Explore the Related Arts Programs

Sixth Grade 

Visual Art-9 Weeks - Teacher, Crystal Jahnig
In this 9-week course, 6th grade artists will explore a variety of art materials and techniques while learning the basics of the artistic process.  Students will experiment with drawing, painting, sculpture, and pottery.  As they practice using materials, they will develop ideas and share their artwork through discussion and reflection.  This course encourages creativity, exploration, and confidence in studio art.

6th Grade Digital Art-9 Weeks-Teacher, Leah Lindsey
Do you love making digital art and want to learn more about it?  Do you want to dive into all things Procreate?  Then this course is for you!  We will practice developing ideas and improve our creative and artistic skills using graphic design methods and photography.

Seventh Grade 

7^th Grade Art-Drawing and Painting-9 Weeks-Teacher, Crystal Jahnig
In this 9-week course, 7th grade artists will build on foundational drawing and painting skills while exploring a range of media techniques in drawing, painting, and pottery. Artists will focus on observation, composition, color, and personal expression while developing stronger technical and creative skills.

7^th Grade Art- Sculpture-9 Weeks-Teacher, Crystal Jahnig
In this 9-week course, 7th grade artists will explore three-dimensional art through sculptural projects. Students will work with cardboard, clay, and other materials to create functional and decorative pieces. The course emphasizes construction techniques, problem-solving, and an understanding of form, structure, and craftsmanship.

7^th Grade Digital Art-9 Weeks-Teacher, Leah Lindsey
Do you love making digital art and want to learn more about it?  Do you want to dive into all things Procreate?  Then this course is for you!  We will practice developing ideas and improve our creative and artistic skills using graphic design methods and photography.

Eighth Grade

8th Grade Art-Drawing and Painting-9 Weeks-Teacher, Crystal Jahnig
In this 9-week course, 8th grade artists will refine their drawing and painting skills while making more independent creative choices. Students will explore a variety of media techniques in drawing, painting, and pottery. Emphasis will be placed on concept development, artistic decision-making, and personal style as students create meaningful and expressive artwork.

8th Sculpture-Art-9 Weeks-Teacher, Crystal Jahnig   
In this 9-week course, 8th grade artists will deepen their understanding of three-dimensional art through advanced sculptural projects. Students will work with materials such as cardboard, clay, and mixed media while exploring both functional and conceptual forms. Artists will be encouraged to plan, experiment, and refine their ideas as they create original sculptures that reflect personal interests and creative growth.

8^th Grade Art Meets Music-9 Weeks – Teacher, Leah Lindsey
If you like music AND art, this class is for you! In this course, we will discover how both art and music can be used together for artists to express their creativity.  We will create visual art based on music we are inspired by and write music compositions that reflect other’s art or our own art!  

Sixth Grade

6^th Grade Beginning Band – Year - Teacher, Phillip Simpson 
The concert Band is open to seventh grade students who have at least one-year experience playing their instrument.  Students may join 7th grade band by talking with the director.  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. 

Seventh Grade

7^th Grade Intermediate Band – Year – Teacher, Phillip Simpson
The concert Band is open to seventh grade students who have at least one-year experience playing their instrument.  Students may join 7th grade band by talking with the director.  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. 

Eighth Grade

8^th Grade Advanced Band – Year – Teacher, Phillip Simpson
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, 8th Grade Band Night, and several culminating concerts and activities. 

Sixth Grade

6^th Grade Computer Science-Coding with HTML/CSS– 9 Weeks – Teacher, Teri Schoof
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. In addition, students will participate in in-class activities related to the six core technology concepts as outlined by the state. 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. This 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.

6^th Grade Computer Science-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. As part of this class, students complete a unit on coding using Python, a unit on data analysis, and a unit on the Internet and its impact.  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

7^th Grade Computer Science-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. As part of this class, students complete a unit on coding using Python, a unit on data analysis, and a unit on the Internet and its impact.  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.

7^th Grade Computer Science-Coding with 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. In addition, students will participate in in-class activities related to the six core technology concepts as outlined by the state.  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.

Eighth Grade

8^th Grade Computer Science-Video Game Design – Semester – Teacher, Teri Schoof 
In this semester 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 curriculum, 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. In addition, students will participate in in-class activities related to the six core technology concepts as outlined by the state.   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.   This 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.

8^th Grade Computer Science-9 Weeks-Teachers, 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. This 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

6^th Grade Media Concepts and Google Apps – 9 Weeks – Teacher, Teri Schoof
In this class, students create a biographical digital story of their favorite things and research the history of communication, computers and media and create a presentation highlighting one of many topics. For the half of the quarter, 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 such as schedules and scripts, use spreadsheets to maintain a budget, create multiple visual presentations including a website and map guide using Google Apps and produce a video highlighting their destination.

