The Middle School art curriculum emphasizes the education of
the art student’s imagination. Our
art faculty believes that the creative processes inherent in all artistic
endeavors have a positive influence in the development and stimulation of the
imagination.The artwork that
students produce is the result of each individual’s ability to think creatively,
to solve problems, and to evaluate.
Grade 5
Fifth grade students cover portraits, proportions of the human figure, still life paintings and landscapes. Students analyze the placement of our
features and create imaginary self-portraits with clay slabs and vibrant glazes
using a variety of clay techniques.
To learn about proportions of the human figure, students sketch various
poses from a student model, and make realistic figures with paper
mache, plaster and collage. Composition and foreshortening are
emphasized in the still life paintings the students create using black glue and
watercolor. Finally, students explore the work of Vincent Van Gogh
through books, computer research and video.
After studying Van Gogh’s fascinating techniques, the students
paint lush acrylic landscapes.
Grade 6
In sixth grade, students learn about the elements of design, color, shape, texture and positive and negative spaces. The use of color is explored when the sixth graders
study Henri Matisse’s Fauve paintings and paint their own large, expressive
self-portraits. After studying Picasso’s “Cubist” period,
the students construct three-dimensional clay portraits which they decorate
with vibrant
glazes. Students learn about texture by exploring a variety of materials as they create still life collages. Students design various collagraph
ink prints to manipulate the viewer’s perception of positive and negative
spaces.
Grade 7
In seventh grade, the student projects are derived from a
variety of artistic styles. The
students explore these styles and the artists who invented them in depth. Cubism is explored through analyzing
Picasso’s various styles and students then create interesting pastel “cubist”
self-portraits. Pop Art is
explored through examining the work of Claus Oldenberg and Andy Warhol. Students create large “Pop” sculptures
using paper mache, cardboard, and chicken wire. The modern sculptures of Frank Stella and Alexander Calder
are used as references for clay and Styrofoam works. Complementary colors are reviewed and used when students
work on their acrylic and tempera still life paintings.
Grade 8
Eighth grade students study all the art styles from
impressionism to the present.
Advanced drawing, painting and 3D skills are introduced. Students use Adobe Photoshop and
digital photography in their projects.
By the end of eighth grade, the students have completed several in-depth
works such as: large mixed media gridded self portraits, charcoal drawings,
clay busts and abstract 3D sculptures.
Grades 5 and 6 Chorus
All students in grades 5 and 6 participate in chorus.They sing three-part music with a wide range of styles (classical to spirituals). They meet three times weekly for 35 minutes.
Grades 7 and 8 Chorus
Over 90 percent of the students in grades 7 and 8 participate in Chorus. They sing three-part music with a wide range of styles. Students meet two times per week in full ensemble and two times per week for sectionals. Students may participate in both Band and Chorus: students who are in chorus meet with the full band at least twice a week.
Tatnall Treble Choir
is a select group of approximately 35 students in grades 6-8. The Treble Choir sings primarily three-part music in a wide variety of styles for girls and boys with unchanged voices. Treble Choir meets for 30 minutes once a week. Tatnall Treble Choir is a select group of approximately 35 students in grades 6-8 chosen by the director to participate in this ensemble. They sing primarily three-part music for girls and boys, with unchanged voices, in a wide variety of styles. They meet for 30 minutes each week. 
Tatnall provides instrumental music opportunities for students in each of the middle school years.The highest goal of the instrumental music program is to teach musical concepts including, but not limited to, expression, theory, melody, harmony, and form through performance on an instrument. To achieve this goal, we seek to develop students’ technical mastery of their instrument and to provide opportunities for public performances.
Grade 5 Beginner Band
All fifth grade students participate.The curriculum for the beginning band progresses throughout the year from performing basic rhythms and unison melodies to rhythms in various meters and polyphonic harmonies. In addition to numerous school concerts, the beginning band performs for the upcoming fifth grade class and Lower School students. Each section of the band meets once a week for a group lesson and the full ensemble rehearses two/three days a week.
Grade 6 Intermediate Band
All sixth grade students participate.This curriculum is built upon their fifth grade experience. Repertoire is chosen that contains a wide range of musical concepts and which requires individual musicianship and proficiency. A multitude of musical genres are introduced in sixth grade band and much focus is given to stylistic interpretation. In addition to numerous school performances, the band performs at an adjudicated Music in the Parks festival and participates in a local Annual Independent School Music Festival. The intermediate band rehearses two/three days a week and each section has a weekly lesson.
Grades 7 and 8
The instrumental program continues to build on the students’ strong musical foundation. Music chosen for this ensemble is challenging and serves to motivate these students to expand their understanding of their instrument and explore new levels of ensemble musicality. The students’ knowledge of music theory continues to grow during this time.
Grades 7 and 8 Band
The band meets daily. The repertoire prepared by this ensemble provides a medium for the exploration of musicality and many different styles. Students may participate in both band and chorus: students who are in chorus meet with the full band at least twice a week.
String Ensemble
This class meets twice weekly to learn chamber music skills and performance techniques. Each student learns to follow and to lead. Music of every style is discussed and performed. Members of the ensemble must have had at least one year of previous instruction on violin, viola, cello or bass.