The Art of Expression

Art is a nine-week class as part of our Fine Arts rotation at Sunset Middle School. Students explore different techniques and media including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and clay. See your counselor to sign up for art class.

Sunset offers an extensive Instrumental Music program including a band at every grade level as well as a jazz ensemble. The sixth-grade band is a beginning-level class with an emphasis on proper playing technique and music reading.

The seventh-grade band is an intermediate-level class. This class also emphasizes proper playing technique and music reading, as well as scales and grade Level Two musical literature.

The eighth-grade band is an advanced-level class in which the students continue to develop their playing skills. Technique, music reading, and music theory are the focus as this group explores grade Level Three music.

In Jazz Band, tools of improvisation, including the blues, will be studied. A variety of musical styles, including Swing, Jazz-Rock, Latin, and Ballad, will be performed using a traditional “Big Band” instrumentation. Students may also play in a combo format. All instrumentalists in seventh and eighth grade are encouraged to participate. The jazz band is open to all instruments, not just the standard jazz instruments. The dates and times of rehearsals for Jazz band will be announced at a later date.

Chorus is a year-round ensemble whose goal is to provide opportunities for students to perform literature from a variety of genres, time periods, and vocal styles with stylistic accuracy. In the rehearsal process, students will be challenged not only to be better score readers but also to aurally put together multiple vocal parts.

The Multimedia course is designed to develop and build on computer technology skills. Students will use a variety of computer software and web tools. Topics that will be covered are keyboarding, Google Drive, Microsoft Office, digital citizenship, Internet search skills, and coding. Students will participate in a variety of individual and group projects.

The goal of the Sunset Middle Orchestra is to help students learn life skills, create friendships, and give students a love of music through playing a string instrument.

Orchestra is offered yearlong every year of middle school. Orchestra in sixth grade is a beginning-level class where students will learn proper playing techniques and music reading. Orchestra in seventh grade is an intermediate-level class where students will expand their musical knowledge and playing techniques. Orchestra in eighth grade is an advanced-level class where students will continue to master skills such as vibrato and shifting. Music Theory and Composers are taught every year to give students a holistic view of music.

Orchestra provides students with several performance opportunities throughout the year, such as school concerts and the opportunity to audition for mid-state orchestra. Students in orchestra will also be able to participate in trips to amusement parks where students will be able to compete in order to win a trophy.