5th & 6th Grade Course Requests

Welcome to the web page for 5th and 6th-Grade Course Requests. Below, you will find the important dates, the link to the Course Request Registration Form, and the course descriptions for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Important Dates for 5th & 6th-Grade Course Requests

Registration Opens: Wednesday, April 15 at 7:00 a.m.
Registration Closes: Friday, April 17 at 11:59 p.m.

Registration

Click here to register on the Course Request Registration Form.

arts

Arts Choices

All 5th and 6th-grade students take three arts classes: one in each discipline of musical arts, studio arts, and theatre arts, choosing a combination of one year-long class PLUS two semester-long electives.

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Descriptions of Arts Electives

5th and 6th Grade Year-long Electives: Musical Arts
Intro to Band (Grades 5 & 6)
This course is designed for students interested in beginning-level instruction on flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone/euphonium, tuba, or percussion instruments for students who have no experience playing an instrument. Students learn the basics of tone production, music literacy, and instrument care. An instrument fitting session will be scheduled for the band directors to determine which instrument a student should begin with. Band students will participate in one required concert each semester and can join in various other opportunities.

Charger Band (Grades 5 & 6)
This course is designed for beginning to intermediate level instruction on traditional band instruments for students who have been playing on an instrument for at least 6 months to a year. Students will learn tone production, music literacy, and instrument care. Band students will participate in one required concert each semester and can join in various other opportunities.

Charger Choir (Grades 5 & 6)
This performance choir sings songs with increased levels of difficulty, including canons, vocal ostinato, descants, two-part, and three-part harmony. With an emphasis on developing vocal skills and technique, choir members also learn basic theory, music literacy, and listening skills. The choir will have a variety of opportunities to perform throughout the year, both for the MS Community as well as parent audiences.

Intro to Orchestra (Grades 5 & 6)
This course is your opportunity to learn the violin, viola, or cello while practicing basic theory, music literacy, and literacy skills. The orchestra performs at least one concert each semester with additional performance opportunities throughout the year.

Charger Orchestra (Grades 5 & 6)
This course is designed for students with one or more years of experience playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students must be proficient in reading music, translating notes to their instrument, and confidently handling rhythms that include eighth, quarter, half, and whole notes. Additionally, they should be eager to contribute positively to an ensemble, fostering a collaborative and supportive musical environment. Additional skilled musicians, including pianists, harpists, and classical guitarists are invited to join, with opportunities that include ensemble leadership, playing chamber music, and learning to conduct. Playing everything from movie music to classics and even pop favorites, the Charger Orchestra performs at least one concert each semester with additional performance opportunities throughout the year and often collaborates with other MICDS music ensembles, such as band, choir, or other orchestras.
5th and 6th Grade Year-long Electives: Theatre

Theatre Expedition: Contemporary Practices (Grades 5 & 6) – *Offered in 2026-2027
This course is an exploration of recent contributions to the arts of acting and theatre production. The student’s research won’t just sharpen acting skills, but will fully come to life in the Freeman Theater. This course is for students who are comfortable being on stage but are curious about the creative process of producing theatre, learning all the elements needed to bring a production to life. This class encourages artistic exploration, problem-solving, and personal expression, helping students build confidence in their artistic voice.

Theatre Expedition: World Practices (Grades 5 & 6) – *Offered in 2027-2028
In this course, students will break down the history of theatre and storytelling and then bring it to life. From ancient performance practices to more modern forms, students sharpen acting skills while exploring the creative process of producing theatre. This course is for students who are comfortable being on stage but are curious about the behind-the-scenes action. There will be opportunities to learn all elements needed to bring a production to life while gaining historical context for their work as storytellers.
5th and 6th Grade Year-long Electives: Visual Arts

Visual Art Expedition (Grades 5 & 6)
This course invites 5th and 6th-grade students on a creative journey through a variety of art forms and techniques, as they explore two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Students will learn how to observe like artists, experiment with materials, and use the Elements and Principles of Design to communicate ideas and tell visual stories. Along the way, they’ll build skills in planning, problem-solving, and craftsmanship while discovering how artists express themselves. This course encourages creativity, curiosity, and confidence as students take risks, reflect on their work, and grow as thoughtful, expressive young artists.
5th and 6th Grade Semester-long Electives

