2022-2023 7th & 8th Grade Electives 

Intro to Ceramics

In this introductory Ceramics course, students will gain hands on experience in hand building methods and the potter's wheel. Surface treatment, decoration and glazing materials will also be explored. Knowledge of the bodies and stages of clay, and firing will be introduced. Students will gain firsthand experience in the joy of creating and artistic expression, and will also take home many of their creations.

Discovering Art

Come explore art with several mediums including paint, pastel, embroidery thread, and more!  Students will learn and use the fundamentals of art while creating projects. They will also be introduced to elements of art and principles of design.

MS Band

(Can be taken for a semester or for a year)

This is a course for students who are new to playing a band instrument. Students will learn basic performance techniques, how t oread and perform music, and will make lots of new friends! In addition to exciting daily rehearsals and instrumental exercises, students may have the opportunity to perform at concerts and community events. Students will not only be joining the band, but will be part of the Fine Arts community! Instrument choices include: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and mallet percussion. 

Course Fee: $35 will be debited from FACTS upon enrollment each semester.

Theater

This very interactive course focuses on the fundamentals of acting, with an emphasis on the development of imagination, self-awareness, sense memory, improvisation, the ability to execute basic stage tasks, characterization and character development. The course also explores vocal technique that focuses on warming up, harmonizing, and singing as a group and individually. Students will have the opportunity to perform in a large scale production.

Course Fee: $35 will be debited from FACTS upon enrollment each semester.

Required Commitment to the following dates:

Fall Show Dates: Dec 1 - 3

Bravo 2023: March 3 - 4

Spring Show Dates: March 30 - April 1

Photography

Consider an experience with taking photographs. This semester-long course will introduce students to the art of photography: using a camera, lighting, choosing great subjects, and visual storytelling. Responsibility and the ability to manage oneself with equipment and in the lab are essential. Course is limited to 12 students.

Guitar

This introductory course will focus on dexterity, fluency, and solid guitar technique. Guitar is designed without any prerequisites and is intended for students with no prior musical experience. Students will be furnished with the skills to perform effectively at worship services, community events, and in other school-related opportunities.

Requirements: MVC has a limited number of instruments available. If supplies run out, students may be asked to rent an instrument from a local music store. It is expected that students will practice at home for a minimum of 30 minutes per week.

Course Fee: $35 will be debited from FACTS upon enrollment each semester.

Voice

An introduction to the care and cultivation of the singing voice, aesthetic awareness, musical language and history, vocal solo repertoire, artistic expression, vocal techniques, ensemble performance, and performance practice. No previous experience required. 

Genius Hour

Though not exactly an hour, the time in this course will provide students an opportunity to pursue and participate in their own passion projects. It is an inquiry-based time of student-directed learning where each student explores their own unique interests and becomes the “genius” about a topic of choice. Students choose what to explore and study and what to produce as a result. This course promotes not only inquiry and research, but creativity and self-directed learning. *Students may be asked to provide some of their own supplies depending on the product chosen to produce.

Cowboy Club

Calling all MS boys - come learn the ways of the West! We'll cover basic blacksmithing, roping, western horse riding, and good ol' fashioned horsemanship in a low pressure, fun environment! This is a great opportunity for boys to experience horsemanship. This boys-only class will be taught by an authentic cowboy, and beginners are welcome! $700 for the semester.

*Note: This is not the same as Horsemanship taken in lieu of Physical Health Education. Boys and girls interested in that option should reach out with that request to melissamorales@mvcs.org.

Makerspace/Design

Design is the link between innovation and creativity, giving students the opportunity to explore, imagine and implement ideas to solve unique design challenges. A Makerspace is a space to do just that--make things! This course will allow students to imagine, design, create, build, and construct. With a closet full of enticing art and craft supplies, design challenges, and a bin full of Legos, each week students will embark on a new adventure of problem-solving, imagining, and creating together. This will be a course that emphasizes the design process, so student participation will include critical thinking, discussing and sharing of ideas and hands-on productivity.

Choral

Experience the joy of singing! Students will be exposed to a variety of music styles and will learn to harmonize, read music and sing together as a group and individually. Join in with classmates for exciting chorale performances. No singing experience required. Students will be guided through the process of learning to sing. This group will become a family of music makers. Get ready for an exciting adventure! Additional after school rehearsals may be required as the opening of the concerts and performances allows.

Course Fee: $35 will be debited from FACTS upon enrollment for each semester.

Mustang Band

The MVC Mustang Band is for intermediate to advanced students who have taken Band previously. It is a very active instrumental music ensemble, playing a wide variety of pep band music, concert band literature, and world music. The Mustang Band may be asked to play at athletic competitions, community events, and perform frequently both on and off campus. Students are encouraged and expected to grow as musicians and performers, faithfully attend all performances, and give their very best to this highly visible performing ensemble. This course is combined with High School students.

Requirements: MVC has a limited number of instruments available. If supplies run out, students may be asked to rent an instrument from a local music store. It is expected that students will practice at home for a minimum of 30 minutes per week.

Course Fee: $35 will be debited from FACTS upon enrollment each semester.

Jr. Thespians 

Students who enjoy acting and theater are encouraged to join this club for an opportunity to engage in the elements of drama. Students will learn what it takes to become an official member of Jr. Thespians Honor Society.

Course Fee: $40 for first time Thespians; $20 returning students

Student Leadership

This club is for those who want to raise school spirit, build a fun, vibrant, kind MS culture, plan spirit days, and serve as a role model and representative for their class! This club is mandatory for Student Council members once elected.