Virginia State Standards for Arts Education: Grade 6
VA.D.DM. Dance (Middle School Exploratory Dance Arts)
D1.DM. Performance and Production
D1.DM.3. The student will develop dance technique skills and movement vocabulary through replication.
D1.DM.4. The student will perform short movement sequences that employ specific space, shape, time, rhythm, energy, and effort requirements.
D1.DM.7. The student will create and perform short choreographic studies that manipulate the elements of space, shape, time, rhythm, energy, and effort.
D1.DM.8. The student will collaboratively create and perform short choreographic studies that use simple compositional forms, including unison, theme and variation, and canon.
D1.DM.9. The student will rehearse choreographed dances and execute those dances in performance.
D1.DM.11. The student will participate in production activities for dance performance (e.g., publicity, running crew, costume care, strike and clean-up).
D2.DM. Cultural Context and Dance History
D2.DM.12. The student will identify similarities and differences in dance styles from various cultures and historical periods.
D2.DM.13. The student will research the role of social and folk dance forms in American history.
D2.DM.16. The student will identify various dance professions.
D3.DM. Judgment and Criticism
D3.DM.17. The student will describe in oral and written form personal work and the work of others in choreography and performance, using appropriate dance arts vocabulary and terminology.
D3.DM.18. The student will view live and recorded dance performances and describe the similarities and differences in composition and style, using oral and written responses.
VA.M.MS. General Music
M1.MS. Performance and Production
M1.MS.2. The student will sing and play music written in two or more parts.
M1.MS.4. The student will create music through a variety of experiences.
M1.MS.4.3. Compose melodies, rhythms, and harmonies.
M1.MS.4.4. Create arrangements of known melodies, using traditional or nontraditional sound sources, including computer-related technology.
M2.MS. Cultural Context and Music Theory
M2.MS.5. The student will investigate musical sounds, forms, styles, and genres through listening, discussing, writing, and performing.
M2.MS.6. The student will investigate the role of music in society.
M2.MS.6.1. Identify career pathways in music.
M2.MS.6.2. Identify the influence of daily music experience in one's personal life.
M3.MS. Judgment and Criticism
M3.MS.8. The student will demonstrate appropriate performance behavior as a participant and/or listener.
M3.MS.8.1. Exhibit respect for the contributions of self and others within a music setting.
VA.M.IB. Instrumental Music (Beginning Level)
M1.IB. Performance and Production
M1.IB.1. The student will demonstrate proper posture, embouchure, hand position, and playing position.
M1.IB.2. The student will produce tones that are clear, free of tension, sustained, and unwavering in pitch.
M1.IB.3. The student will adjust intonation while playing an instrument.
M1.IB.6. The student will perform one-octave major scales, ascending and descending.
M1.IB.6.1. Play F, B-flat, E-flat, and A-flat one-octave scales on wind and mallet instruments.
M1.IB.6.2. Play D, G, C, and F one-octave scales on stringed instruments.
M1.IB.7. The percussion student will perform multiple bounce roll, five stroke roll, nine stroke roll, flam, single paradiddle, and drag from the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) International Drum Rudiments, open-close-open.
M1.IB.8. The wind/mallet student will perform a one-octave chromatic scale, ascending and descending.
M1.IB.9. The student will use dynamic contrast as a means of expression.
M1.IB.11. The student will demonstrate ensemble skills.
M1.IB.11.1. Blend instrumental timbres.
M1.IB.11.4. Maintain a steady tempo.
M1.IB.16. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the instrument being studied.
M1.IB.16.1. Identify instrumental parts.
M2.IB. Cultural Context and Music Theory
M2.IB.18. The student will compose a two- to four-measure melody, using available technology and teacher-specified rhythms and pitches.
M2.IB.19. The student will read and notate music.
M2.IB.19.3. Identify, define, and demonstrate standard notation symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulation, and expression.
M2.IB.20. The student will identify career options in music.
M3.IB. Judgment and Criticism
M3.IB.22. The student will analyze and discuss individual and group performances.
