Middle School ARTS

 

The arts are at the heart of the Middle School experience, giving students a dynamic space to explore creativity, self-expression, and collaboration. Whether through music, visual arts, theater, or stagecraft, students develop their artistic skills while building confidence and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.


A Journey Through the Arts

Music is a core part of our curriculum, with every Grade 6 and 7 student participating in either instrumental music (band or strings) or choir. By Grade 8, students can dive even deeper, selecting an arts major in performing or visual arts.

 

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With a range of choices—including choir, band, dance, theater, and strings—students can tailor their experience to their passions.


Each year, the Middle School stages two major productions—a fall play and a spring musical. Open to all students, these productions offer exciting opportunities to shine on stage or contribute behind the scenes through set design, lighting, and stagecraft.


Middle School Instrumentals

Students continue honing their skills in band, strings, and choir, expanding their understanding of musical language and technique. The curriculum explores musical history and culture, blending instrumental training with elements of drama and theater.

For Grade 8 students, choosing a Performing Arts major means immersing themselves in band, strings, choir, or theater. Some students even choose to major in both Performing and Visual Arts, broadening their creative experience.
 

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Middle School Music Program

Building on strong foundational skills from Lower School, the Middle School Music Program introduces instrumentalists to band and strings, where they refine their technique and deepen their understanding of music theory.

No prior experience is required for Beginning Band, making it an inviting space for newcomers. Beyond learning notes and rhythms, students develop teamwork and collaboration through ensemble performances, gaining confidence and a sense of accomplishment along the way.



Middle School Choir Program

The Middle School Choir program is a natural extension of the vocal training introduced in Lower School. With a focus on skill-building and musical growth, choir students work on:

  • Reading notes in treble and bass clefs
  • Identifying solfege based on key signatures
  • Perfecting diction in foreign languages
  • Maintaining steady pulse and rhythmic accuracy

Choir is offered at three levels, based on grade and skill level, ensuring students receive the right level of challenge and support. Through performances and classroom experiences, students grow not only as musicians but as confident learners ready to take on new challenges.

 

Middle School Performances for the 2025-26 School Year

All performances will take place in the Performing Arts Center.

Middle School Fall Play
  • Thursday, November 20 | 7:00-9:00 p.m.
  • Friday, November 21 | 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Middle and Upper School Choral Concert
  • Tuesday, December 9 | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Middle and Upper School Instrumental Concert
  • Tuesday, December 16 | 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Middle and Upper School Cabaret
  • Friday, January 23 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
El Sistema Residency Concert
  • Sunday, April 29 | 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Middle and Upper School Cabaret

  • Thursday, April 9 | 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Middle and Upper School Vocal Concert

  • Tuesday, April 21 | 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Middle and Upper School Choral Concert

  • Tuesday, April 28 | 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Middle and Upper School Band Concert

  • Thursday, April 30 | 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Middle School Musical

  • Thursday, May 14 | 7:00-9:00 p.m.
  • Friday, May 15 | 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Middle and Upper School Strings Concert

  • Tuesday, May 19 | 7:00-8:30 p.m.


Bringing the Arts to Life

From ensemble performances to full-scale theatrical productions, Middle School students experience the arts in action. Whether singing, acting, playing an instrument, or designing a set, they find their creative voice and discover the joy of artistic expression.
 

The arts at King School are more than just classes—they’re an adventure in creativity, collaboration, and personal growth.


 

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Exploring Identity, Promoting Creativity
 

Middle School Art
Middle School is a time for students to refine their artistic skills and embrace personal expression. Through a variety of art forms, students explore their unique identities, build confidence, and develop their artistic voices. By Grade 8, they have the opportunity to dive even deeper by choosing to major in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, or both.
A Hands-On Art Experience

Art classes meet two to three times per rotation, providing students with consistent opportunities to experiment and grow. At each grade level, they take on increasingly complex projects using a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media.

Throughout the program, students:

  • Develop critical thinking skills
  • Take creative risks
  • Build technical proficiency
  • Study the Elements of Art and Principles of Design through art history

Each class culminates in an independent project known as the OPEN Project, where students brainstorm, sketch, practice, and reflect using a digital sketchbook. These original works are then showcased in the OPEN Art Show in the Upper School mezzanine gallery.

Grade 8 Major Course Options

Advanced Art

Open to any Grade 8 student with a passion for art and design, this course builds on foundational skills in drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, and printmaking. Students examine the Elements of Art and Principles of Design while analyzing works from diverse cultures worldwide.

  • Regular critiques encourage reflection, experimentation, and revision
  • An OPEN Project each semester allows for the synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas
  • Evaluation is based on the A&D department’s rubric, focusing on effort, engagement, and participation
  • Prepares students for the Advanced Art track in the Upper School

Exploring Digital Media

For students interested in digital art and design, this full-year major introduces them to:

  • Graphic design
  • Video production
  • Motion graphics
  • Digital photography
  • Digital painting & illustration

Students work hands-on with professional equipment such as cameras and drawing tablets, using industry-standard software to create digital content for video, audio, and the web. The course emphasizes:

  • Collaboration and storytelling
  • Visual literacy and self-expression
  • Hands-on projects and exploration

Like Advanced Art, this course culminates in an OPEN Project, allowing students to showcase their creative growth. Evaluations follow the A&D department’s rubric, ensuring a focus on effort, engagement, and participation. This course prepares students for the Advanced Art track or any Digital Art courses in the Upper School.

 

Middle School Art is more than just learning techniques—it’s about discovering one’s creative identity, taking bold risks, and sharing a unique vision with the world.

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