Music
The Music Program at Portland Christian Middle School exists to use and develop students’ God-given talent for music, whether it is playing or singing in a large group, small group, or solo. Students discover the hidden talents God has given them, practice their hearing and their sense of rhythm, and learn how to collaborate with other musicians around them to give amazing, harmonious performances. Whether they have been singing or playing an instrument their whole lives or are just beginning, students will have the chance to explore new methods that will allow them to create beautiful music.
Band
Students can choose to enroll in a year-long band course as their Fine Arts elective. Our students build on the music skills they learned in elementary school, while beginning to refine these skills to a specific brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. Students have the opportunity to join the yearly spring musical as musicians in the pit orchestra.
In 7th and 8th grade, students who have taken beginning band and have instructor approval may take Concert Band. This class is designed to give the band instrument musician a traditional band performance experience. Its purpose is to teach comprehensive musicianship and musical excellence through playing musical exercises and the performance of band literature and transcriptions. The student will also demonstrate an understanding in music-related ideas. The Concert Band represents Portland Christian in state competitions and festivals.
Choir
Middle School Choir introduces students to choral music and choral singing; gives students confidence in singing, whether they are new to singing or have been performing all their lives; teaches and develops basic music concepts, particularly as they apply to singing; and through all these steps, serve as a “feeder” for high school choir. As singing is one of the many ways God has given us to worship Him, Middle School Choir is for anyone! Choir performances are held in the evening a couple of times during the semester.
The middle school band and choir perform throughout the year – at the Christmas concert, fall and spring concerts, chapels and festivals.
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts Program at the Middle School offers electives for students at all ability levels and interests including:
Art and Advanced Art
It is a unique privilege to be made in the image of our Creator God. The process of creating reveals the very nature of God and offers a means for glorifying Him. Building on skills they learned in elementary school, our middle school art students have the opportunity for creative expression in two and three-dimensional art, learn the basic elements of design, and become familiar with the works of some major artists. Studio projects are designed to expose students to art history, new art techniques, and creative problem-solving.
Digital Media Arts
With a small group platform, students will exercise collaboration skills to create several projects leading up to the preparation of a short stop-motion film. The topics covered include story writing, storyboarding, set design, set building, taking pictures, audio recording, importing to iMovie, and editing – giving students a strong introduction to media in the arts.
Introduction to Graphic Design
Students are trained in the art of digital design by learning about and creating various digital media products, including school posters, yearbook pages, product boxes, and more.
Yearbook
Students work independently as well as in groups to document the school year through the use of photography, story, captions, layout, design, interview, and other journalism techniques.
An annual spring visual arts show celebrates the work of middle school students.
Theater Arts
The Theater Arts Program for our middle school students is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and spiritual growth through the performing arts. Rooted in a Christian worldview, the program seeks to develop students’ talents in acting, stagecraft, and storytelling while encouraging character development and teamwork.
By taking middle school drama, students have the opportunity to honor God through a genuine theater production experience. This includes learning about the process of theatrical production from auditions to final performance. Special emphasis is placed on stagecraft vocabulary, acting vocabulary, and theater etiquette. Students learn the basis of successful public speaking as well. Performances are in the evening near the end of each semester, with rehearsals held after school in preparation.
All middle school students can also audition for spring musical productions.