M4.IB. Aesthetics
M4.IB.23. The student will associate terminology common to music with the other fine arts and other disciplines.
M4.IB.25. The student will discuss musical performance and its value to the community.
VA.M.II. Instrumental Music (Intermediate Level)
M1.II. Performance and Production
M1.II.1. The student will demonstrate proper posture, embouchure, hand position, and playing position.
M1.II.2. The student will produce tones that are clear, free of tension, sustained, and unwavering in pitch.
M1.II.3. The student will adjust intonation and match pitches.
M1.II.5. The student will demonstrate a variety of articulations or bowings.
M1.II.5.2. Play staccato, brush stroke, hooked bowings, martele, marcato, tremolo, and multiple-note slurs on stringed instruments.
M1.II.6. The student will perform major scales, ascending and descending, in eighth notes (M.M. quarter note = 72).
M1.II.6.1. Play D, G, C, F, B-flat, E-flat, A-flat, and D-flat one-octave scales on wind and mallet instruments.
M1.II.6.2. Play C, G, D, A, B-flat, and A-flat two-octave scales on violin.
M1.II.6.3. Play C, G, D, E, F, and E-flat two-octave scales on viola or cello.
M1.II.6.4. Play C, G, D, A, E, F, B-flat, and A-flat one-octave scales on string bass.
IM1.II.7. The percussion student will perform multiple bounce roll, five stroke roll, nine stroke roll, flam, single paradiddle, drag, drag paradiddle, flam accent, flam tap, flamacue, single drag tap, double drag tap, and lesson 25 from the Percussive Arts Society
M1.II.8. The wind/mallet student will perform a chromatic scale, ascending and descending, in eighth notes (M.M. quarter note = 72).
M1.II.9. The student will use dynamic contrast and technical skills as means of expression.
M1.II.9.1. Use vibrato, alternate fingerings, trills, and grace notes when performing on wind instruments.
M1.II.9.2. Use multiple mallets technique on two timpani, and techniques on auxiliary instruments when performing on percussion instruments.
M1.II.9.3. Use shifting (violin or viola-up to third position; cello or bass-up to fourth position), alternate fingerings, and vibrato when performing on stringed instruments.
M1.II.11. The student will demonstrate ensemble skills.
M1.II.11.1. Blend instrumental timbres.
M1.II.13. The student will sing a part while other students sing or play contrasting parts.
M2.II. Cultural Context and Music Theory
M2.II.17. The student will embellish four to eight measures of a folk song by creating rhythmic and melodic variations.
M2.II.18. The student will compose an eight-measure melody, using available technology, within teacher-specified parameters.
M2.II.19. The student will read and notate music.
M2.II.19.3. Identify, define, and demonstrate standard notation symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulation, and expression.
M2.II.20. The student will identify career and avocational options in music.
M3.II. Judgment and Criticism
M3.II.22. The student will evaluate individual and group performances.
M4.II. Aesthetics
M4.II.23. The student will describe concepts common to music, the other fine arts, and other disciplines.
M4.II.25. The student will discuss musical performance and its value to the community.
VA.M.IAD. Instrumental Music (Advanced Level)
M1.IAD. Performance and Production
M1.IAD.2. The student will produce tones that are clear, free of tension, sustained, and unwavering in pitch.
M1.IAD.3. The student will adjust intonation and match pitches.
M1.IAD.5. The student will demonstrate a variety of articulations or bowings.
M1.IAD.5.2. Use spiccato, sforzando, loure, and flautando on stringed instruments.
M1.IAD.6. The student will perform all major scales and selected melodic minor scales with one-octave tonic arpeggios, ascending and descending, in eighth notes (M.M. quarter note = 72).
M1.IAD.6.1. Play e, a, d, g, c, f, b-flat, and e-flat melodic minor scales and one-octave tonic arpeggios on wind and mallet instruments.
M1.IAD.6.2. Play g, a, b-flat, and c three-octave melodic minor scales and one-octave tonic arpeggios on violin.
