Explore the Related Arts Program

Sixth Grade

Band – Year - Teacher, Juliet Lang
The 6th Grade Band class is open to any sixth-grade student who wishes to learn the fundamentals of playing a typical school band instrument. These instruments include flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, French horn, and percussion. Students will learn the foundations that will ensure their success as future band members such as learning to read music, producing a good tone, assimilating music history and theory, and playing and performing individually and as a group. The 6th grade band traditionally performs a winter and spring concert. Students who are achieving at a high level are also encouraged to participate in the MTSBOA Solo and Ensemble Performance Assessment. All students are expected to practice individually in preparation for class and are expected to attend all performances. This class is a pre-requisite for future participation in the BMS band program.

Seventh Grade

Band – Year – Teacher, Juliet Lang
The concert Band is open to seventh grade students who have at least one-year experience playing their instrument.  The course is a continuation of the technical training started in the sixth grade.  Students will expand their playing ability, improve their range, tone and technique, enhance their ensemble skills, continue to assimilate music history and theory, and perform individually and as a group.  Students will be expected to practice individually in preparation for class and to attend all performances including the winter and spring concerts.  Students achieving a high level will be encouraged to audition for the MTSBOA Mid-State Clinic Bands and the MTSBOA Solo and Ensemble Performance Assessment.  Students will attend the Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association Concert and Sight-Reading Performance Assessment in the Spring.  An overnight trip to an out-of-state concert band competition is usually the culmination of every other year for this group. 

Eighth Grade

Band – Year – Teacher, Juliet Lang
The eighth-grade band is open to students who have at least two years of experience on their instrument.  Students will continue to expand their playing ability, improve their range, tone, and technique, refine their ensemble skills, apply music history and theory skills, and perform individually and as a group. Students achieving a high level will be encouraged to audition for the MTSBOA Mid State Clinic Bands and the MTSBOA Solo and Ensemble Performance Assessment.  Students will attend the Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association Concert and Sight-Reading Performance Assessment in the spring. Students will be expected to practice individually in preparation for class and to attend performances including winter and spring concerts, WCS Band Exhibition, 8^th Grade Band Night, and several culminating concerts and activities. An overnight trip to an out-of-state concert band competition is usually the culmination of every other year for this group.  

Sixth Grade

STEAM Innovations – 9 Weeks-Lyn Anderson
This class will provide students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the content connections that exist between science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). Students will learn about the Engineering Design Process and how that is used in today's world. This class will be project based and have a multitude of different projects. This class's projects will focus more on the creativity and technology side of STEAM.

Computer Science-Coding (Python)-9 Weeks-Lyn Anderson
Introduction into Computational Thinking and Programming is a 9-week course intended to provide students with exposure to various programming and digital literacy. This course is required to meet the Tennessee computer science requirement for middle school students. It may be taken in any quarter in a student’s 6th, 7th, or 8th grade year. The course meets the six core concepts as defined by the State of Tennessee. The core concepts are foundational concepts, Data & Analysis, Algorithmic Thinking, Networking & the Internet, Programming Concepts, & Impacts of Computing.

Seventh Grade

STEAM Innovations – 9 Weeks-Lyn Anderson
This class will provide students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the content connections that exist between science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). Students will learn about the Engineering Design Process and how that is used in today's world. This class will be project based and have a multitude of different projects. This class's projects will focus more on the creativity and technology side of STEAM.

Computer Science-Coding (Python)-9 Weeks-Lyn Anderson
Introduction into Computational Thinking and Programming is a 9-week course intended to provide students with exposure to various programming and digital literacy. This course is required to meet the Tennessee computer science requirement for middle school students. It may be taken in any quarter in a student’s 6th, 7th, or 8th grade year. The course meets the six core concepts as defined by the State of Tennessee. The core concepts are foundational concepts, Data & Analysis, Algorithmic Thinking, Networking & the Internet, Programming Concepts, & Impacts of Computing.

