Eighth Grade Enrichment Classes

ENSEMBLE GROUPS
These groups meet one time each week during our activities/tutorial block. Participation in one of these groups is optional based on you particular interest and the description of the process will occur during the 2nd week of school. To participate in any of these groups, auditions/interviews occur during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of school.

Tartan Chorale
Tartan Chorale is an auditioned, honor choir made up of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students who show a love for and commitment to the SMES choral program. This group will meet once per week during the school day. Auditions will be held at the beginning of the school year, and the group will be featured in various performances during the coming year. The advanced choir student in this ensemble will perform in at least three parts, and be exposed to much more difficult music – in different languages, genres and time periods.
Pre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in either 6th, 7th, or 8th Grade Choir to be eligible for this group.

Middle School Big Band
The Middle School Big Band is the Middle School’s premiere performing jazz band. Available by audition only, instruments include: alto sax, tenor sax, baritome sax, trombone, trumpet, piano, guitar, bass and drums. This ensemble is a year long course with two main concerts; the Christmas Concert and the Spring Concert, in addition to other performances throughout the year.
Co-Requisite: 6th, 7th, or 8th grade band.

Middle School Orchestra
The Middle School Orchestra is the Middle School’s premiere performing orchestra. Available by audition only, instruments include: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. This ensemble is a year-long course with two main concerts, The Christmas Concert and The Spring Concert, in addition to other performances. Co-requisite: 6th, 7th, or 8th Grade Strings.

Yearbook
The Middle School yearbook class consists of several creative and organizational elements. Students are in charge of photography, copy, layout and design, business management, and the production of the Middle School yearbook. Meeting deadlines and balancing schedules is an integral part of the entire process. New technology allows the students to work from any computer with an internet connection. This year long commitment gives students the opportunity to produce a keepsake that their peers will cherish for years to come.

S.W.A.T. Team (Technology)
Since its inception in 1997, SWAT (Students Working to Advance Technology) Teams are taking the lead in supporting teachers and students with technology needs at their schools and in their communities. The mission of the nationally recognized SWAT concept is to promote student leadership training, address technology competencies, provide outreach to the community through parent involvement, corporate support, and student community service, and to encourage collaboration among student SWAT Teams nationally.

Dance
The Dance Ensemble is a Middle School Honor Group with a year-long commitment. Dance Ensemble members study ballet, tap, and jazz dance at an accelerated pace. Dance Ensemble members also have the opportunity to practice choreographing on a small scale. Because the Dance Ensemble only meets once a week, it is designed primarily for those students who take additional dance classes outside of school or who have a lot of previous experience. Students are selected through audition only and must maintain good academic standing in order to remain in the Ensemble. Students in the Ensemble will need to make up academic tests and quizzes (if they are absent) during lunches or before/after school since they will be spending the Wednesday tutorial time in Dance Ensemble rehearsals. Dance Ensemble members will perform in all dance recitals and other community events.