Middle School Fine Arts Electives
Students in Grades 5-8 get to choose two fine arts elective courses each trimester. With choices in art, drama, and music designed to engage students of varying interests, there is something for everyone! Our fine arts teachers are all experienced educators who are also accomplished in their fields of expertise. Course offerings change from year-to-year but the list below will give you an idea of what has been offered in the past.  

Art
Optical Illusion Art & Artists
What is an optical illusion? Come find out where math, science and art intersect!  We will study Op Art including the works of artists like M.C. Escher and Josef Albers.  You will even get to try your hand at creating an optical illusion.

Observational Drawing
Do you want to develop your drawing techniques?  This class may be for you.  In this course you will complete a drawing journal as you study various drawing techniques and materials. You will select a subject, material and technique to render an observational drawing as a final project.

3-D Design; Vessel Making & Sculpture
In this class you will learn the proper techniques for hand building with clay and practice making several kinds of vessels.  You will also have the opportunity to learn about other sculptural techniques and try your hand at creating a sculpture as well.  

Impressionism; The Art & The Artists
What is Impressionism?  Who are the innovative artists behind this much loved artistic style?  We will take a trip back in time and discover the answers to these questions and more.  We will also try our own hand at creating a work in this style! 

Design & Patterns
What are the components of a good design?  We will explore design making and pattern making as we look at examples, learn techniques, and create our own designs! 

20th Century Realism
Do you like realistic art?  Would you like to learn a bit about this type of art and some of the artists who work in this style?  In this class we will look at the work and lives of several 20th century artists including Georgia O'Keeffe, Norman Rockwell, and Edward Hopper.  What do you think these artists are communicating in their works of art? 

Drama
Improvisation
You asked for it! Calling all you acting bugs, this is the class for you! Nothing but improvs: solo improvs, group improvs, improvs using props, lines of dialog, locations, and physical positions. We will start the class with a brief warm up, and some acting “games” to develop teamwork and observations skills. We will finish with a short skit. 

What is Drama?
What is drama and why do we need it anyway?  When did it start, and where, and why?  No, not the drama you have at home with your parents about getting your homework done!  How does drama fit into your life as a Christian teenager? This is a class for those of you who don’t ever want to go on the stage, but want to understand how theater fits into the world.

The Critic
Have you ever read a movie review and disagreed with the writer? Now is your chance to tell us your opinion! We will attend a performance at the Trinity Rep Theater in Providence.  Students may also choose an approved Script to critique.  Pre-requisite: Must have completed at least one other drama course. 

Backstage
This is the course for artists, and techies! You will pick a play to design a set, costume, or light plot.  I will ask the technical wizards at NEC to give us a lesson about their lights, including running them, hanging them, wiring them, etc. The Artist will enjoy drawing a set or costume design. You will draw a 3-D mock-up of your design, and an overhead design. For costumes, you may either draw your design or sew your costume.  

The Musical!
Join the cast of Cornerstone’s annual musical! 

Choreography
Yes, Dance!  This is for all you dancers!  What a gift!  As you all must know by now, my favorite art is dance, so I am so happy to be teaching this class!  This is the place to practice all the dances in the Musical. So if you want to dance in the musical sign up for this course, and express yourself!

Music
Trash Band
Most of us have enjoyed seeing STOMP or Blue Man Group but, have you ever wondered where they come up with these zany ideas? Discover the art of making music from trash and inanimate objects around you. Study the art of "body percussion", make instruments from re-cycled items, and learn to work together to create an amusing and engaging performance! Pre-requisites: Ability to think outside the box!

Extreme Recorder
The recorder is more than a plastic childhood instrument and holds an esteemed place in the world of Woodwinds. Learn to improvise, tell stories, dance, play Canons, Rounds and Fugues, and play the Recorder the way it is meant to be played. This isn't your "Mary Had A Little Lamb" ensemble! Pre-requisite: Imagination, Intermediate recorder skills and ability to read written music.

Hand Bells 101
Looking for a musical challenge? Come learn the art of hand bells and ensemble playing. Beginning with simple songs, we will work our way into holiday music just in time to celebrate Christmas. Pre-requisite: Intermediate music reading skills, patience, and perseverance.
 

Broadway Singing (Singing for the Soloist)
Wish you could sing a solo? Do your nerves get the best of you before you go onstage? Afraid you will forget the lyrics? Ever dream of landing the lead in a musical? Learn how to prepare your piece and yourself, manage your jitters, remember the words, project your voice and become the best singer God has created you to be. Students will choose one piece to perform at the end of the trimester. Pre-requisites: A willing heart and teachable spirit!