Eighth Grade

STEAM Innovations – 9 Weeks-Teri Schoof
This class will provide students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the content connections that exist between science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). Students will learn about the Engineering Design Process and how that is used in today's world. This class will be project based and have a multitude of different projects. This class's projects will focus more on the creativity and technology side of STEAM.

Computer Science-Coding (Python)-9 Weeks-Lyn Anderson & Teri Schoof
Introduction into Computational Thinking and Programming is a 9-week course intended to provide students with exposure to various programming and digital literacy. This course is required to meet the Tennessee computer science requirement for middle school students. It may be taken in any quarter in a student’s 6th, 7th, or 8th grade year. The course meets the six core concepts as defined by the State of Tennessee. The core concepts are foundational concepts, Data & Analysis, Algorithmic Thinking, Networking & the Internet, Programming Concepts, & Impacts of Computing.

Sixth Grade

Media Concepts and Google Apps – 9 Weeks – Teacher, Teri Schoof
In this class, graphic editing and video creation will be covered as students create a biographical digital story of their favorite things. Students will research the history of communication, computers and media and create a presentation highlighting one of many topics. For most of the class, students will participate in a multi-week collaborative learning unit that focuses on planning a vacation. As part of this unit students will learn to research and organize information, create various documents, use spreadsheets, and create multiple visual presentations using Google Apps.

Keyboarding (Typing) – 9 Weeks – Teacher, Teri Schoof
In Keyboarding, students will review the proper keyboarding techniques and develop speed and accuracy while completing a variety of touch-typing exercises. They will also learn the correct fingering for keying the number and symbol keys. In addition, students will research topics associated with keyboarding such as assistive technology, proofreader marks, speed calculation, and importance of knowing how to key.

Computer Science-Coding (HTML/CSS)– 9 Weeks – Teacher, Teri Schoof
Students begin by studying the history of computers and the origins of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Students will work on developing a primary understanding of HTML and CSS. They will also become familiar with some of the tools and technologies needed to develop web pages and other programming projects. Students enrolling in coding need to be adept at reading and following directions, detailed-oriented problem-solvers, and motivated learners ready for higher-level thinking challenges. The course meets the six core concepts as defined by the State of Tennessee. The core concepts are foundational concepts, Data & Analysis, Algorithmic Thinking, Networking & the Internet, Programming Concepts, & Impacts of Computing.

Seventh Grade

Computer Science-Coding (JavaScript) – 9 Weeks – Teacher, Teri Schoof
Students wanting to take this class should be detail-oriented and determined to meet challenges involving higher order thinking and problem solving.  They should also be methodical thinkers who can easily read and interpret instructions.  Students will then learn the basic components associated with JavaScript including:  variables, input, output, arrays, conditionals, functions, loops, and much more.  The concepts will be presented through an online curriculum that includes a variety of hands-on activities. Participation in the 6^th Grade coding class is helpful, but not required. The course meets the six core concepts as defined by the State of Tennessee. The core concepts are foundational concepts, Data & Analysis, Algorithmic Thinking, Networking & the Internet, Programming Concepts, & Impacts of Computing.

Media Creations and Desktop Publishing - 9 Weeks – Teacher, Teri Schoof
In this media class, students begin by exploring intellectual property including copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Students will research and report on topics such as plagiarism, copyright infringement, netiquette, online safety, hacking, and fair use. Cooperative learning groups will study the history of media advertising, develop marketing plans, and create product promotions.  Desktop publishing activities, the creation of 2D graphics, and basic web design concepts will be the focus of print mediums. Students will modify and create audio clips and use video cameras and editing software to create the broadcast mediums.

Introduction to Video Production – 9 Weeks – Teacher, Teri Schoof
Students taking this class will have the opportunity to work both in front of and behind the camera. They will learn how to plan, create, record, and edit video projects. As students create a variety of projects, basic video terminology will be explored. Throughout this class, students will complete 3-4 video projects. Students taking this class should be able to work both independently and collaboratively.  They should also be organized, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines. This class is a pre-requisite for students wanting to take Advanced Video Design and Production in the 8th Grade.  

