The Mission
The purpose for the Center for the Arts magnet program at Southwood Middle School is to engage the curious and creative student in an intensive arts environment. As aspiring visual and performing artists, participants will be immersed in the history, the theory, and the practice of their particular arts discipline for two hours of each school day as well as additional time in rehearsals, performances and travel.
Students in the Center for the Arts program are trained by practicing professional artists/teachers who are able to demonstrate their specialized craft in the classroom and studio. Instructional facilities are designed to meet the unique educational and artistic needs of talented students. The classroom extends beyond the walls of the school itself to encompass the community, the state, the nation, and the world. The students work with visual and performing artists from the community who serve as consultants. Every conceivable opportunity and experience is provided by the Center for the Arts program to enable students to develop their innate talents.
PROGRAM STRANDS
ART
The VISUAL ARTS program includes exposure to art history, contemporary trends and instruction in quality arts education. Studio emphasis is placed on drawing, composition, printing, painting, commercial arts, fibers, sculpture, and ceramics with a constant concern for aesthetics and art appreciation. Student’s will “build” a portfolio of exhibition quality works of art, incorporating a wide range of media. The Art department utilizes two specially designed art studios, one is designated specifically for drawing and painting; the other is set up as a graphic art studio. The students benefit from using materials and equipment in these studios, such as etching presses, clay wheels, kilns, and computers.
DANCE
The DANCE program provides exposure to intensive instruction in ballet, modern and jazz with additional classes in tap, pointe and variation. Emphasis is placed on choreography, composition, improvisation, dance history and the development of original movement. Students participate in special performances and attend field trips and master classes. The Dance department utilizes two professionally designed dance studios with Perma-cushion floors. One of the studios is equipped with a Marlee floor for ballet. Both studios have wall-to-wall mirrors and barres. There is also a Marlee floor which is used on stage in the auditorium for performances.
MUSIC
The MUSIC department includes instruction in skills and techniques involved in singing and playing instruments, practice in musical interpretation, and training in creative expression. Students receive small group lessons on a regular basis from qualified adjunct teachers, perform in large ensemble music classes and perform with these groups throughout the year. Music students progress toward maximum personal achievement in their selected musical discipline. The Music department occupies one wing of the school. This wing includes a large Band room, Orchestra room, Chorus room and Piano lab. There are also numerous practice rooms of various sizes which can be used for solo and small ensemble work. A computer lab is available to the students to work with special music software, including the writing of original music.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The PHOTOGRAPHY program emphasizes the photograph as an art form. This comprehensive course includes the study of visual perception through the use of the camera, the technical aspects of shooting, lighting, printing…both digital and darkroom…and photo presentation. The curriculum also includes a study of the history of photography. The Photography department utilizes a facility which includes darkrooms, a studio area, a computer lab and a classroom. State-of-the-art professional photography equipment and computer software is used. This equipment includes a variety of cameras, black and white and color enlargers, computers, and digital photography instruments. Digital imaging is one unique area of instruction. The Photography department has two art galleries at the University of Miami and works closely with the School of Education. Pitman Photo provides students the opportunity to develop color photos, as well as providing a gallery for their work to be displayed.
THEATER
The THEATER program is designed to develop fundamental skills in the student actor through vocal training, improvisation, the study of plays and their construction, musical theater, play production, costuming, theatrical choreography, set design, and playwriting. In addition to classroom experiences, students attend drama festivals, state conferences, workshops, special performances, and outstanding theatrical performances. The Theater department utilizes the Betty Jane Dieterle Theatre and the state-of-the-art Black Box Theatre to conduct classes and rehearsals. Both areas are used for productions and are equipped with dressing rooms which also function as a laboratory for instruction in and the exploration of make-up techniques. The Betty Jane Dieterle Theatre and the Black Box Theatre have the most advanced computerized lighting and sound systems which also become in integral part of the instructional program.
EXPECTATIONS OF MAGNET STUDENTS
Students must complete an application and an audition to qualify for the Magnet Program at Southwood Middle School. Participants in the program are selected from the many applicants who compete for the limited number of openings in the magnet programs. The guiding principles that determine acceptable performance for magnet students to remain at Southwood Middle School are: PROGRESS toward or mastery of specific objectives and standards for your magnet program is of primary importance. Effort, conduct and attendance in magnet classes should be better than average. Motivation, commitment, creativity and continual growth and development are overall factors what will be considered. Generally no grade below a “C” in required academic courses and no grade below a “B” in the magnet courses is necessary for continued enrollment in a magnet program. The mission of the probation policy is to motivate students in the talent/magnet programs to meet their potential both artistically and academically.
For more information about Southwood Middle School, Center for the Arts call 305-251-5361.
Applications are available from October – January. Applications are due the last day of January. No exceptions.
Southwood Middle School
Center for the Arts
16301 SW 80 Avenue
Village of Palmetto Bay, Florida 33157
305-251-5361