7th & 8th GRADE ADVANCED ART

Advanced Art is for anyone who shows a strong interest and love in the visual arts. This course will take your art ability to the next level by focusing on the history of art and expressing your ideas in a variety of styles and methods. You will create wonderful works of art by using various media such as pencil and charcoal or watercolor and pastels. A sketchbook/journal will be given to you to maintain in addition to your classwork. You will also develop your own portfolio which will include your best work to take with you. If you are passionate about art, then you will love that this course takes you to the next level in your creative journey.

7th & 8th GRADE ART and DESIGN

The Columbia Middle School Art Program is designed to teach students to become critical thinkers and visual problem solvers. 7th and 8th grade students will be able to solve design problems by using visual art structures and functions while leaving room for their own personal ideas and artistic style. The school year involves studio exercises in drawing, painting, printmaking, design, and sculpture. Students will maintain a sketchbook for a variety of drawing assignments to perfect their hand-eye ability and drawing skills.

6th GRADE ART

This class is designed to meet the needs of beginning art students. Basic design principles will be taught as well as drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture techniques. Students who are confident in their drawing ability as well as students who feel like they are unable to draw are encouraged to express themselves to their utmost potential. Students learn the influences of individuals, communities, and cultures on art history. Students will learn to use their personal artistic voice to express ideas, moods, and feelings through art.

7th & 8th CONCERT CHOIR, 6th GRADE CHOIR (NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED FOR EITHER!)

All 7th and 8th grade students are welcome to join the Concert Choir and all 6th graders are welcome to join the 6th Grade Choir. No experience is needed! This is a performance-based class with a minimum of 3 performances per year!  Students who love to sing, use their creative energy, and work with their peers will love this class! In this class, students will improve their skills in music literacy, vocal and performance technique, learn to sight sing, and successfully collaborate with others.  We will also learn the basics of instruments like piano and ukulele. Bring your friends and join our choir!

SYMPHONIC BAND

Grade(s):  7th and 8th Grade

Description: Symphonic Band is a music performance class intended for students with one to two years of experience, but open to any 7th or 8th grade student who wishes to join.  Each student will have the opportunity to learn how to play a band instrument such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet etc.  Students will advance their skills in music performance, music theory, music history, and music appreciation. Students are expected to participate in several concerts each year, both on and off campus.  Students are also eligible for the music department's trip to Disneyland.

STRING ORCHESTRA

Grade(s):  7th and 8th Grade

Description: String Orchestra is a music performance class intended for students who are interested in learning how to play the violin, viola, cello, or string bass.  The course is intended for students with one to two years of performance experience but is also open to any 7th or 8th-grade student who wishes to join.  Students will advance their skills in music performance, music theory, music history, and music appreciation. Students are expected to participate in several concerts each year, both on and off campus.  Students are also eligible for the music department's trip to Disneyland.

AVID 7th and 8th (application required)

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a course that assists students in preparing for their college journey by focusing on college prep skills (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) and college awareness (college and career research, college field trips.)  Students must apply and interview for AVID.

HERITAGE SPEAKERS SPANISH I & II

Do you speak Spanish at home? Do you want to strengthen your reading and writing skills in Spanish?  In this class, we will build Spanish literacy skills and engage in cultural exchanges. We will do this through speaking, writing, reading, listening, and games.

JOURNALISM

In the journalism elective, you will work together with other students to create content for our Bulldog Beacon online newspaper and the CMS Morning Announcements.  Learn to create and edit videos, and improve your public speaking, broadcasting, and writing skills in a fun, engaging, and collaborative environment!