Digital Music (Grades 5 & 6) – *Offered in 2026-2027
Ever wondered how your favorite music is made? In this course, you’ll dive into the world of digital music using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to create and edit your own tracks! You’ll learn the building blocks of digital music—like reverb, compression, and more—and how to use them to bring your ideas to life. Explore how sound works and how producers shape it in the studio, then put your skills to the test by creating your very own digital audio project. Whether you’re into hip-hop, EDM, or experimental sounds, this course gives you the tools to start producing your own music like a pro! No prior instrumental background is needed.

3-Chord Magic (Grades 5 & 6) – *Offered in 2027-2028
Ready to unleash your inner musician? In this hands-on course, you’ll learn the three magic chords that power some of today’s most popular songs! Whether you’re strumming on the ukulele or jamming on the keyboard, these three simple chords will allow you to play, perform, and even write your own music. We’ll dive into the world of song form, breaking down your favorite tunes to see how these three chords make the magic happen. By the end of the course, you won’t just be playing music, you’ll be able to analyze your favorite songs and even create your own! No prior instrumental background is needed.

Music Expedition (Grades 5 & 6)
This class explores all facets of music-making to uncover their passion for art. Through fun and engaging activities, they will explore a variety of music-making techniques and styles through a historical and global perspective. This class encourages artistic exploration, problem-solving, and personal expression, helping students build confidence in their artistic voice. Get ready to explore like never before!

Digital Art (Grades 5 & 6)
Students will explore the exciting world of creating art using digital tools. From drawing and painting on computers to experimenting with digital collage and graphic design, this class introduces the fundamentals of digital creativity. Students will learn about layers, color blending, and composition while using apps and software to bring their ideas to life. With a focus on creativity and self-expression, this class encourages young artists to develop their digital skills while exploring new ways to make art. No prior experience is needed, just imagination and a willingness to experiment.

Let’s Make It 2D (Grades 5 & 6)
In this course, students will dive into the colorful world of two-dimensional art through hands-on projects using materials like pencil, charcoal, oil pastel, watercolor, and acrylic paint. Students will experiment with layering, perspective, and bold creative choices while exploring color, shape, and texture. Through fun projects and imaginative challenges, artists will use their own ideas and personal style to create exciting 2D artworks. Whether doodling, painting, collaging, or adding the finishing touches, students will learn how to turn their ideas into eye-catching art on paper and canvas.

Let’s Make It 3D (Grades 5 & 6)
This course is a hands-on sculpture class where students turn their ideas into real, three-dimensional artworks. Using materials like clay, cardboard, wire, recycled objects, and found materials, students will explore how to build, shape, and design sculptures that balance and tell a story, using the layering process. Throughout the process, artists will learn about form, texture, structure, and problem-solving while experimenting with techniques and tools. This class builds creativity, curiosity, and confidence as students develop ideas, design them, and turn them into real, three-dimensional artwork.

Intro to Acting (Grades 5 & 6)
This class will explore character development, stage presence, and storytelling through fun drama games and exercises. Students will learn the actor’s secrets: how to use face, voice, and body to bring characters and emotions to life on stage.

Voice and the Actor (Grades 5 & 6)
Students will focus on their vocal production and consider how tone, volume, pitch, and pace can be manipulated to create believable characters. Through games, performances, and projects like mime, mask characterization, or viewpoints, students will bring stories and characters to life.

Body and the Actor (Grades 5 & 6)
Students will focus on using their bodies to tell a story and create believable characters. Through games, performance, and puppetry, students will bring characters to life. Students get hands-on experience building puppets and working with ready-made ones.

Behind the Scenes: Design and Production (Grades 5 & 6)
This course explores the essential elements of theatrical design and production by learning about makeup, props, costumes, scenery, lighting, and more. From developing a design concept through producing renderings, drawings, and models, students explore all the different skills of theatre “techies.” This course prepares students for Advanced Production Design production.