Choir with Mrs. Koester
Grade 6
The 6th grade choir is a beginning vocal performing group with an emphasis on the development of the voice, music reading and music appreciation. 6th grade choir is a place that welcomes all voices to explore and learn about the joys of group singing. We focus on finding our voice, learning the basics of music theory, sight reading and how to be an excellent performer! Students have the opportunity to sing every day in class, as well as perform for three concerts throughout the year.
Come sing with us!
Grade 7
7th Grade choir is an intermediate vocal performing ensemble, but all singers, regardless of experience, are welcome! This year further explores the development of the changing voice, proper vocal production, music reading, music appreciation, sight reading and sight singing skills. The 7th grade choir has the opportunity to perform in concerts at the Sue Harder Performing Arts Center, as well as the opportunity to participate in outside school performances.
Grade 8
8th grade choir is the top performing choir at the middle school, but all singers regardless of experience are welcome. This year focuses on the highest level of repertoire, and continues to develop the singer through teaching a variety of choral styles, sight reading, music theory, and music appreciation. Students in this class will have performances at the Sue Harder Performing Arts Centers as well as opportunities to perform outside of the school day.
Orchestra with Ms. Emmons and Mr. Boden
Grade 6
This is the first course in the three course orchestra sequence. Orchestra 6 is a performing ensemble for string instruments in which there is a strong focus on the fundamentals of music performance. Students apply the skills and knowledge developed in this course through three required public performances. Although the curriculum is designed for students with at least one year of playing experience, students with no prior instrumental experience may participate.
Grade 7
This is the second course in the three course orchestra sequence. Orchestra 7 is a performance-based ensemble for string instruments that continues to build upon the fundamentals of music performance established the previous year. This ensemble has a greater focus on the application of increasingly complex skills and knowledge through the study and performance of high quality string orchestra music. There are three required public performances throughout the year. Although the curriculum is designed for students with at least two years of playing experience, it is possible for students with no prior instrumental experience to participate.
Grade 8
This is the third course in the three course orchestra sequence. Orchestra 8 is a performance-based ensemble for string instruments that continues to develop music performance skills with an emphasis on the study and performance of high quality, challenging string orchestra music. This course will help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to function as independent musicians through high school and beyond. There are three required public performances throughout the year.
Extracurricular
IHMS Rockestra is an auditioned group that focuses on all creative aspects of performing rock music - from advanced alternative style bowings to electric instruments to lighting and sound to choreography. Traditional string instruments plus drum set and keyboard comprise the group.
Band with Mr. Hardy and Mr. Barker
Grade 6
This is the first course in the three course band sequence. Band 6 is a performing ensemble for wind and percussion instruments in which there is a strong focus on the fundamentals of music performance. Students apply the skills and knowledge developed in this course through three required public performances. Although the curriculum is designed for students with at least one year of playing experience, students with no prior instrumental experience may participate.
Grade 7
This is the second course in the three course band sequence. Band 7 is a performance-based ensemble for wind and percussion instruments that continues to build upon the fundamentals of music performance established the previous year. This ensemble has a greater focus on the application of increasingly complex skills and knowledge through the study and performance of high quality wind and percussion music. There are three required public performances throughout the year. Although the curriculum is designed for students with at least two years of playing experience, it is possible for students with no prior instrumental experience to participate.
Grade 8
This is the third course in the three course band sequence. Band 8 is a performance-based ensemble for wind and percussion instruments that continues to develop music performance skills with an emphasis on the study and performance of high quality, challenging wind and percussion music. This course will help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to function as independent musicians through high school and beyond. There are three required public performances throughout the year.
Extracurricular
Middle School Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble is an extracurricular performing ensemble that rehearses after school. Any wind instrument may participate, but the group also includes piano, keyboards, bass, drumset, and sometimes guitar. Students will need to pass an audition to be admitted. The focus of this ensemble is the performance of jazz and related styles of music.
Visual Art with Ms. Blom and Ms. Ensor
Grade 6
This semester in Art, students will discover how exciting and enriching the visual arts can be as they experience a variety of media and techniques. The young artist will be encouraged to explore their own creative potential through a variety of art forms, including painting, drawing, ceramics, and fiber arts. Students will have many opportunities to encounter and understand the art of their times as well as that of other eras and cultures. Through this course all the students will cultivate an appreciation for art and more fully develop their capabilities as an artist and a critical thinker.
