Elective Course Descriptions
VISUAL ART
Students will study different art techniques including: drawing, painting, clay, and much more. Students will learn about art history and art from other cultures. Students do not have to have prior skill or knowledge to do well in this class. Students who are willing to work hard do well in this class.
ADVANCED VISUAL ART
For excellent art students who have taken art at EMS before. Other students who would like to take the class may apply with Mrs. Strazzer by submitting art work.
BAND
The Erwin Middle School Band is comprised some of the best students from the school. We have a Pep Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band. We perform several concerts throughout the year. Students can participate in All-County and All-District concert and jazz bands. Band is a full year class that meets Monday - Friday.
INTERMEDIATE STRING ORCHESTRA, 7TH GRADE
Open to all seventh grade students who were in sixth grade string orchestra, or to those with sufficient training (to be determined by the course instructor). In addition to the basic concepts covered in Sixth Grade String Orchestra, other musical concepts will be developed. These include vibrato, tremolo, intermediate level time and key signatures, and complex rhythms. Students are required to practice
ADVANCED STRING ORCHESTRA, 8TH GRADE
Open to all eighth grade students who participated in 7th grade string orchestra, or to those with sufficient training (to be determined by course instructor). In addition to stressing basic playing techniques, students will learn shifting, ensemble techniques, and advanced time and key signatures in preparation for high school orchestra.
CHORUS
Students will sing and perform music from America and around the world. Music will be discussed and vocal techniques explored. Concert attendance is mandatory.
BIO TECHNOLOGY (7th & 8th Graders Only)
Course includes history of technology, inventions, problem solving activities, social problems affected by technology, biotechnology of plants and animals, research careers in biotechnology and job simulations.
EXPLORING LIFE SKILLS (HOME ECONOMICS, 7th and 8th grade)
This middleschool course allows students to explore life skills essential for their roles as managers, consumers, workers, and family members both now and in the future. Areas of study include managing resources, relating with others, making healthy food choices, learning about children, and preparing for careers. Art, mathematics, science are reinforced.
MUSIC APPRECIATION
Course will present a varied experience of music; such as world music, music history, and music theory using student centered activities.
SPANISH
Students learn Spanish by a step by step approach to exploring the Spanish Language