Eighth Grade

Advanced Video Design and Production – Semester – Teacher, Teri Schoof
This class is available to students who took Introduction to Video Production in 7^th grade. They will continue their study of video production techniques. The history of moviemaking will be studied in conjunction with a website design unit. Students will review camera angles, shots, and movements and how to use the cameras to get their desired effect. As the class progresses, students will develop storyboards and are responsible for writing, producing, directing, recording, and editing many projects including PSA’s, news broadcasts, interviews, silent movies, and music videos. This is an accelerated class that focuses heavily on working independently and collaboratively to complete projects at a fast pace. Students taking this class will have many of the skills necessary to continue in the TV and Film program at Brentwood High School.

Computer Science-Coding (Video Game Design) – Semester – Teacher, Teri Schoof  
In this class, students will begin with a study of video game characteristics and the various elements necessary for successful video games.  As they progress through the online curriculum, they will learn to think like programmers. They will learn technical skills like programming, graphic design, and animation that will help them in the creation of several games. They will also learn to test and debug the programs they are creating. Students enrolling in video game design need to be adept at reading and following directions, detailed-oriented problem-solvers, and motivated learners ready for higher-level thinking challenges.   The course meets the six core concepts as defined by the State of Tennessee. The core concepts are foundational concepts, Data & Analysis, Algorithmic Thinking, Networking & the Internet, Programming Concepts, & Impacts of Computing.

Sixth Grade 

Orchestra – Year – Teacher, Mickey Rybiski
The 6th Grade Orchestra class is open to students with or without prior experience. Students will learn the fundamentals of music and string instrument-playing, including basic technique, music notation, and ear-training skills. Students can learn the violin, viola, cello, or double bass and will experience performing in large and small ensembles. (Students with prior experience may choose to learn a secondary instrument.) This class is a pre-requisite for future participation in the BMS orchestra program. The 6th grade Orchestra has at least two large concerts each year, participates in the WCS String Fling, and takes an annual field trip to the Nashville Symphony.

Seventh Grade 

Intermediate Orchestra – Year – Teacher, Mickey Rybiski
This class is only open to students with prior experience on an orchestral string instrument. Second year students will continue to refine fundamental skills and begin to develop more advanced knowledge of music theory and playing techniques. This class concentrates on rhythmic and technical accuracy as well as preparation and performance of Grade 2 string orchestra literature. Students can participate in the Williamson County Honor Orchestra Clinic, MTSBOA Concert Performance Assessment, and are eligible for the MTSBOA Mid-State Orchestra.  The 7th Grade Orchestra has at least four large concerts each year and may participate in a variety of other festivals and performances, including a Spring Trip.

Eighth Grade

Advanced Orchestra-Year – Teacher, Mickey Rybiski  
This class is only open to students with prior experience on an orchestral string instrument.  8th grade students will focus on advanced tone production, intonation, tuning, shifting, vibrato, advanced bowing techniques, and more. This class concentrates on more advanced rhythmic and technical accuracy as well as preparation and performance of Grade 3 string orchestra literature. The 8th Grade Orchestra is fundamental preparation for participation in the Brentwood High School Orchestra Program.  Students can participate in the Williamson County Honor Orchestra Clinic, MTSBOA Concert Performance Assessment, and are eligible for the MTSBOA Mid-State Orchestra.  The 8th Grade Orchestra has at least four large concerts each year and may participate in a variety of other festivals and performances, including a Spring Trip. 

Sixth Grade 

Wellness (PE) – 9 Weeks – Teachers, Ben Hahs, Dennis Harrison, Anne Johnson, Kristen Young
This course will include participation in games such as volleyball, tennis, flag football, basketball, circuit training, and ultimate frisbee. Fitness testing and re-testing will be completed to evaluate student progress. In the health portion of the class, students will study the importance of personal hygiene and a tobacco-free life. Wellness will also incorporate the opportunity for those interested in Sports Media Operations to learn the new scoreboard system and how to produce content on a game night.