M1.IAD.6.3. Play c and d three-octave melodic minor scales and one-octave tonic arpeggios on viola or cello.
M1.IAD.6.4. Play e, f, and g two-octave melodic minor scales and one-octave tonic arpeggios on string bass.
M1.IAD.7. The percussion student will perform the 40 Percussive Arts Society (PAS) International Drum Rudiments, open-close-open.
M1.IAD.9. The student will use dynamic contrast and technical skills as a means of expression.
M1.IAD.9.1. Use vibrato, alternate fingerings, trills, and grace notes when performing on wind instruments.
M1.IAD.9.2. Use three-mallet technique when performing on mallet percussion.
M1.IAD.9.3. Use multiple percussion techniques when performing on auxiliary percussion instruments.
M1.IAD.9.4. Use timpani technique on three or four drums, tuning drums to reference pitches and making changes during performance of an instrumental work.
M1.IAD.9.5. Use shifting (violin or viola-up to fifth position; cello or bass-up to thumb position), alternate fingerings, and vibrato when performing on stringed instruments.
M1.IAD.11. The student will demonstrate ensemble skills.
M1.IAD.11.1. Blend instrumental timbres.
M1.IAD.13. The student will sing a part while other students sing or play contrasting parts.
M2.IAD. Cultural Context and Music Theory
M2.IAD.19. The student will read and write rhythmic patterns in complex meters, demonstrating technical facility and precision commensurate with VBODA Level 4-5.
M2.IAD.20. The student will research career and avocational options in music, using available technology.
M2.IAD.21. The student will identify, define, and apply music terms and symbols from materials being studied.
M4.IAD. Aesthetics
M4.IAD.24. The student will discuss relationships between music concepts and the concepts of other disciplines.
M4.IAD.24.1. Identify how the characteristic qualities of sound, visual stimuli, other stimuli, movement, and human interrelationships can influence the fine arts.
M4.IAD.25. The student will demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener.
VA.M.IAR. Instrumental Music (Artist Level)
M1.IAR. Performance and Production
M1.IAR.2. The student will produce tones that are clear, free of tension, sustained, and unwavering in pitch.
M1.IAR.3. The student will adjust intonation and match pitches.
M1.IAR.5. The student will perform all articulations or bowings indicated in materials being studied.
M1.IAR.7. The percussion student will perform the 40 Percussive Arts Society (PAS) International Drum Rudiments, open-close-open.
M1.IAR.8. The wind/mallet student will perform a chromatic scale, ascending and descending, in sixteenth notes (M.M. quarter note = 96) throughout the practical range of the instrument.
M1.IAR.9. The student will use dynamic contrast and technical skills as means of expression.
M1.IAR.9.1. Use embellishments, extreme tessitura, and a variety of timbre effects when performing on wind instruments.
M1.IAR.9.2. Use four-mallet technique when performing on mallet percussion.
M1.IAR.9.3. Use multiple percussion techniques when performing on auxiliary percussion instruments.
M1.IAR.9.4. Use timpani technique on four or more drums, tuning all drums in reference to a single pitch and making changes during performance of a piece, using intervallic pitches.
M1.IAR.9.5. Use shifting (violin or viola-5th position and higher; cello or bass-thumb position and higher), varying speeds of vibrato, harmonics, and a variety of timbre effects when performing on stringed instruments.
M1.IAR.11. The student will demonstrate ensemble skills.
M1.IAR.11.1. Blend instrumental timbres.
M1.IAR.11.2. Match dynamic levels, style, and intonation.
M1.IAR.13. The student will sing a part while other students sing or play contrasting parts.
M1.IAR.15. The student will improvise a melody to a 12-bar blues progression.
M1.IAR.18. The student will read and write rhythmic patterns in complex meters, demonstrating technical facility and precision commensurate with VBODA Level 6.
M1.IAR.19. The student will demonstrate increased learning through a variety of music activities.
