Secondary Fine Arts
Middle School
Performing Arts
Sixth Grade Art (9 weeks) Skill development will include creating 2D and 3D works of art while exploring elements of line, color, value, texture, form and space.
Sixth Grade Band -Students will have the opportunity to begin study on a brass (trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba), woodwind (flute, clarinet), or percussion (xylophone, snare drum, cymbals and more) instrument. Students will learn the proper fundamentals of playing the instrument, how to care for it, how to read music, and perform for an audience. All students will be provided with method books, but basic instrument supplies and concert attire need to be obtained by the family. Students are expected to participate in scheduled
Sixth Grade Orchestra- Students will have the opportunity to begin study on violin, viola, cello or bass. Instruction includes learning to read orchestral music, proper playing technique, scales, rhythm, sight-reading, and other principles of music theory, music history, and music performance.
Sixth Grade Music (9 weeks)- Skill development will include playing instruments, singing, reading, and notating music.
Art 7- Students will use their knowledge of art elements and design principles to creatively solve problems using a variety of traditional art media.
Seventh Grade Band-Open to students who have passed Band 6, this class expands and continues to develop prior skills and increases performance opportunities. Students are expected to participate in scheduled performances throughout the school year. All students will be provided with method books, but basic instrument supplies and concert dress need to be obtained by the family. School instruments available for rental are: oboe, bassoon, tenor or baritone saxophone, French horn, euphonium (baritone), tuba, and percussion equipment for a $50 fee billed along with tuition. Students interested in saxophone, oboe, or bassoon must have director approval and may require assistance outside of school.'
Seventh Grade Orchestra- Daily instruction includes work on playing techniques, scales, rhythm, sight-reading and other principles of music theory, as well as preparation of concert music. Students are expected to participate in scheduled performances throughout the school year. All students will need an instrument and method books, basic supplies, and basic uniform items to participate in Strings 7. Students are encouraged to rent instruments from a music store, purchase an instrument or borrow an instrument. A limited number of USD 497 District Owned Instruments are available through the Lawrence Public Schools. A $50.00 maintenance fee is required for use of district owned instruments. Instruments are provided based on 1) financial need, 2) instrument selected, and 3) available inventory at the time of request. Instruments available: bass and cello. Violin and viola are not available through the district beyond sixth grade.
Speech and Drama 7- This course offers an introduction to the fundamentals of theater production. Students will explore elements of theatre and communications including script writing, improvisation, role playing, and technical elements such as props, costumes, make up, scenery and publicity.
Eighth Grade Band-Open to students who have passed Band 7, this class expands and continues to develop prior skills and increases performance opportunities. Students are expected to participate in scheduled performances throughout the school year. All students will be provided with method books, but basic instrument supplies and concert dress need to be obtained by the family. School instruments available for rental are: oboe, bassoon, tenor or baritone saxophone, French horn, euphonium (baritone), tuba, and percussion equipment for a $50 fee billed along with tuition. Students interested in saxophone, oboe, or bassoon must have director approval and may require assistance outside of school.
Eighth Grade Orchestra- This class meets daily throughout the school year. Instruction expands and continues to develop the skills learned in Orchestra 7, including playing techniques, scales, rhythm, sight reading and other principles of music theory, as well as preparation of concert music. Students are expected to participate in scheduled performances throughout the school year. All students will need an instrument and method books, basic supplies, and basic uniform items to participate in Orchestra 8. Students are encouraged to rent instruments from a music store, purchase an instrument or borrow an instrument. A limited number of USD 497 District Owned Instruments are available through the Lawrence Public Schools. A $50.00 maintenance fee is required for use of district owned instruments. Instruments are provided based on 1) financial need, 2) instrument selected, and 3) available inventory at the time of request. Instruments available: bass and cello. Violin and viola are not available through the district beyond sixth grade.
Art 8- Students will create a portfolio of art using a variety of two dimensional and three dimensional media. Emphasis is on creative problem solving, skill development, composition, and translating 2D designs to 3D forms.
Speech and Drama 8 -This course is designed to provide a safe environment to explore performance, communications and important social skills.
For a description of our middle school courses, please visit the USD 497 Middle School Course Descriptions
High School
Concert Band
The Concert Band is comprised of all freshman students who have had prior band experience. Students will perform a variety of concert band literature for the entire school year. Students will also experience pep band activities. Only currently enrolled members of Concert Band, Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble may participate in KSHSAA music events and all KMEA music events.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band curriculum includes marching band for approximately the first nine weeks. The remainder of the year will focus on preparation and performance of medium to advanced wind band literature
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble curriculum includes marching band for approximately the first nine weeks. The remainder of the year will focus on preparation and performance of advanced wind band literature
Freshmen Orchestra
The class will include experiencing, understanding, and learning to appreciate a variety of musical styles. improving specific techniques in shifting, vibrato, bowing styles and tone production, improving sight-reading skills, advancing ensemble playing skills in balance, blend, and intonation, playing literature appropriate for the skill level of the orchestra, applying learned skills in music performances
Concert Orchestra
Concert Orchestra allows experienced string players the opportunity to perform literature composed for chamber ensemble and string orchestra.
