This course will explore line, texture, value, color, form and space as the basic principles of three dimensional designs. Students will develop and use critical thinking skills and visual problem solving skills through the use of the artistic process as it applies to the three dimensional world. Students will work with a wide variety of materials as they develop concepts, sketch out ideas, design, plan, and construct their visions. Grading will be by project completion through the use of individual and group critiques.

Course Length: Full Year
Pre-Requisite(s): Studio Art(Introduction to Visual Arts) and Ceramics I

Sixth grade art will have projects that foster an appreciation for the fine arts, and demonstrate an understanding of the elements of art and principles of design.  Students utilize elements of art and principles of design to plan and create pieces of art that express multiple ideas.  Projects will have topics or themes that are inspired by Earth Science, Foundations of Ancient Civilizations, World Religions, and Latin

Beginning Band is open to all interested students in 6th grade. No prior experience in band or reading music is necessary. The class is open to all students who desire to learn a band instrument in a classroom setting. Band instruments include Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, French-Horn, Tuba, and Percussion. Students should own or rent a pre-approved instrument from a pre-approved vendor. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.

n this course, students will have the opportunity to work on their skills as a musician through class instruction and master classes. The fundamentals of music reading, tonal production, and technique are taught within the context of rehearsals. Performance opportunities include chapel, supporting the existing music programs on campus, and special events around campus. Private lessons are strongly encouraged. Course Length: Full Year Pre-Requisite(s): Prior experience on an instrument or reading music is required. Students who are not currently enrolled are accepted by audition only. Enrollment is limited to band instruments only. Band instruments include Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, French-Horn, Tuba, and Percussion. This course also has a before school requirement where every student attends full band rehearsals.

This class functions as an introduction to the Fundamentals of Music, to include note and rhythm reading, as well as the expressive elements that are required to make a piece of music more enjoyable to both listen to and to perform.  The class will also spend time playing Orff instruments, and singing.  Another topic is the story of the Broadway Musical, and the exploration of the different aspects that are needed to produce a musical, from it’s beginning as an idea to opening night.

This class functions as an introduction to the Fundamentals of Music, to include note and rhythm reading, as well as the expressive elements that are required to make a piece of music more enjoyable to both listen to and to perform.  The class will also spend time playing Orff instruments, and singing.  Another topic is the story of the Broadway Musical, and the exploration of the different aspects that are needed to produce a musical, from it’s beginning as an idea to opening night.

This class functions as an introduction to the Fundamentals of Music, to include note and rhythm reading, as well as the expressive elements that are required to make a piece of music more enjoyable to both listen to and to perform.  The class will also spend time playing Orff instruments, and singing.  Another topic is the story of the Broadway Musical, and the exploration of the different aspects that are needed to produce a musical, from it’s beginning as an idea to opening night.

This class functions as an introduction to the Fundamentals of Music, to include note and rhythm reading, as well as the expressive elements that are required to make a piece of music more enjoyable to both listen to and to perform.  The class will also spend time playing Orff instruments, and singing.  Another topic is the story of the Broadway Musical, and the exploration of the different aspects that are needed to produce a musical, from it’s beginning as an idea to opening night.

Students enrolled in 6th Grade Drama will spend time engaged in improving Voice and Diction skills and working in small groups to create their own commercials (plays) for performance.  A performance of their commercials will be presented to members of the 6th grade class at the end of the quarter.  All Middle School students are encouraged to audition for the Fall play.

Seventh grade art will engage students in projects that integrate knowledge and problem solving skills, and display a synthesis of ideas.  Works of art will be interpreted in the context of the historical time in which it was made when applicable. Projects will have topics or themes that are inspired by Life Science,Texas History, and Geometry.

TMI 7th and 8th grade band is open to all interested students in grades 7 and 8. In this course, students will have the opportunity to work on their skills as a musician through class instruction and master classes. The fundamentals of music reading, tonal production, and technique are taught within the context of rehearsals. Performance opportunities include chapel, supporting the existing music programs on campus, and special events around campus. Private lessons are strongly encouraged. Course Length: Full Year Pre-Requisite(s): Prior experience on an instrument or reading music is required. Students who are not currently enrolled are accepted by audition only. Enrollment is limited to band instruments only. Band instruments include Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, French-Horn, Tuba, and Percussion. This course also has a before school requirement where every student attends full band rehearsals.

This class uses a project-based curriculum, with assignments drawn from various sources.  Projects will include, The History of Rock and Roll, An Exploration of The Great Composers, The Instruments of the Orchestra, New Orleans Jazz Music, World Drumming, and Beginning Composition.

This class is a hands-on workshop. Students will learn the fundamentals of acting technique, technical theater, stage makeup, costume design, and speech performance. Students will combine their knowledge of play making, public speaking, writing, collaboration, constructive criticism, costumes, stage makeup, and technical theater to make a short original piece. They may also perform scenes for school productions and events.