Seventh Grade

Wellness (PE) – 9 Weeks – Teachers, Ben Hahs, Dennis Harrison, Anne Johnson, Kristen Young
The nine-week class will include participation in games such as volleyball, tennis, ping pong, flag football, circuit training, ultimate frisbee, frisbee golf, and spike ball.  Fitness testing and re-testing will be completed to evaluate student progress.  In the health portion of the course, students will participate in the D.A.R.E. program.  Wellness will also incorporate the opportunity for those interested in Sports Media Operations to learn the new scoreboard system and how to produce content on a game night.

Eighth Grade

Wellness (PE)-9 Weeks – Teachers, Ben Hahs, Dennis Harrison, Anne Johnson, Kristen Young
This nine weeks class will include participation in games such as volleyball, tennis, ping pong, flag football, circuit training, ultimate frisbee, frisbee golf, and spike ball.  Fitness testing and re-testing will be completed to evaluate student progress.  In the health portion of the course, students will study nutrition. Wellness will also incorporate the opportunity for those interested in Sports Media Operations to learn the new scoreboard system and how to produce content on a game night.

Sixth Grade

Computer Science-6^th Grade Robotics – 9 Weeks – Teacher, Matt Brooks
Robotics is an interdisciplinary, lab-based, 9 weeks course. Using the VEX IQ robotics platform, students engage in hand-on, problem-based learning focusing on engineering design, fundamental mechanical engineering principles, project management, and computer programming. Students work in teams to design, build, test, and refine robots of their own creation. Students also learn study skills, goal setting, and communication skills. This course is designed to meet the Tennessee computer science requirement for middle school students. The course meets the six core concepts as defined by the State of Tennessee. The core concepts are foundational concepts, Data & Analysis, Algorithmic Thinking, Networking & the Internet, Programming Concepts, & Impacts of Computing.

Seventh Grade

Computer Science-7^th Grade Robotics – 9 Weeks – Teacher, Matt Brooks 
Robotics is an interdisciplinary, lab-based, 9 weeks course. Using the VEX IQ robotics platform, students engage in hand-on, problem-based learning focusing on engineering design, fundamental mechanical engineering principles, project management, and computer
programming. Students work in teams to design, build, test, and refine robots of their own
creation.  Students will learn to design, develop, and debug computer programs to control their robot. This includes learning to create flowcharts and storyboards to document their program’s design. Students will learn about data types, sequencing, selection, and iteration. They will create variables and functions, and write code using these, in addition to lists, loops, and conditional statements (ex: “if-then”). Students will learn how to code using sensor input, as well as user input. They will also learn study skills, goal setting, and communication skills. The course meets the six core concepts as defined by the State of Tennessee. The core concepts are foundational concepts, Data & Analysis, Algorithmic Thinking, Networking & the Internet, Programming Concepts, & Impacts of Computing.

Computer Science-7^th Grade Competitive Robotics (VEX Vikings) -Year – Teacher, Matt Brooks
Competitive Robotics is an interdisciplinary, lab-based, yearlong course. Using the VEX IQ
robotics platform, students engage in hand-on, problem-based learning focusing on engineering design, fundamental mechanical engineering principles, project management, and computer programming. Students work in teams to design, build, test, and refine robots of their own creation. Students also learn study skills, goal setting, and communication skills. Students engage in competition with other middle school robotics teams in a few meets between September-February. Teams that qualify will advance to the state championships. Teams that win the state championship will advance to the world championships in Dallas, Texas. Students will learn to design, develop, and debug computer programs to control their robot. This includes learning to create flowcharts and storyboards to document their program’s design. Students will learn about data types, sequencing, selection, and iteration. They will create variables and functions, and write code using these, in addition to lists, loops, and conditional statements (ex: “if-then”). Students will learn how to code using sensor input, as well as user input. The course meets the six core concepts as defined by the State of Tennessee. The core concepts are foundational concepts, Data & Analysis, Algorithmic Thinking, Networking & the Internet, Programming Concepts, & Impacts of Computing.

