MIDDLE SCHOOL
Curriculum Guide
Course and Department Information


Middle School Electives

The performing arts department requires the participation of all students in middle school. Courses are designed to allow students to build a beginning foundation of skills in music and drama and continually develop those skills through a wide variety of classroom and performance experiences. There are opportunities for vocal and instrumental music, acting, improvisation and technical theater, and continued exploration into visual art. 

  • Acting

    Acting is a year-long course dedicated to an introduction to basic acting skills and how we collaborate. Acting will focus on ensemble building, communication (verbal/nonverbal), basic stage terminology, storytelling, and scene work. The course also provides two performance opportunities so students learn how to develop a character, perform onstage, and work with confidence within a class ensemble. Our utmost goal for the course is for students to explore how to push their risk-taking in a comfortable, supportive environment while discovering their unique voice and personal story.

    Available to students in grade(s): 06/07/08
    Prerequisite(s): Available to all students; no prerequisite applies
    Course length: Full-year
    Course repeat policy: This course may not be repeated without instructor approval

  • Art Lab

    Art Lab is a year-long, project-based course exploring various visual art-making forms. Students explore a variety of media and learn advanced techniques that may not be covered or explored in as much detail in the semester-long art classes. They expand their skill sets and create work displayed throughout the year for all to see.

    Available to students in grade(s): 06/07/08
    Prerequisite(s): Available to all students; no prerequisite applies
    Course length: Full-year
    Course repeat policy: This course may not be repeated without instructor approval

  • Chorus

    Chorus is a year-long course where students study and perform classical, popular, and musical theater songs. Through singing, students will enjoy both musical and non-musical benefits, including healthy breathing and vocal techniques, improved memory, lowered stress levels, increased self-confidence, and higher levels of endorphins, all while building a sense of community within our classroom. The group performs at our annual winter and spring concerts and is often asked to sing at off-campus events.

    No prior singing experience is required, only a desire to express yourself through sharing your voice with others in a safe and supportive environment while having lots of fun!

    Available to students in grade(s): 06/07/08
    Prerequisite(s): Available to all students; no prerequisite applies
    Course length: Full-year
    Course repeat policy: This course may be repeated

  • Dance

    Dance is a year-long option for their Performing Arts class. In Dance class, students will learn various dance styles, including the history and basic terminology of Jazz, Musical Theater, Modern, and Hip Hop. They will also explore creating their choreography and teaching classmates their dances (or "setting them"). Throughout the course, students will also learn how a dance production is brought to fruition. The Dance class presents two performances during the year.

    Available to students in grade(s): 06/07/08
    Prerequisite(s): Available to all students; no prerequisite applies
    Course length: Full-year
    Course repeat policy: This course may not be repeated without instructor approval

  • Digital Media and Design

    Digital Media and Design is a student-centered, project-based course that guides students through digital media and design within the realms of stop animation, audio production, video production, and additional topics. At the close of the school year, students will select a culminating project/performance for exploration under the following threads: audio production, video production, stop animation, or a topic approved by the course instructor.

    Available to students in grade(s): 06/07/08
    Prerequisite(s): Available to all students; no prerequisite applies
    Course length: Full-year
    Course repeat policy: This course may not be repeated without instructor approval

  • Instrumental Ensemble

    Middle School Instrumental Ensemble is an opportunity for students to develop musical skills on an instrument while also learning to work together as an ensemble. Students will learn to play a variety of styles, including Classical, Jazz, and Popular music. The ensemble performs at least four times yearly for the student body and families. All ensemble members must have at least one year of experience playing their instrument and be able to read music. Private lessons are encouraged. 

    Available to students in grade(s): 06/07/08
    Prerequisite(s): This course is available to all students; at least one year of experience in instrument playing and the ability to read music are required.
    Course length: Full-year
    Course repeat policy: This course may be repeated

  • Stagecraft

    Middle School Stagecraft is a year-long class focusing on various design elements that can shape a theatrical production. Students will have a hands-on experience with tools and equipment that are used across theaters today. Units covered include lighting, sound, painting, design, and basic construction. Students will apply these skills while working on our two showcases during the year and have the opportunity to experience leadership opportunities such as stage manager, crew, and board operators.

    Available to students in grade(s): 06/07/08
    Prerequisite(s): Available to all students; no prerequisite applies
    Course length: Full-year
    Course repeat policy: This course may not be repeated without instructor approval


  • Mr. Gerald Daye Jr.
    Middle School STEM Teacher
    Eastern Illinois University - B.A.
    University of Illinois at Chicago - M.Ed.
    NSCD Faculty Since 2023
  • Mrs. Ann Goodrich
    Instrumental Music Director; Middle and Upper School Music Teacher
    Vanderbilt University - B.M.
    Vanderbilt University - M.Ed.
    NSCD Faculty Since 2018
  • Mr. Austin Gruber
    Theater Technical Director; Theater Arts Teacher
    Western Kentucky University - B.A.
    NSCD Faculty Since 2015
  • Ms. Julia Macholl
    Middle and Upper School Theater Teacher; Interim Coordinator
    (847) 716-1555
    Illinois State University - B.A.
    NSCD Faculty Since 2010
  • Mx. Kae Orgel
    Middle School Dance Teacher
    Northeastern Illinois University - BSIS
    NSCD Faculty Since 2023
  • Mr. Brad Rose
    Middle and Upper School Visual Arts Teacher
    School of Visual Arts (Manhattan) - B.F.A.
    NSCD Faculty Since 2021