Symphonic Orchestra
The Symphonic Orchestra is an ensemble made up of string players, complemented by wind, brass and percussion players from the Wind Ensemble.
Philharmonic Orchestra
The Philharmonic Orchestra is an ensemble made up of string players. This ensemble will focus on preparation and performance of advanced string orchestra literature.
Beginning Mixed Choir
This is an elective class designed to provide ninth grade students experiences in choral music singing and performance. Students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. Academic eligibility is required for participation at KSHSAA Regional and State Festivals. Students will:
Bass Choir
This is an elective class designed to provide students with experiences in choral music singing and performance. Students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. Academic eligibility is required for participation at KSHSAA Regional and State Festivals.
Chamber Choir
Audition required -- designed for the advanced choral music student pursuing excellence in choral ensemble singing and performance.
Treble Choir
This is an elective class designed to provide students with experiences in choral music singing and performance. Students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. Academic eligibility is required for participation at KSHSAA Regional and State Festivals.
Advanced Treble Choir
Enrollment in this class is by audition, as it is designed for the advanced choral music student. Advanced Treble Choir strives for excellence in choral ensemble singing and performance
Intro to Theatre
Introduction to the Theater provides an overview of the art, conventions, and history of the theater. The course will emphasize learning about the theater rather than performance.
Acting 1
This course will provide the student with a comprehensive study of acting techniques including the steps in understanding, developing and presenting a character.
Stagecraft 1
Stagecraft is the course which allows students to explore the technical elements of theatre. Various units will focus on lights, sound, costumes, makeup, properties, publicity, and set design
Acting 2
Designed for the serious acting student, Acting II offers further opportunity for character analysis and development
Stagecraft 2
Stagecraft is the course which allows students to explore the technical elements of theatre. Various units will focus on lights, sound, costumes, makeup, properties, publicity, and set design
Acting 3 and Directing
This advanced course concentrates on specialized acting skills and gives those students who want the opportunity to pursue the craft beyond acting and technical work. Areas of study for those focusing on acting include: physical and vocal exercises and techniques; reading, viewing, and analyzing plays; auditioning, investigation of acting theories, and actual performance situations.
Issue Theatre
In this class, scenes will be developed through improvisation and shared with the student body in various formats. The purpose of the class is to use theatre as a springboard for discussion of issues such as diversity, substance abuse, male/female relationships, peer pressure, etc.
Drawing 1
The goal of this class is to teach students how to accurately draw while communicating self expression. A wide range of contemporary and historical artists will be explored.
Graphic Design 1
Graphic Design I students learn essential concepts of the graphic design process.
Photograph1
Students are introduced to photography as a storytelling art form.
Intro to Visual Arts
Introduction to Media provides students an opportunity to explore career opportunities in a variety of different fields of communication.
Ceramics/Sculpture 1
The student will explore the potential of clay as a functional and sculptural material.
Jewelry/Art Metals 1
This course is an introduction to the design and fabrication of small- scale objects and jewelry exploring techniques such as metalsmithing, simple stone setting and enameling
Drawing 2 / Painting 2
Drawing and Painting Studio is the class for students who want to master perceptual drawing and painting skills
Ceramics/Sculpture 2
Students will develop expressive and advanced technical skills in ceramics and sculpture. Advanced design concepts in form and surface decoration will be explored.
Jewelry/Art Metals 2
Students will develop expressive and advanced technical skills in jewelry and art metals
Photography 2
In Photography II, students will create and manipulate digital photographic imagery using a variety of basic techniques on the PC computer platform.
Animation
This class is designed to give students the opportunity to explore the world of animation. Skills learned in Animation will prepare students for a possible future in the television/movie industry in the areas of animation, character and story development, digital effects, and motion graphics.
Digital Design
Digital Design is a project-based course that expands upon the skills learned in Graphic Design II and Photography II
Portfolio /Studio: Ceramics
Portfolio / Studio: Jewelry Arts
Portfolio / Studio: Photography
AP Studio Art: 2D Design
AP Studio Art: Drawing
For a description of our high school mathematics courses, please visit the USD 497 High School Course Descriptions
K-12 Music Educators
Priority Standards
The term Priority Standard refers to a subset of learning standards that educators have determined to be the highest priority or most important for students to learn. Priority Standards were selected from the Kansas College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts at the district level by curriculum leaders and teacher leadership committees. Other standards become Supporting Standards and "these become the instructional scaffolds to help students understand and attain the more rigorous and comprehensive Priority Standards".
Choosing Priority Standards using the R.E.A.L. criteria
Larry Ainsworth on Priority Standards
Common Formative Assessments (Larry Ainsworth)
- Aligned pre- and post-assessments within units of study
- Collaboratively designed by a grade-level or course-level team
- Administered to students by each participating teacher throughout school year
- Assess student understanding of unit learning intentions (derived from selected standards)
- Questions directly match levels of cognitive rigor of unit learning intentions
- Success criteria explicitly describe what students are to include in their responses
- Valuable feedback shows what students currently know and still need to learn
- Provide a clear lens through which teachers see their instructional impact on student learning
- Align with Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), formative assessment work (Common Formative Assessments)
- Align with the year-end Kansas State Assessments
- Measure mastery of standards
- Inform instructional adjustments