Eighth Grade

Computer Science-Advanced Robotics – 9 Weeks – Teacher, Matt Brooks (Not Available in 2024-2025)
Robotics is an interdisciplinary, lab-based, 9 weeks course. Using the VEX IQ robotics platform, students engage in hand-on, problem-based learning focusing on engineering design, fundamental mechanical engineering principles, project management, and computer
programming. Students work in teams to design, build, test, and refine robots of their own
creation. As part of this process, they will learn to write and debug programs that include variables, functions, loops, and conditional statements. Students also learn study skills, goal setting, and communication skills. This course is designed to meet the Tennessee computer science requirement for middle school students. The course meets the six core concepts as defined by the State of Tennessee. The core concepts are foundational concepts, Data & Analysis, Algorithmic Thinking, Networking & the Internet, Programming Concepts, & Impacts of Computing

Computer Science-8^th Grade Competitive Robotics (VEX Vikings)-Year – Teacher, Matt Brooks 
Competitive Robotics is an interdisciplinary, lab-based, yearlong course. Using the VEX IQ
robotics platform, students engage in hand-on, problem-based learning focusing on engineering design, fundamental mechanical engineering principles, project management, and computer programming. Students work in teams to design, build, test, and refine robots of their own creation. As part of this process, they will learn to write and debug programs that include variables, functions, loops, and conditional statements. Students also learn study skills, goal setting, and communication skills. Students also learn study skills, goal setting, and communication skills. Students engage in competition with other middle school robotics teams in a few meets between September-February. Teams that qualify will advance to the state championships. Teams that win the state championship will advance to the world championships in Dallas, Texas. This course is designed to meet the Tennessee computer science requirement for middle school students. The course meets the six core concepts as defined by the State of Tennessee. The core concepts are foundational concepts, Data & Analysis, Algorithmic Thinking, Networking & the Internet, Programming Concepts, & Impacts of Computing.

Computer Science-Drone Soccer-Semester-Teacher, Matt Brooks (Not Available in 2024-2025)
Drone Soccer is an interdisciplinary, lab-based, semester-long course. Students engage in
hand-on, problem-based learning focusing on engineering design, fundamental aerospace
engineering principles, project management, and computer programming. Students work in
teams to build, test, and fly small drones.  As part of this process, they will learn to write and debug programs that include variables, functions, loops, and conditional statements. Students also learn study skills, goal setting, and communication skills. Students also learn study skills, goal setting, and communication skills. Students engage in competition with their classmates, using the drones to participate in drone soccer matches. This course is designed to meet the Tennessee computer science requirement for middle school students. The course meets the six core concepts as defined by the State of Tennessee. The core concepts are foundational concepts, Data & Analysis, Algorithmic Thinking, Networking & the Internet, Programming Concepts, & Impacts of Computing.

Sixth Grade

Theatre Beginnings – 9 Weeks - Teacher, Meredith Daniel
Sixth Grade Theatre is an introductory course designed to build confidence in speaking and performing in front of peers as well as collaborating as an ensemble. Through theatre games and activities, we will explore basic performance techniques, scriptwriting, and the origins of drama.

Seventh Grade

Seventh Grade Theatre – 9 Weeks – Teacher, Meredith Daniel
Seventh Grade Theatre is a course exploring theatre from the perspective of an actor.  Throughout the class, students will focus on crafting a character, play analysis, the rehearsal process, scriptwriting, and improvisation.  Students will also study theatre as a historical and cultural influence throughout the world.

"Let's Start at the Very Beginning"-Musical Theatre – 9 Weeks – Teacher, Meredith Daniel 
This is a course focused on introducing the world of musical theatre.  Using exercises, theatre games, and activities, students will explore various areas of musical theatre such as choreography, acting through song, scene study, auditioning, and musical theatre history. 