M1.IAR.19.3. Participate in activities such as concerts, performances, marching band, jazz ensemble, chamber ensembles, and All-District, All-Region, and All-Virginia events.
M2.IAR. Cultural Context and Music Theory
M2.IAR.20. The student will research career and avocational options in music, using available technology.
M2.IAR.23. The student will identify, define, and apply music terms and symbols from materials being studied.
M3.IAR. Judgment and Criticism
M3.IAR.24. The student will analyze concepts common to music and other disciplines.
M3.IAR.24.1. Identify how the characteristic qualities of sound, visual stimuli, other stimuli, movement, and human interrelationships can influence the fine arts.
VA.M.CB. Vocal/Choral Music (Beginning Level)
M1.CB. Performance and Production
M1.CB.2. The student will sing with a free and clear tone, using accurate intonation.
M1.CB.2.2. Perform assigned vocal parts in repertoire accurately.
M1.CB.5. The student will perform an assigned vocal part in unison and in simple harmony.
M1.CB.5.1. Sing at least three of the following: rounds, canons, descants, partner songs.
M1.CB.5.2. Sing literature in two-part harmony.
M2.CB. Cultural Context and Music Theory
M2.CB.9. The student will read and write basic music notation.
M2.CB.9.1. Identify notes and rests (eighth, quarter, half, whole), basic symbols, and terms.
M2.CB.9.3. Read and write rhythmic patterns in simple meter at various tempos.
M2.CB.10. The student will identify simple musical forms.
M2.CB.10.1. Identify similar and contrasting phrases.
M2.CB.11. The student will study selections that represent various historical, stylistic, and cultural contexts of choral music.
M2.CB.11.1. Compare and contrast the functions of vocal/choral music in various cultures.
M3.CB. Judgment and Criticism
M3.CB.12. The student will apply choral techniques and musicianship in the evaluation of music performances.
M3.CB.12.1. Provide answers to questions regarding criteria for evaluating vocal/choral performances and compositions.
M3.CB.12.2. Develop and apply criteria for evaluating vocal/choral performances.
M4.CB. Aesthetics
M4.CB.13. The student will compare music to the other fine arts.
M4.CB.13.1. Identify common elements and descriptive terms used in music with those used in the dance arts, theatre arts, and visual arts.
M4.CB.13.2. Identify careers in music.
M4.CB.14. The student will demonstrate an awareness of the collaborative nature of the choral art.
M4.CB.14.1. Contribute to the success of the ensemble.
VA.M.Cl. Vocal/Choral Music (Intermediate Level)
M2.CI. Cultural Context and Music Theory
M2.CI.9. The student will read and write music notation.
M2.CI.9.1. Identify dotted notes and rests, sixteenth notes and rests, basic symbols, and terms.
M2.CI.9.2. Perform harmonic analysis of eight-measure phrases.
M2.CI.9.3. Read and write rhythmic patterns in simple and compound meters and various tempos.
M3.CI. Judgment and Criticism
M3.CI.12. The student will use choral techniques and musicianship in the evaluation of music performances.
M3.CI.12.1. Formulate questions related to criteria for self-evaluation of vocal/choral performances.
M3.CI.12.2. Design a rubric for the evaluation of individual and group performances.
M4.CI. Aesthetics
M4.CI.13. The student will investigate the relationship of music to the other fine arts and to disciplines outside the arts.
M4.CI.13.1. Identify characteristics of various arts from a particular historical period and from various cultures, using common elements and characteristic terms.
M4.CI.13.2. Research careers in music as related to the other fine arts.
M4.CI.14. The student will demonstrate an awareness of the collaborative nature of the choral art.
M4.CI.14.1. Contribute to the success of the ensemble.
VA.M.CAD. Vocal/Choral Music (Advanced Level)
M1.CAD. Performance and Production
M1.CAD.5. The student will perform music written in four or more parts with and without accompaniment.
M1.CAD.5.2. Perform music with traditional and nontraditional harmonies.