6^th Grade STEAM Innovations – 9 Weeks-Nick Sulzbach
This class will provide students with 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.

6^th Grade 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 properly.

Seventh Grade

7^th Grade Media Creations and Desktop Publishing - 9 Weeks – Teacher, Teri Schoof
In this class, students begin by exploring intellectual property including copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Cooperative learning groups will study the history of media advertising, develop marketing plans, design product prototypes, 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.

7^th Grade 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.  

7^th Grade STEAM Innovations – 9 Weeks-Lyn Anderson
This class will provide students with 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.
 

Eighth Grade

8^th Grade MX Entrepreneurship-Semester-Teacher, Teri Schoof
The entrepreneurship class (mxINC) is a semester-long program and is completed in partnership with the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EC) next to Franklin High School, an academic program open to select freshman and all 10th - 12th grade students. The mxINC program allows students to become entrepreneurs by evaluating the world around them, identifying a problem to solve, creating and building a product or service-based solution, and pitching the solution to others.  Working in small groups, students develop critical skills in collaboration, teamwork, communication and decision-making as they progress through the research, testing, and development of the product or service and the preparation of their final pitches. Only eighth grade students that are part of the mxINC are eligible to interview and apply to be a part of the EIC as a rising freshman.

8^th 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. 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. These students will also have several opportunities to collaborate with BHS Channel 9 students.  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.

8^th Grade STEAM Innovations – 9 Weeks-Lyn Anderson
his class will provide students with 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.

Sixth Grade 

6^th Grade Beginning Orchestra – Year – Teacher, Mickey Rybiski
The 6th Grade Beginning Orchestra class is open to students with no prior experience playing a string instrument. 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. This class is a pre-requisite for future participation in the BMS orchestra program. The 6th grade Orchestras perform two concerts per year and participate in Brentwood Music Fest at Crockett Park, among other events.

Seventh Grade 

7^th 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

8^th 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 

6^th Grade Wellness (PE) – 9 Weeks – Teachers, Ben Hahs, Sue McIver, Anne Johnston, Sarah Richardson
This course will include participation in games such as volleyball, pickleball, flag football, basketball, team handball, 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.

Seventh Grade

7^th Grade Wellness (PE) – 9 Weeks – Teachers, Ben Hahs, Sue McIver, Anne Johnston, Sarah Richardson
The nine-week class will include participation in games such as volleyball, pickleball, ping pong, flag football, team handball, 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.

Eighth Grade

8^th Grade Wellness (PE)-9 Weeks – Teachers, Ben Hahs, Sue McIver, Anne Johnston, Sarah Richardson
This nine-week class will include participation in games such as volleyball, pickleball, ping pong, flag football, team handball, 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 and internet safety.

Sixth Grade

6^th Grade Computer Science-Robotics – 9 Weeks – Teacher, Nick Sulzbach
Robotics is an interdisciplinary course. Working in teams, students design, build, program, test and operate robots of their own creation. Students learn teamwork, leadership, and project management.  Students explore a variety of computer science topics such as coding, cybersecurity, and computer networks.

Seventh Grade

7^th Grade Computer Science-Robotics – 9 Weeks – Teacher, Nick Sulzbach
Robotics is a hands-on interdisciplinary course. Students work in teams to design, build, program, test, and operate robots of their own creation. Students learn teamwork, leadership, and project management. Students explore a variety of computer science topics such as coding, cybersecurity, and computer networks. 

7^th Grade Computer Science-Competitive Robotics (VEX Vikings) -Year – Teacher, Nick Sulzbach
This year-long course is an intensive, hands-on, interdisciplinary program. Students work in teams to design, build, and train with robots in preparation for the VEX IQ robotics competition. Teams compete throughout the school year with other middle school robotics teams throughout middle Tennessee. Students learn teamwork, leadership, and project management. Students explore a variety of computer science topics such as coding, cybersecurity, and computer networks. 

Eighth Grade

8^th Grade Computer Science-Competitive Robotics (VEX Vikings)-Year – Teacher, Nick Sulzbach
This year-long course is an intensive, hands-on, interdisciplinary program. Students working in teams design, build, and train with robots in preparation for the VEX IQ robotics competition.
Teams compete throughout the school year with other middle school robotics teams throughout middle Tennessee. Students learn teamwork, leadership, and project management. Students explore a variety of computer science topics such as coding, cybersecurity, and computer networks. 

Sixth Grade

6^th 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

7^th 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 characters, play analysis, the rehearsal process, scriptwriting, and improvisation.  Students will also study theatre as a historical and cultural influence throughout the world.

Eighth Grade

8^th Grade Theatre-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.

8^th Grade Advanced Theatre –Semester – 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 are 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 are 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.