Connections

Connections, Exploratory, and Fine Arts Courses at MMS

Connections Courses

Band

Band is open to all MMS students in grades 7 and 8. We start at the very beginning learning how to assemble the instruments properly without damaging them and proceed into producing basic characteristic sounds on the instruments. Attention is given to embouchure, tone, timbre, and support from the beginning. First year students play from a method book and proceed into full band compositions as they progress.

Students also learn historical information regarding their particular instruments and instrumental music in general. Not only are students encouraged to study privately on their instruments, opportunities are provided for small ensembles including jazz band, percussion ensemble, woodwind choir, and brass choir. Students are also encouraged to take part in various activities sanctioned by the Georgia Music Educators Association. The activities include solo and ensemble, all-state, honor band, and large group festival.

This is a year-long, daily course.

Chorus

Chorus is open to all Marietta Middle School students in grades 7 and 8. The MMS chorus is a performance-based class in which students who desire to further develop their musical skills may do so by performing in a vocal ensemble. Music theory and ear training are integral components of this course and coincide with singing rehearsals in order to further develop all chorus students as skilled musicians.

This is a year-long, daily course.

ComPAny Theatre

Math Connections

Math Connections is designed to meet the needs of students who need additional help in order to achieve grade level standards in mathematics. The purpose of Math Connections is to close identified gaps in computation, numeracy, and problem-solving. Students review skills and concepts missed in previous grade levels. The objectives of this course follow the state GSE Math Standards and Marietta City Schools’ Curriculum.

This is a year-long course which meets every other day.

Orchestra

Orchestra is open to seventh and eighth grade students. This year-long, performance-based class is an intermediate performing ensemble for string players. Skills and concepts from the previous year are developed and expanded upon. In addition to continued refinement of individual performance skills, greater emphasis is placed on ensemble performance skills.

Students will continue to develop their knowledge of music theory, begin to analyze and evaluate music, and use critical thinking skills to make refinements in their performance. Individual and ensemble performance skills will be expanded through musical expression and technical accuracy. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in adjudicated solo and ensemble festivals, district honor orchestras, and private lessons.

This is a performance-based class. Participation in concert performances outside of regular class hours is required. This is a year-long, daily course.

Physical Education & Health

Reading Connections

Reading Connections is designed to meet the needs of students who need additional help in order to achieve grade level standards in English Language Arts. The purpose of Reading Connections is to close identified gaps through the use of fluency, decoding, and reading comprehension. Lessons are in accordance with the state GSE objectives and Marietta City Schools’ Curriculum.

This is a year-long course which meets every other day.

Studio Art

MMS Fine Arts

For more information on all of the Fine Arts programs at MMS, please visit the following pages:

Exploratory Courses

Applications of Communications

Business and Computer Science

MS Business and Computer Science is a seventh and eighth grade exploratory course. Using project-based instruction, students are introduced to the principles of business in the 21st century while refreshing their keyboarding skills. This course should also help students to use computers effectively in their lives, thus providing a connection of computer science and business careers.