Fine Arts

SWMS  FINE ARTS

Welcome to Southwest Middle School! We take great pride in our Fine Arts Departments and would encourage you and your child to get involved in one or more of our excellent programs! We offer ART, BAND, CHORUS, ORCHESTRA and THEATRE!

All programs are three year progressive courses and will prepare young performers and artists to continue with success through high school and beyond!  

ART:

Art 1: Students explore media and techniques used to create a variety of 2-D artworks through developing skills in drawing, painting, and collage. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art. Investigation of artworks from Western and non-Western cultures provide a means for students to expand their understanding and appreciation of the role of art in global culture. Student artists use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.


Art 2
Students explore media and techniques used to create a variety of 2-D artworks through developing skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art. Investigation of artworks from Western and non-Western cultures provide a means for students to expand their understanding and appreciation of the role of art in global culture. Student artists use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.

BAND:

Who are we?

The Southwest Band Program makes up about 1/4th of the population in the school. The band includes students in 6th-8th grade who started with little to no musical experience, and leave prepared for the high school band program at Dr. Phillips.

We are student athletes, performers, honors students, singers, step team members, drama participants, award winners, national travelers, and much more! Oh and we play music!!!

What is the point of doing band?

It is scientifically proven that learning a musical instrument increases brain function, motor skills, critical thinking, and statistical analyzing. Basically- IT MAKES YOU SMARTER!

Why should I sign up for band?

Learning a musical instrument is FUN! Sometimes it can be challenging, but the reward is unlike any other. We have a SUPERIOR band program at Southwest that will shine bright on any college application. There are many opportunities for performance in band, as well as fun trips. You will meet people with similar interests as you and you will make friends that will last a life time.

 

 

We offer Chorus classes throughout the day from beginning to advanced levels.
  • Treble Chorus (6th grade girls)
  • Boys’ Chorus (6-8th boys)
  • Serenata (7-8 beginning and intermediate girls)
  • Bella Canta (auditioned advanced girls)
  • Southwest Singers (auditioned advanced girls and boys)

There is no prior experience needed, just an interest in learning and a desire to learn how to sing! You will learn music theory, music history, and more that will lead to a broad musical education throughout the year.

Southwest Middle offers the opportunity to join honor choirs, including Florida ACDA Male Honor Choir, All-State Chorus, and All-County Chorus.  We do several concerts per year along with special performances.  These include the Fine Arts Festival, grand opening ceremonies, performing at theme parks, singing the national anthem at sporting events, MPA, community caroling, and more!  We also go on field trips to watch musicals, out-of-state trips, in-state trips, and other optional trips.

ORCHESTRA

The Southwest MS Orchestra Program is proud to have a tradition of excellence. There are five progressive levels of orchestra, from beginner to advanced. All classes perform on a minimum or one concert each semester.

No music knowledge or experience is required to register for beginning strings. Students learn the orchestral string instrument of their choosing: violin, viola, cello, or bass, in a class ensemble setting. This class is open to all grade levels.

Sixth graders who have previous playing experience in elementary school are placed in the 6th grade Intermediate Concert Orchestra. In addition to the 7th/8th grade Intermediate Concert Orchestra, there are two advanced levels: Intermezzo Strings and String Symphony. Entry into these select ensembles is by audition only. Members of performing orchestras also have the opportunity to participate in solo and ensemble, field trips, community events, etc. Orchestra classes focus on building fundamental technical proficiency and musicality.

THEATRE:

Theatre class teaches students every aspect of the Theatre Arts and is offered to all three grade levels.  Students learn audience etiquette, Theatre history, acting and audition techniques, improvisation, technical theatre and much more!  The Southwest Middle School Theatre Department also offers students school wide the opportunity to participate in the yearly play production as either a member of the cast or tech crew. The play production is offered in conjunction with the YMCA After School Program. The 2018-19 school year production will be Disney’s Beauty and the Beast!

 

Why enroll in the Fine Arts?

Countless studies show the benefits!

“Involvement in the arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skill. Arts learning can also improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork.” Fran Smith

Our Fine Arts programs have a proven record of excellence and we would love to have your child be a part of the future of our Fine Arts!

 

For more information, please feel free to contact any one of our Fine Arts Instructors!

 

Charles Hafner: SWMS Band [email protected]

Jennifer Erickson: SWMS Orchestra [email protected]

Sally Marjama: SWMS Theatre/Fine Arts Chair  [email protected]

Katherine Counts: SWMS Chorus  [email protected]

Mia Schweickert:  SMWS Art   [email protected]

Stephen Clay:   SWMS Art   [email protected]

Whitney Ellison:    SWMS Art    [email protected]