color, value, texture, form, and space.)
The 7th grade did a review of drawing then began a watercolor project celebrating flowers. They learned that as far back as the middle ages, flowers have been used to convey messages filled with a wide variety of emotions. We looked at artists throughout Art History who used flowers in their work, including the iconic Georgia O’keeffe. We sketched out flowers – making them really big – then applied “resist” for a batik-like effect. We let the “water do the work” while mixing colors and used a variety of painting techniques including salt sprinkles and sponging.
The 8th graders have begun their semester-long Altered Book project which they’ve eagerly anticipated since 6th grade. They have the freedom to use the art room as their personal studio. They are working on individual projects to include in their books using an eclectic mix of supplies collected specifically for this artapalooza extravaganza..
And of course we do need a dance break now and again!
Beyond these planned projects, the art room is a hub of activity during lunch time, with students engaging in freestyle art projects.
Finally, our inaugural Art Club meeting last week focused on creating painted rocks.
Music Update:
6th Grade:
It has been such a fun few weeks getting to know the 6th graders and seeing what instrument they gravitate towards. Before OE, students were introduced to the instruments offered here at Explorer West and they got to try any instrument they might be interested in playing. After OE, students made their instrument selection and started to learn how to read basic rhythms and pitches. They also began their journey into choral singing by learning some fun choir warm ups and playing games that required keeping steady beats. Their excitement in learning about music has been such a fun way to start the year and I am looking forward to them starting on their instrument on October 1st.
7th Grade:
In 7th grade, students have been working on developing strong foundations of air control in band and using long bow strokes in orchestra. Both groups have been working on ear training by listening to one another for pitch and tuning. In both band and orchestra, students have three new pieces of music in addition to their warm ups and music book. Pieces were selected as a step up from the music from Spring Arts night with challenging new rhythms and pitches for each instrument, and a solo thrown in here and there. This past Thursday, students started brainstorming ideas of music that they would like to sing for choir. A lot of fun and interesting choices were suggested and I am excited to see what they narrow it down to.
8th Grade:
In 8th grade, students jumped right back into music with challenging pieces consisting of a mix of traditional pieces for band/orchestra and a movie music piece. Students are working on dotted and sixteenth notes in addition to learning more about key signatures, time signatures, accidentals, tempo markings, and syncopated rhythms. This past Friday, students started brainstorming ideas of music that they would like to sing for choir. A lot of fun and interesting choices were suggested and I am excited to see what they narrow it down to.