Welcome to the Art Department! Introduction: "Throughout life, the arts remain critical to our balanced development as creative, problem-solving members of our communities. Art not only enriches children's lives, it also has a profound impact on their academic achievement. Research shows students with an education in the Arts outperform others by virtually every measure". (Michigan.gov.) The Grand Haven Area Public Schools remain committed to providing a fine quality arts program for all of our students. 6th Grade Art: Grade six Art is a basic introductory six week course introducing the student to the elements and principles of design. Students work with a variety of media and techniques as well as develope the ability to make critical judgments about art and to understand and appreciate the influences of art from other times and cultures. 6th Grade Crafts: This course is an introduction into cultural artistic expression. It acquaints students with various art forms from cultures around the world, encouraging a respect for the values of others. Students study design, vocabulary, techniques, and geography while using a variety of materials to create art objects. 7th Grade Art (9 weeks): Grade seven art is an intermediate nine week course. This course is designed to build upon and increase knowledge of the elements and principles of design. A variety of media and techniques will be explored. A continued emphasis on critical judgment is accompanied by an increased focus on art from other cultures. All students are required to take this class. 7th Grade Commerical Arts (9 weeks): This nine-week class will give students an introduction to various commercial art art, and may include cartooning, graphic design or other applications. 8th Grade Art: Grade eight art is an advanced one-semester elective course. The class is designed to expand the students knowledge, abilities, and critical judgment. New media, skills and an emphasis on art history will be introduced. Projects involve: - Drawing - Painting - Ceramics - Sculpture - Printmaking - Crafts - Mixed Media - Art History Elements of design to be emphasized: - Line - Value - Space - Form - Texture - Shape - Color. Each lesson includes: - Art production / hands-on art - Art history - Critical thinking / writing.

Welcome to the Music Department! Introduction: Grand Haven Area Public Schools provide students with a variety of enriching opportunities through the arts. The district has a long history of award-winning programs in vocal music, instrumental music, drama and the visual arts. The choirs, bands and orchestras are some of the best in the state, while student visual arts portfolios provide an excellent foundation for future opportunities. Arts experiences are available for all students K-12. 6th Grade Band: Band is for students with previous band training. Beginners may arrange private lessons prior to the start of school. It is a continuation of basic tone production, music theory, and solo, large, and small ensemble performance. 6th Grade Choir: Choir is open to any sixth grader. Choral music from medieval times to present will be explored. Basic musicianship and beginning techniques for reading and writing music are explored. 6th Grade Orchestra: Orchestra is a study of various types of orchestral literature, instrumental techniques and music theory. Previous experience is required. 7th Grade Music (All Year): A middle school music student is expected to demonstrate maturity, self-discipline, and the ability to work independently and cooperatively in large group settings. Students who select a music program are expected to complete the full year of music. 7th Grade Band: Band is for students with previous training. Beginners may arrange private lessons prior to the start of school. All types of music will be performed at evening and daytime activities. 7th Grade Choir: In Choir, choral music from medieval times to present will be explored. Concepts of musicianship are explored further; music reading and writing become more challenging. 7th Grade Orchestra: Orchestra is a study of various types of orchestral literature, instrumental techniques, and music theory. 8th Grade Music (All Year): A middle school music student is expected to demonstrate maturity, self-discipline, and the ability to work independently and cooperatively in large group settings. Students who select a music program are expected to complete the full year of music. 8th Grade Band: Band is for students with previous band training. All types of music will be performed at evening and daytime activities. 8th Grade Choir: Choir is open to any eighth grader. Choral music from medieval times to present will be explored. Music reading, writing and high-level musicianship are included. 8th Grade Orchestra: Orchestra is a study of various types of orchestral literature, more advanced instrumental techniques, and music theory. The orchestra performs at District Festival and students have the opportunity to participate in solo and ensemble festival.