Fine Arts Courses: Art

4^th Grade Art

5^th Grade Art

6^th Grade Art

7^th Grade Art

8^th Grade Art

Fine Arts Courses: Music

4^th Grade Music

Students in 4^th grade spend their time learning about world music and forms of composition. They explore the traditions of cultures across the globe, learning various regions’ songs, dances, and musical histories. Students acquire skill in composition and improvisation, experimenting with digital audio workstations and classroom instruments. 4th graders begin to learn how to thoughtfully evaluate, connect with, and respond to music. 

5^th Grade Music

Students in 5^th grade focus on American music. Starting with early folk music and ending in the 21st century, students learn about musical genres that were born in the United States: musical theatre, jazz, blues, rock & roll, and more! Students expand on their knowledge of music theory concepts, using this awareness to read music, perform with expression, and make connections across multiple genres. 

6^th Grade Music

Students in 6^th grade learn the ukulele. Students learn the parts of the instrument, instrument care, and how to tune. They are taught chord fingerings, chordal passages, and they practice playing and singing simultaneously. 6^th graders learn to evaluate their performances, apply feedback, and strengthen their playing technique. 

7^th Grade Film Music

Students in 7^th grade study the development of music in cinema. Through hands-on projects, the students learn how a musical narrative is developed. 7^th graders create their own live-action and animated films, learning how to add sound effects and musical scoring. From its origins in Vaudeville to the present day, they begin to identify how the musical landscape of film has shifted throughout history.

8^th Grade Pop Music

Students in 8^th grade explore the origins of popular music. Students are introduced to the powerful impact music has on generations, exploring its role in social justice movements throughout history. They are taught how to thoughtfully interact with and examine music from the birth of rock and roll to the popular music of today.

Fine Arts Courses: Instrumental & Choral Music

4^th Grade Band & Orchestra

Students in 4^th grade select a band or orchestra instrument to learn for their first two years at Sunset Ridge. Students are taught beginning music-learning concepts such as: reading music notation, creating a characteristic sound on their instrument, proper instrument care, listening to and evaluating music, and playing with an ensemble. Fourth graders have two formal performances: Fall & Spring. Classes meet every other day in the afternoon. Students also have a small group lesson in the morning once per week. 4^th graders take a trip to the Chicago Symphony to view a professional performance in the fall.
 

5^th Grade Band & Orchestra

Students in 5^th grade continue on their band or orchestra instrument. Skills from their first year of playing are built upon and expanded. The focus of this year is on continued technical development and growth, improved ensemble performance skills, and more exposure to performance. Fifth graders have two formal performances (fall & spring), as well as an informal small ensemble performance mid-Winter. Classes meet every other day in the afternoon. Students also have a small group lesson mid-day once per week. 5^th graders take a trip to the Chicago Symphony to view a professional performance in the fall.

6^th-7^th-8^th Grade Band & Orchestra

Beginning in sixth grade, students may select to continue or discontinue their participation in Band or Orchestra, on a yearly basis. Our junior high ensembles continue to build individual technique, more difficult repertoire, and improved nuance in ensemble performance. Performance frequency increases: Fall Concert, Veteran’s Day Concert, December performances at local senior centers, March “Classical” Concert, and a Spring “Pops” Concert. Classes meet every other day during the school-day. Students also have a small group lesson during WIN time once per week. Our ensemble students also view live professional performances: 6^th graders take a trip to the Milwaukee Symphony mid-Winter, 7^th graders take a trip to the Chicago Symphony mid-fall, and 8^th graders take a trip to The Blue Man Group mid-Spring.

7^th and 8^th Grade Choir

Beginning in seventh grade, students may select to sing in choir during the school-day. Our junior high ensembles continue to build individual technique, more difficult repertoire, and improved nuance in ensemble performance. Performance frequency increases: Fall Concert, Veteran’s Day Concert, December performances at local senior centers, March “Classical” Concert, and a Spring “Pops” Concert. Classes meet every other day during the school-day. Our ensemble students also view live professional performances: 6^th graders take a trip to the Milwaukee Symphony mid-Winter, 7^th graders take a trip to the Chicago Symphony mid-fall, and 8^th graders take a trip to The Blue Man Group mid-Spring.

Extra-Curricular Options

4^th and 5^th Grade Choir

4th and 5th grade choir meets before the school day. As our entry-level choir, this group rehearses once a week and develops their music-reading abilities and technique. 

6th Grade Choir

Sixth grade students may elect to attend choir before the school day. Our junior high ensembles continue to build individual technique, more difficult repertoire, and improved nuance in ensemble performance. Performance frequency increases: Fall Concert, Veteran’s Day Concert, December performances at local senior centers, March “Classical” Concert, and a Spring “Pops” Concert. Sixth grade choir will meet Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:15 AM. Our ensemble students also view live professional performances: 6^th graders take a trip to the Milwaukee Symphony mid-Winter, 7^th graders take a trip to the Chicago Symphony mid-fall, and 8^th graders take a trip to The Blue Man Group mid-Spring.
 

Jazz Band

The SRS jazz band is comprised of instrumental musicians and is a fun way for students to explore performing music outside of their normal band and orchestra ensembles. Members include prior jazz band members and interested students approved by Mrs. Baldwin. Students rehearse on a weekly basis for two concert performances (December & May) and one jazz festival (February). Jazz students perform a variety of styles including rock, blues, swing, Latin, and much more. All band and orchestra instruments are welcome, as well as students who are currently taking lessons on guitar, electric bass, piano and drum-set. Jazz band will meet on Wednesday mornings from 7:30-8:15 am. Due to the performance nature of this ensemble, students who are interested must be committed to the ensemble for the entire year. If you’re interested, please contact Mrs. Baldwin.

Jazz Lab

Do you want to learn to play jazz? Any 5th grade student or 6-8th grade student in band or orchestra can join! We will learn the basics of jazz and play some charts by the end of the school year. If you’re interested, please contact Ms. Logan. 

Spring Musical

Each year, the 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders have the opportunity to participate in the annual spring musical! Past productions include The Music Man, Shrek: the Musical, and The Little Mermaid. Auditions will be held in early December and rehearsals begin when we return from winter break. The musical will be announced no later than October 1; ALL STUDENTS WHO AUDITION WILL BE CAST IN THE SHOW! If you are interested in auditioning, please contact Ms. Logan.

Stage Crew

Are you interested in operating intelligent lights? Do you find microphones and sound design fascinating? Are you creative and like using your artistic skills to make props and costumes? If so, you should join stage crew for the musical! This awesome team of 6th-8th Graders works behind the scenes to help bring our show to life each year. Interested? Contact Mrs. Baldwin or Ms. Logan