Arts

Students explore a wide range of 2-D and 3-D art media and processing including: drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and fiber arts. Upper level students participate in major collaborative projects and public works including: murals, installations, mosaics, quilts and other functional pieces.

Student art exhibits include our DIY Gallery, SECU Displays and WCU Youth Art Month Show.

The Cullowhee Valley band program is a part of the Jackson County Middle Grades Band Program. Information below provides more details about the Jackson County Middle Grades Band Program.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of the Jackson County Middle Grades Band program is to provide students with musical opportunities and experiences, which will enhance their life and education. Students will learn how to work together towards a common goal through discovery and creation of music. The program encourages students to create a lifelong relationship with music.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

The Jackson County Middle Grades Band program is a community of students who learn in a positive and supportive environment. Members of the JCMG band program take pride in themselves, their schools, and the music program. Students use every opportunity to be role models for their peers.

BAND CLASSES

Each of the participating schools offers band classes for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. These band classes are part of their enrichment time. Instead of going into a class rotation, they will attend band every day! Below are more details about the two band classes offered at each school:

6th Grade Beginning Band

This class is for any 6th grader who is interested in learning how to play a musical instrument. Students in this class will learn proper maintenance and assembly of instruments, tone production, music reading and notation, ear training, and basic technique and ensemble playing skills. This ensemble performs beginning literature at various concerts throughout the year. Students do NOT need previous music experience to join.

7th/8th Grade Symphonic Band

This band is comprised of students with previous musical ensemble playing experience. Students in this class will continue to work on fundamental ensemble playing skills and techniques. This ensemble performs challenging literature at various concerts throughout the year and has an active performance schedule. Students with no prior band experience can join under the discretion of the band director. Please contact Mrs. Saunders for more details.

Throughout the music curriculum, students are actively engaged in activities that promote musical literacy and understanding.

• Early childhood music education (K-1) includes movement, creative play, singing, and rhythm instruments to introduce music concepts such as steady beat, loud/soft, fast/slow, low/high and patterns.
• Instruction in grades 2-3 focuses on further development of singing skills while participating in singing games, instrumental exploration (Orff instruments), listening, movement, and dance.
• Students in grades 4-5 are introduced to recorder playing where they work to strengthen their music literacy skills in preparation for middle grades (6th-8th) ensembles. Lessons integrate folk dances, singing, recorder playing, and accompanying Orff ensemble in such a way that instruction is differentiated based on ability levels and student choice. In addition, music concepts are strengthened through games, activities, and manipulatives. Students also have opportunities to improvise and compose music and listen to music from various style periods and cultures.
• Students in 6th grade are given the opportunity to join band, while students in 7th & 8th grades are invited to join the Chorus. In some cases, students may participate in both band and chorus.

Special Programs

Cullowhee Valley students enjoy participating in performances throughout the year. Performances include, but are not limited to, the Veteran’s Day Assembly, Holiday Concert, PTA Night, The Annual Talent Show, and Kindergarten and 8th Grade Promotion Ceremonies. Some performances take place in the local community as well. The following is a sample of performance opportunities throughout the year:

• Kindergarten: Thanksgiving Play, Holiday Program performed at a local nursing home, the Annual CVS Talent Show, and an end-of-year Promotion Program
• K-3rd grade students occasionally perform for PTA nights, assemblies, or other special CVS events that celebrate special events like Black History Month. The mini-musical, Charlotte’s Web, is often performed by 3rd graders for an assembly or Parent’s Night event.
• 4th Grade Recorder Choir students perform for the holiday concert or other events during the year. These students audition in the music classroom in order to participate in the Recorder Choir.

Chorus

This group is for those who LOVE to sing. 7th & 8th Grade students will work as an ensemble to prepare songs for performances at two evening concerts as well as special programs, assemblies, and occasional off-campus performances throughout the year. Instruction will focus on reading music and preparing students for future participation in vocal groups in high school. Students can select Chorus for the first semester only or for the entire year.

The CVS Chorus makes an annual trip each December to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC to perform for guests of the Inn who are visiting the world renowned display of Gingerbread Houses. The Chorus also enjoys performing for holiday travelers and employees of the Asheville Regional Airport. Local performances at the Jackson County Senior Adult Center and other venues are a part of the Chorus agenda each year.

Jackson County Children’s Choir

Students in 5th and 6th grade can audition to participate in a county-wide honors choir that performs at the annual “Sounds of the Season” concert at WCU.

Annual Talent Show

Students in all grades are encouraged to participate in the annual spring talent show. Participation could involve vocal or instrumental solos, duets, dancing, original skits, or group acts that involve various talents. The CVS Chorus, Mountain Fretters Dulcimer Club, and Kindergarteners also perform in the Talent Show each year.

High School Musicals

Students in grades 4-8 are often invited to participate in musicals performed by students at the Smoky Mountain High School. Students from CVS have participated in Oklahoma and Hairspray in recent years.

Other Musical Opportunities

• Mountain Fretters Dulcimer Club: The Cullowhee Valley School Mountain Fretters Dulcimer Club enjoys experiencing the culture of their rich mountain heritage by learning Appalachian tunes and familiar melodies on mountain dulcimers. The Mountain Fretters meet before school twice weekly from 7:30-8:00 AM. Volunteers from the community lead the group. The group includes students in grades 2-8, and they perform at school concerts, assemblies, and in the community.
• JAM – Junior Appalachian Musicians: Junior Appalachian Musicians is an after-school music program for the youth in Jackson County Schools. The purpose of the program is to provide instruction and performance opportunities for youth in traditional Appalachian music. This group meets weekly at Cullowhee Valley School.