This class is a hands-on workshop. Students will learn the fundamentals of acting technique, technical theater, stage makeup, costume design, and speech performance. Students will combine their knowledge of play making, public speaking, writing, collaboration, constructive criticism, costumes, stage makeup, and technical theater to make a short original piece. They may also perform scenes for school productions and events.

This is a beginning acting course focused on basic acting technique and voice and diction skills for the stage actor. Exploration will include fundamental character development, the Laban Efforts, effective use of props, and different acting styles. The second semester of this course will focus on scene work which will be presented to audiences within the TMI community. This is a performance based class.

Course Length: Full Year
Pre-Requisite(s): None

This is a course designed to increase the knowledge of basic stage acting techniques with an emphasis on Acting Styles….including Shakespeare. Voice and Diction exercises will be emphasized as well as an exploration into acting for film and Television.

Course Length: Full Year
Pre-Requisite(s): Acting

Advanced Placement Studio Art is a college level course designed for students who are seriously interested in art.  It will be individualized to meet the needs and interests of each student. Students will be challenged to develop their own personal work. Students will develop and demonstrate mastery of concept, composition, and execution of their personal ideas and themes in drawing. Students should understand that AP involves significantly more commitment and accomplishment than the typical high school class.  In May, AP Studio Art students must submit a portfolio that is evaluated by the College Board.  Each portfolio is expected to include 12 pieces showing breadth of approaches, subjects, media, 12 pieces showing exploration of a concentration, 5 examples of work that demonstrates the highest quality and overall excellence.  Over the course of the school year students should expect to produce between 25 - 30 works of art that are strong in design, composition, craftsmanship, idea development and growth.  There is no written examination for AP Studio Art.  Students are, however, expected to submit a written statement discussing their ideas, thought development and growth. Departmental approval required. Course Length: Full Year Pre-Requisite(s): Studio Art, Drawing and Painting I and Drawing and Painting II Placement is based on departmental approval

In this course, students will have the opportunity to work on their skills as a musician through class instruction and master classes. The fundamentals of music reading, tonal production, and technique are taught within the context of rehearsals. Performance opportunities include chapel, supporting the existing music programs on campus, and special events around campus. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.
Course Length: Full Year
Pre-Requisite(s): Prior experience on an instrument or reading music is required. Students who are not currently enrolled are accepted by audition only. Enrollment is limited to band instruments only. Band instruments include Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, French-Horn, Tuba, and Percussion. This course also has a before school requirement where every student attends full band rehearsals.

During this course, students will explore and better understand the medium of clay through hand-building techniques, sculpting, and use of the potter’s wheel. Students will work with both the functional and sculptural aspects of ceramics. They will experiment with a variety of glazing techniques, glazes and textures.

Course Length: Full Year
Pre-Requisite(s): Studio Art

In this Honors Level Sculpture Course students will further explore the medium of clay along with a variety of other sculptural mediums, to envision, design and build a unique body of sculptural work. Students will focus on both the functional and sculptural aspects of ceramics and 3 dimensional design.

In this Honors Level Sculpture Course students will further explore the medium of clay along with a variety of other sculptural mediums, to envision, design and build a unique body of sculptural work. Students will focus on both the functional and sculptural aspects of ceramics and 3 dimensional design.

This course is designed for the art student who is interested in the design process. In this class, students will learn about various craft mediums such as kiln glass, stained glass, wood, plastic/resins, and metals. Students will discover conceptual meaning in the materials, how they can be altered, combined and manipulated to create something new and imagined in the mind of the artist. Through exploration and experiment, as well as exposure to contemporary art and art history, real and virtual exposure to artists and museums, students learn to utilize and combine traditional and unconventional art materials in novel and personal ways.   Emphasis is placed on art reflection and presentation. PRE-REQ: Intro to Visual Arts

This course is designed for the art student who is interested in the design process. In this class, students will learn about various craft mediums such as kiln glass, stained glass, wood, plastic/resins, and metals. Students will discover conceptual meaning in the materials, how they can be altered, combined and manipulated to create something new and imagined in the mind of the artist. Through exploration and experiment, as well as exposure to contemporary art and art history, real and virtual exposure to artists and museums, students learn to utilize and combine traditional and unconventional art materials in novel and personal ways.   Emphasis is placed on art reflection and presentation. PRE-REQ: Intro to Visual Arts

This course is an introduction to Digital Art focusing on digital image production and composition. Students learn technical aspects of digital media and digital photography including camera function, basic Photoshop and Illustrator processing, image manipulation, digital workflow, and color management. Students are introduced to industry standards of fine-art digital production as well as historical and conceptual aspects of photography and digital imagery. A digital camera with fully manual controls is required, but a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera is strongly recommended.

Course Length: Full Year
Pre-Requisite(s): None

The primary goals of this course is to develop a stronger understanding of materials and techniques, develop more individual and far-reaching sources, become more ambitious, learn from one another and develop more faith in imagination. Drawing & Painting 2 expands on drawing and painting from observation and encourages students to build on the drawing fundamentals learned in Drawing & Painting 1. It challenges each student to develop more independence, rigor and voice in art-making. Project assignments along with precedents are explored in this course. A precedent identifies a unique interest each student has in a given artist(s). At the instructor’s discretion, critical use of photographs and other second-hand sources of imagery are available as reference material.