Grade 7 — Art 2D 3D Design
Students will improve their ability to work realistically through a variety of assignments, such as drawing, portraiture and acrylic painting with a focus on composition and the elements & principles of design. Students will also explore three-dimensional art through ceramics and/or sculpture. Students will learn about and be inspired by a variety of artists from both the past and the present. Creativity, composition, craftsmanship and effort are part of every assignment. Art is a form of visual communication; therefore, students will use a daily art journal to write about and discuss their artwork, art making practices, other artists, cultural art traditions, and art history.
Grade 7 — Studio Art
This course focuses on fundamental skills and techniques. Students will explore the elements and principles of design and learn the foundations of creating strong compositions. Students will learn new techniques such as two-point perspective, graphic design, printmaking, and how to paint in a different artistic style. Clay and/or sculpture will also be incorporated. Creativity, composition, craftsmanship and effort are part of every assignment. Art is a form of visual communication; therefore, students will use a daily art journal to write about and discuss their artwork, art making practices, other artists, cultural art traditions, and art history.
Grade 8 — Elective Art Courses: Cartooning and Design
This 2D drawing class is designed for any student who is interested in different styles of drawing such as cartooning, illustration and design. Through the use of cartooning/ illustration students will gain experience communicating messages, ideas and content. Through design students will gain insight into perspective drawing, composition and drawing the human figure. Students will work with popular mediums such as color pencil, watercolor, ink and a combination of these mediums. This course will be supported by research and study of past and current artists as well as written student reflection.
Grade 8 — Painting and Drawing
Through Drawing students will develop foundational skills and refine their technique. Students will explore various aspects of drawing, including line, shape, form, value, composition, and perspective. Emphasis will be placed on observational drawing techniques, as well as creative expression. In Painting, students use tempera, acrylic, and watercolor paint to learn about color mixing, elements of design, and self-expression. Painting projects include: portraiture, still life, landscapes, realistic painting and abstract painting.
Grade 8 — Ceramics & Mixed Media
Artists will create 2D and 3D works of art in this course. Mixed Media will focus on drawing and working with a variety of mediums to create a single work of art. Students will be introduced to a range of wet and dry materials commonly used in mixed-media works while employing techniques such as carving, printmaking and collage. Ceramics will focus on works of art made with clay. Ceramic projects will focus on hand-building techniques such as; pinch pots, coil and slab construction. Students will be expected to research concepts, write thoughtful reflections, and create artwork that reflects their focused engagement with the process of making art.
Grade 8 — Digital Art & Photography
This course offers a beginner-friendly introduction to digital art creation using Adobe software. Students will learn essential techniques in digital illustration, photo editing, and graphic design through hands-on projects and guided tutorials. Topics include Adobe Photoshop, digital drawing and painting, photo manipulation, typography, and design principles. In Digital Photography students will be introduced to the medium of photography with a (provided) point-and-shoot digital camera. The course will focus on the fundamentals, such as: composition, design, lighting, editing techniques, and file management. Students will use computer software to edit and create art.
Digital Media with Mr. Nelson
Grade 7
7th grade students have the opportunity to take an Introduction to Media Production class that provides them with both the experiential and a 'wide-angle' understanding of the methodology behind the creation of modern digital media. Throughout the semester, students will learn how to craft their own digital, audio-visual messages via the pre-production, production, post-production stages while utilizing the design thinking process. Within the first weeks, students begin hands-on experience using production software and equipment in the lab. Additionally, they will learn both the business and cultural landscape in which digital media is produced and distributed through strategically paired discussions with each stage of the production process. We will be exploring new topics in each learning unit such as careers, narrative building, aesthetics, media criticism, ethics, media ownership, copyright, AI and internet distribution. Getting students engaged with the topic of mass communications through broad level discussions, debate, and interactive activities is critical to being able to informatively produce, consume and critique modern digital media.
Grade 8
IHMS is in the process of developing an Advanced Media Production course to 8th graders who wish to continue on after the Intro courses. This will begin ideally by Fall 2025. This course will cover advanced editing, graphic design, green screen production, live streaming/recording a middle school bi-weekly announcement show and a "co-op" opportunity in the IHTN Studio at the High School.
Additional Extracurricular Options
MS Theatre Fall Show with Mrs. Marasch-Brinkman and Mr. Cimini
MS Spring Musical with Mrs. Marasch-Brinkman, Mrs. Koester, and Mr. Cimini