River School Arts

Instrumental Music at River School offers students an opportunity to enhance their musical ability by providing an outlet for expression through playing instruments. Students will learn the importance of dedication, teamwork, musicianship, poise and self-worth. It’s my hope that we will create a familial atmosphere in the rehearsal classroom, which will provide students with a safe environment and allow each person to feel comfortable in sharing their innate talents with the ensemble.

Instrumental classes are divided by grade and not by skill or ability. Students of all levels in our programs will establish fundamental technique on their instrument, rhythm and note identification and will perform alone and with others. Students are expected and encouraged to practice at home and/or with a private instructor on their instrument. Students will be given opportunities to perform several times during the year.

Courses offered:

6th Grade Band – year

7th/8th Grade Band – year

 

Music is: science, math, foreign language, history, physical….

all of these things, but most of all, music is art.

It speaks to our emotions, our passions and our desire to be creative. In addition, music making is a shared human endeavor that bonds us together; connecting us to one another in a communal experience. Music education is humanistic education, because as scholar David Elliott puts it, the primary values of music education are the same as those we share as humans beings (self-growth, self-knowledge, self esteem, and a desire for the optimal experience.)

Choral Music at River School offers students an opportunity to enhance their musical ability by providing an outlet for expression through singing. Students will learn the importance of dedication, teamwork, musicianship, poise and self-worth. It’s my hope that we will create a familial atmosphere in the rehearsal classroom, which will provide students with a safe environment and allow each person to feel comfortable in sharing their innate talents with the ensemble.

Choral classes are divided by grade and not by skill or ability. Students of all levels in our programs will establish fundamental vocal techniques, pitch and tone, and will perform alone and with others. Students are expected and encouraged to practice at home and/or with a private instructor. Students will be given opportunities to perform several times during the year.

Under the Direction of NVUSD String specialist Stephanie Hawks

This orchestra is open to any 6 – 8 grade string players with at least one year experience.

Goal: To provide an opportunity for string students to continue playing and to improve their skills. We will be performing at the River School Performing Arts nights and participating in the NVUSD Vertical Articulation Festival in the Spring.  

From art teacher, Ericson Wyn:

“My art classes are designed to reinforce and build on knowledge and skills developed at the elementary levels and 6th grade. The study of the elements of art and principles of design, color theory, vocabulary and art history are all covered through one school year.

Student research of art, artists, and cultures is a major source for gaining knowledge and understanding of past and present art forms.  It is my goal to awaken the intelligence of students and teach them to recognize relationships in art and the world outside school by combining knowledge, experience and critical observation.”