Course Length: Full Year
Pre-Requisite(s): Studio Art and Drawing and Painting I

Drawing and Painting 1 continues the exploration of visual ideas and techniques established in Studio Art. This course will focus on drawing and painting primarily from observed motifs and nature. Focus will be placed on learning to see and translate visual relationships on a two dimensional surface applying the formal elements that provide the basis for creative visual expression and communication: line, shape, form, perspective, value (shading), texture, color theory and the dynamics of composition. During the second semester of painting, students explore basic principles and practices of painting, including color theory, various painting techniques, and different painting styles. Materials explored in this course range anywhere from graphite, charcoal, pastel, oil pastel, watercolor, ink wash, collage, to acrylic paint and oil paint. Students will learn about paper, canvas preparation, as well as how to work from on easel.

Course Length: Full Year
Pre-Requisite(s): Studio Art

6th Grade, Exploring Music I – Core instruction is concept-based (activities with a musical objective and purpose).  Students will develop musical skills and an understanding of the elements of music as they learn, perform, and create. Students will explore the history and styles of the American Musical Theater (cross discipline with Drama amd Literature); Orff activities and accessible pitched/nonpitched instrumental arrangements are studied and performed; musical terms for dynamics and tempo; basic music notation skills are introduced.  This is a 9-week class and is part of the Fine Arts rotation.

7th Grade, Exploring Music II – Core instruction is concept-based (activities with a musical objective and purpose).  Students will develop musical skills and an understanding of the elements of music as they learn, perform, and create.  Students will examine the history of rock music and the accompanying events in American and world history (cross discipline with social studies); Orff activities continue from 6th grade; expansion of knowledge of musical terms for dynamics and tempo; music notation skills continue with the introduction of compound rhythms, dotted eighth notes, and mixed meter. This is a 9-week class and is part of the Fine Arts rotation.

This is a discussion and analysis course covering the evolution of Jazz in America through the various periods and styles discussing the life and music of some of America’s greatest Jazz figures such as Scott Joplin, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. This course will also cover styles of Jazz such as Ragtime, Dixieland, Swing, Big Band, Blues, Bebop, Fusion, and Funk. Assignments will include extensive listening, ear training, and the recreation of authentic performance styles.

Course Length: Semester
Pre-Requisite(s): None

This is an advanced photography course that provides students the opportunity to have a more in-depth exploration of their creative process and photographic interests. The course is structured around independently produced theme-based photographic projects as well as group critiques and portfolio production. Students work toward a focused, cohesive, and highly crafted photographic portfolio suitable for exhibition, juried competitions, and professional and college applications. A Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera and/or 35mm film camera is required.

Course Length: Full Year
Pre-Requisite(s): Digital Art and Photography I

This course provides a survey of media with project based on the elements of design, color use and composition. The course is designed to help inspire creative thought and self-expression in the students. The class includes instruction and projects in painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking and a variety of drawing media. In this course students gain a foundation in the visual language which prepares them for the more advanced arts courses.

Course Length: Full Year
Pre-Requisite(s): None

This course provides a survey of media with project based on the elements of design, color use and composition. The course is designed to help inspire creative thought and self-expression in the students. The class includes instruction and projects in painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking and a variety of drawing media. In this course students gain a foundation in the visual language which prepares them for the more advanced arts courses.

Course Length: Full Year 
Pre-Requisite(s): None

Musical Theater class is an exploration course, in which students will study the work of the actor/singer/dancer and use their gained knowledge to develop as performers.  They will prepare and present as soloists, small groups, and larger ensembles. Students will prepare materials for class presentation and critique. There will be a focus on the audition process as well as some musical theater history, and repertoire. The students in the class may participate in the auditions for the school musical; in the event that no musical is planned for that year, the students in the class will present a Musical Theater Showcase.

Musical Theater class is an exploration course, in which students will study the work of the actor/singer/dancer and use their gained knowledge to develop as performers.  They will prepare and present as soloists, small groups, and larger ensembles. Students will prepare materials for class presentation and critique. There will be a focus on the audition process as well as some musical theater history, and repertoire. The students in the class may participate in the auditions for the school musical; in the event that no musical is planned for that year, the students in the class will present a Musical Theater Showcase.

Students in this course produce TMI’s annual yearbook. They are responsible for page layout, design of the book, photography, image cropping and editing, writing copy, desktop publishing (InDesign, Photoshop, iPhoto) and all other aspects of the production process. Students enrolled in the course are expected to attend out-of-class work sessions after school and on weekends as necessary to meet production deadlines. Class size is limited, instructor approval and completion of application is required. The application process is competitive and based on GPA, experience, and teacher recommendations. Applications must be turned in prior to course selection. Commitment to at least three years of this course is recommended.

Course Length: Full Year
Pre-Requisite(s): Digital Art