Eighth Grade

Theatre 8th Grade-9 Weeks – Teacher, Meredith Daniel
Semester 8th Grade Theatre is designed to build upon the foundational theatre skills established in 6th and 7th grade, which include building confidence through performance, memorization, and collaboration. Through games and activities, we will study character development, published works, and playwriting. We will also study various moments throughout theatre history, including Commedia dell’arte and the Elizabethan Theatre.

Advanced Theatre –9 weeks – Teacher, Meredith Daniel 
The Advanced Theatre class focuses on taking our love of theatre to the next level. Through ensemble activities and individual study, students will learn proper voice, diction, and movement techniques while learning how to produce a show from beginning to end.  The semester will conclude with a One Act show performed for friends and family.  Students will be responsible for performing, directing, producing, and running all technical aspects of the production.   

Seventh Grade

Spanish I Honors (7A) – Year – Teacher, Rebecca Cooksey
By the end of the two-year course students will understand and express himself/herself and participate in simple conversations on a number of familiar topics using short sentences. Students will be able to handle brief social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering simple questions. Students begin to communicate about self, others, and everyday life in familiar situations. Students can recognize the main idea from texts and understand the main topic of what is read or said. Students write and present information on most familiar topics using a series of simple sentences. Students study the similarities and differences between American culture and the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Students participate in regular performance assessments and will take the Avant STAMP™ (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency).  One world language high school credit is earned by completing both the Spanish I (7A) and Spanish I (8B) courses and will appear as a letter grade on their official high school GPA.

Eighth Grade

Latin I Honors (Offered at Brentwood High School - Subject to seats available). Latin I students are introduced to the principles of Latin grammar, basic vocabulary and English derivatives in order to build reading and writing proficiency. An emphasis is also placed on the study and understanding of Roman mythology, culture and history. Daily participation and study are required.  

German I Honors (Offered at Brentwood High School - Subject to seats available). Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing basic language structures. This communication is evidenced in all four language skills (listening, speaking, writing and reading) with an emphasis on the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Students explore the similarities and differences between American culture and that of the German-speaking world. This interactive course employs a variety of teaching methods and daily participation, and study is required.

French I Honors (Offered at Brentwood High School - Subject to seats available).  Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing basic language structures. This communication is evidenced in all four language skills (listening, speaking, writing and reading) with an emphasis on the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Students explore the similarities and differences between American culture and that of the French-speaking world. This interactive course employs a variety of teaching methods and daily participation, and study is required.   

Chinese I Honors (Offered at Brentwood High School - Subject to seats available). Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing basic language structures. This communication is evidenced in all four language skills (listening, speaking, writing and reading). Students explore the similarities and differences between American culture and that of the Chinese-speaking world. This interactive course employs a variety of teaching methods and daily participation and study are required. Students will participate in regular performance assessments.

Spanish I Honors (Offered at Brentwood Middle School) By the end of the course students will understand and express himself/herself and participate in simple conversations on a number of familiar topics using short sentences. Students will be able to handle brief social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering simple questions. Students begin to communicate about self, others, and everyday life in familiar situations. Students recognize the main idea from texts and understand the main topic of what is read or said. Students write and present information on most familiar topics using a series of simple sentences. Students explore the similarities and differences between American culture and the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Students participate in regular performance assessments and will take the Avant STAMP™ (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency). 

Spanish 1Honors (8B)-Offered at Brentwood Middle School Students enrolled in this course must have taken Spanish 1 (7A) during their seventh-grade year. In Spanish I (8B) students continue to develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment through the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Students demonstrate an increased proficiency in these three communication modes by listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language. Students continue to explore the similarities and differences between American culture and that of the Spanish-speaking world. This interactive course employs a variety of teaching methods. Daily participation and study are required. Students participate in regular performance assessments and will take the Avant STAMP™ (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency).   One world language high school credit is earned by completing both the Spanish 1 (7A) and Spanish 1 (8B) courses will appear as a pass/fail grade on the high school transcript.