Explore Our Curriculum

Arts

Using the principles of collaboration, design, practice, and reflection, students in The Out-of-Door Academy arts program create expressive and well-organized works of art. The arts program provides a nurturing environment where students learn technique and also have the freedom to stretch creatively to express their individuality. The philosophy of the Out-of-Door Arts department is that the best way to learn artistic values is to create art and to reflect on one’s work. Students are expected to create art, and in the process of doing so, to work analytically to solve problems while having fun. Students have opportunities to share their art and music with others through public concerts, plays, and exhibits.

  • Band 6

    This course features instruments that include the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, tuba, and percussion. Students may arrive at varied levels of ability. Students will learn and expand upon the fundamentals necessary to play an instrument in a class setting. Students will continue to build upon basic note-reading skills, rhythms, techniques on their respective instruments, dynamics, and musical terminology.  Students will have the opportunity to perform with the larger Middle School Band (grades 6-8) for concerts throughout the year.

  • Band 6/7/8

    In Middle School Band, standard band literature from classical Western repertoire will be studied.  Students will be familiar with the B flat, E flat, A flat and D flat major scales, be able to read music at level 2, and be able to follow a conductor.  Students will be taught 12 major scales and the chromatic scale.  Concert performances will feature pieces rehearsed through the school year.  Intonation, dynamics, articulation, and rhythmic accuracy will be emphasized.  The development of independent practice habits is expected.

  • Band 7/8

    In Middle School Band, standard band literature from classical Western repertoire will be studied.  Students will be familiar with the B flat, E flat, A flat and D flat major scales, be able to read music at level 2, and be able to follow a conductor.  Students will be taught 12 major scales and the chromatic scale.  Concert performances will feature pieces rehearsed through the school year.  Intonation, dynamics, articulation, and rhythmic accuracy will be emphasized.  The development of independent practice habits is expected.

  • Chorus 6

    This course explores vocal music in an ensemble setting. Many different types of music are performed throughout the school year, covering a wide variety of styles and time periods which include music theater, traditional, jazz, and contemporary. The fundamentals of vocal technique are studied such as breath support, posture, and vowel production. Also, elementary aspects of music theory are introduced, such as basic notation, key signatures, rhythm, and solfege. Students in chorus are encouraged to audition for musicals as a supplication to vocal learning.

  • Chorus 7/8

    Students entering Middle School Chorus have already experienced singing in two-part harmony and will begin singing in three-part harmony. They will have weekly classes on basic rhythmic values and sight-singing using the movable do-re-mi solfeggio system. Students will be able to follow basic score reading and learn to sing acapella while following the music director. Students will have the opportunity to sing, not only standard choral music, but classic rock, jazz, broadway, and pop. In addition to singing, whole body movement will be emphasized, whether using Boomwhackers or classroom instruments, to get the students to feel rhythm and beat. Students will perform in concerts by memory. Intonation, dynamics, articulation, rhythmic accuracy, and balance are emphasized. Students will gain confidence by singing solos in front of peers in safety of supportive classroom environment. Students will also be introduced to instruments such as cajón, drums, bass, guitar, and ukulele.

  • Percussion

    This course will focus on building a foundation of rudiments and fundamentals on the main percussion instruments: snare drum, mallets, and timpani. Students will perform with the middle school band at each concert while also learning and performing music as an ensemble. Students will be tested on their techniques throughout the year by performing solos and assigned etudes. Percussion experience is preferred but not required. 

  • Strings 6

    This course focuses on the string instruments, notably the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students may arrive at varied levels of ability. Students will learn the basics and begin to read notation. Students will continue to develop note-reading skills and the mechanics (technique and bow principles) of playing their instruments while performing a diverse repertoire of music. Students will have the opportunity to perform with the larger Middle School Orchestra (grades 6-8) for concerts throughout the year.

  • Strings 7/8

    Middle School String Ensemble is a performance-based course. Students will continue to develop note reading skills, will begin playing in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th position, and will learn skills necessary to be more independent in their musical development (tuning themselves, effective practice strategies, analysis of key signature, etc.) The G, D, A, and E major scales will be mastered, students will be expected to read music at level 2, and follow a conductor early in the academic school year. In Middle School String Ensemble, standard literature from the classical Western literature will be studied. Concert pieces will feature works rehearsed through the school year. Intonation, dynamics, articulation, and rhythmic accuracy will be emphasized. The development of independent practice habits is expected.

  • Theater Arts 6

    This course is an introduction to the acting and theatrical production process with an emphasis on collaboration. Students learn to utilize basic actor's tools through the exploration of creating a character, using their body and voice in interesting ways, and demonstrating effective stage movement. Students will also explore technical elements of theater from design to final production. Students are encouraged to be a part of our after-school drama program.

  • Theater Arts 7

    Theater Arts is a course designed to introduce students to the various elements of the theater. This class teaches the fundamentals of acting, musical theater, film acting, directing, storytelling, and various other disciplines such as puppetry, mask making, and pantomime.  As students progress through the program they use the skills they learn as they move to each level building a strong theater background.  Students in theater act as positive, supportive members of the class helping to create a safe environment where all students can grow and learn together. Students are encouraged to audition for the plays and musicals throughout the year.

  • Theater Arts 8

    Theater Arts is a course designed to introduce students to the various elements of the theater. This class teaches the fundamentals of acting, musical theater, film acting, directing, storytelling, and various other disciplines such as puppetry, mask making, and pantomime.  As students progress through the program they use the skills they learn as they move to each level building a strong theater background.  Students in theater act as positive, supportive members of the class helping to create a safe environment where all students can grow and learn together. Students are encouraged to audition for the plays and musicals throughout the year.

  • Visual & Digital Arts 8

    In this course, students will gain a solid understanding of the basic elements and principles of design and use them in a variety of projects. This course promotes self-esteem, creativity, problem solving, and communication skills. Within the art classroom, students will become knowledgeable about past and present artists, cultures, and techniques.  This class will be 50% PhotoShop and 50% traditional art.  ODA provides Adobe Suite for all students who participate in Visual Arts to teach the basics of PhotoShop and Graphic Design.  Laptops are required for this class: tablets will not meet the necessary software requirements.

The Out-of-Door Academy

LOWER SCHOOL |  Historic Siesta Key Campus  |  Pre-K – Grade 5
444 Reid Street, Sarasota, FL 34242  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-349-8133

LOWER SCHOOL |  Lower School Campus on Clark Road  |  Pre-K – Grade 1
11011 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241   |  941-349-3223

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS  |  Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch  |  Grades 6 – 8 |  Grades 9 – 12
5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-907-1251
The Out-of-Door Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, physical ability, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.
The Out-of-Door Academy is an equal opportunity employer.

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