• Art

    The 7th grade Art course is taught with an emphasis on understanding and practicing the creative process. Through the exploration of digital and traditional art students reflect on their progression as artists to help them find their strengths.  (9 week Mini)

    The 8th grade Art courses continue the development of creative skills through a more in depth study of the elements of art and principles of design.  (Art 1 and Art 2 - Semester each)

    Band

    7th Grade Band - a continuation of Band from elementary school with strong emphasis on technique and musicality, while playing in a larger ensemble.

    8th Grade Concert Band - a continuation from 7th Grade, 8th graders will play music that will prepare them for high school band.

    8th Grade Symphonic Band -  a continuation from 7th Grade, 8th graders will play more advanced music in preparation of high school band.

    8th Grade Jazz Band (Audition Required) - South Valley’s elite performance ensemble that focuses on Swing, Latin, Rock, and Pop Music.  The group plays at several off-campus performances every year.  Jazz Band students must also be enrolled in Concert or Symphonic Band.

    Choir

    Boys Choir 7th and 8th -This course is a study of beginning and intermediate music concepts: music reading skills with emphasis on solfege, vocal technique with focus on the boy’s changing voice, and performance skills.  No previous experience is required and students will not be required to sing alone.  The purpose of this course is to encourage students to have fun while studying different types of music, including traditional, musical theater, jazz, and popular styles, as well as music in foreign languages.  

    Girls Choir 7-This course is a study of beginning music concepts: music reading skills with emphasis on solfege, vocal technique, and performance skills.  No previous experience is required and students will not be required to sing alone.  The purpose of this course is to encourage students to have fun while studying different types of music, including traditional, musical theater, jazz, and popular styles, as well as music in foreign languages.  

    Girls Choir 8-This course is a study of intermediate music concepts: music reading skills with emphasis on solfege, vocal technique, and performance skills.  No previous experience is required and students will not be required to sing alone.  The purpose of this course is to encourage students to have fun while studying different types of music, including traditional, musical theater, jazz, and popular styles, as well as music in foreign languages.

    Drama

    7th Grade Drama  - Various units of study that include Pantomime, Improvisation, Television Shows, Script Writing, Scene Design, and Performance.  The goal of the class is to create an understanding and appreciation of the Theatre Arts.

    8th Grade Drama - (No Drama Prerequisite) Units of study include performance styles such as Improvisation, History of Theatre & Television, Stage Makeup, Accents, & Performance.

    8th Grade Advanced Drama - (Audition Required)This class is based in performance techniques and includes opportunities to travel.  Focus of study includes Stage Accents, Stage Makeup, Various Acting Techniques, Small & Large Ensemble performances, Student Directing, Audition Preparation, and Lip Sync.

    Industrial Tech

    This course is dedicated to student exploration of various occupational cluster areas.  Those clusters include the areas of Communication, Manufacturing, Construction, Energy, Power and Transportation, and Engineering.

    This course explores the concepts, processes, and effects of various types of technology. Laboratory and computer-based activities allow students to discover and expand their own skills - from design to fabrication.

    This course encourages the development of teamwork and interpersonal communication skills required in the workplace.

    Students get a chance to experience different interests and the skill sets associated with them.  Through this process, in industrial technology, students will get the chance to problem solve, design, construct and manufacture, use power tools and real world technology equipment, and evaluate project solutions. Students should be able to make meaningful educational choices related to career interests as a result of taking the courses.

    Orchestra

    7th Grade Orchestra - a continuation of orchestra from elementary school with stronger emphasis on technique and musicality, while playing in a larger ensemble.

    8th Grade Orchestra - a continuation from 7th Grade, 8th graders will play more advanced music in preparation of high school orchestra. 8th grade will perform a minimum of five times a year.

    Chamber Orchestra - by audition only and must be in 8th Grade. This small ensemble challenges the best players with more complex music and through memorization of music. Chamber performs throughout the year at concerts and special occasions and also incorporates United Sound program in the classroom.

    STEM - a course for intellectual adventurers!

    7th Grade (Mini) - Students will explore a variety of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) challenges. The majority of these challenges will come from the FUSE program. FUSE is a student-centered, choice-driven studio environment. This class is a perfect introduction to relevant 21st century skills. Challenges are based in topic areas such as 3D printing and design, robotics, architecture, music-mixing, animation, fashion, jewelry, circuitry, and more!

    8th Grade - (Semester 1 & 2) - Students will start the year with FUSE challenges (see above description). As the year progresses, students will begin to develop their own STEAM challenges and experiments, while making connections to the greater world around them. Students will be encouraged to showcase their original challenge developments through various outlets such as the science and engineering fair, and elementary visits. Finally, an emphasis on community outreach and contribution will lead students to find ways in which their newfound skills can help and serve others.