M2.CAD. Cultural Context and Music Theory
M2.CAD.9. The student will read and write notation.
M2.CAD.9.2. Read and write rhythmic and melodic notation.
M2.CAD.10. The student will create music through composing, improvising, and arranging.
M2.CAD.10.1. Create harmonies to a given melody.
M2.CAD.11. The student will identify various compositional methods, including fugue, word painting, modulation, and aleatory music, encountered in the music being studied.
M3.CAD. Judgment and Criticism
M3.CAD.13. The student will evaluate music performances.
M3.CAD.13.2. Articulate musical preferences through the use of music terminology.
M3.CAD.14. The student will make informed decisions as a consumer of music.
M3.CAD.14.2. Demonstrate knowledge of opportunities for attendance at professional and community concerts.
M4.CAD. Aesthetics
M4.CAD.15. The student will discuss the relationship between music and the other fine arts and between music and disciplines outside the arts.
M4.CAD.15.2. Research the responsibilities of careers in music as related to the other fine arts.
VA.M.CAR. Vocal/Choral Music (Artist Level)
M2.CAR. Cultural Context and Music Theory
M2.CAR.9. The student will read and write complex notation.
M2.CAR.9.3. Read and write complex rhythmic patterns in various meters.
M2.CAR.9.4. Sight-read any voice part in a full vocal score.
M2.CAR.10. The student will create through improvising, composing, and arranging.
M2.CAR.10.4. Create an arrangement to a given melody.
M3.CAR. Judgment and Criticism
M3.CAR.13. The student will evaluate music performances.
M3.CAR.13.2. Articulate music preferences through the use of music terminology.
M3.CAR.13.3. Examine professional music reviews, as found in available publications.
M4.CAR. Aesthetics
M4.CAR.15. The student will articulate the relationship of music to the other fine arts and to disciplines outside the arts.
M4.CAR.15.2. Research careers in music as related to the other fine arts.
VA.T.M. Theater (Middle School Exploratory Dramatics)
TI.M. Performance and Production
T1.M.3. The student will demonstrate acting skills by
T1.M.3.1. Vocal production-projection and articulation;
T2.M. Cultural Context and Theatre History
T2.M.7. The student will demonstrate an awareness of a variety of historical and cultural concepts, using dramatic activities.
T3.M. Judgment and Criticism
T3.M.10. The student will give constructive and objective criticism of class performances, using appropriate theatre arts vocabulary.
T3.M.12. The student will read and analyze scripts and respond in oral, written, or visual form.
T4.M. Aesthetics
T4.M.14. The student will recognize and respond to the unique qualities of theatre, including
T4.M.14.2. Immediacy of live performance;
VA.TI. Theatre Arts I (Introduction to Theatre)
T1.TI. Performance and Production
T1.TI.1. The student will recognize that theatre is an ensemble art while developing communication strategies and problem-solving capabilities through group interaction and artistic collaboration to
T1.TI.1.1. Communicate and defend artistic choices;
T1.TI.3. The student will apply the creative process to the skills of storytelling, acting, and playwriting by:
T1.TI.3.1. Using an acting vocabulary that includes terminology for blocking and character development;
T1.TI.3.2. Employing voice, body, and imagination in character development;
T1.TI.3.3. Analyzing and describing the physical, emotional, and social
T1.TI.4. The student will understand and apply principles of technical theatre by
T1.TI.4.3. Identifying the responsibilities of technical personnel, including designers, builders, and operators;
T1.TI.4.5. Practicing ethical use of available technology and resources.
T1.TI.5. The student will explore and discuss principles of theatre management, administration, and the production process by
T1.TI.5.3. Explaining the role of the playwright; and
T2.TI Cultural Context and Theatre History
T2.TI.8. The student will reflect on life in historical times, places, and cultures by
T2.TI.8.1. Researching and applying cultural and historical information to artistic choices;
T2.TI.8.3. Demonstrating knowledge of theatrical institutions and opportunities available in the community and the commonwealth.
T3.TI Judgment and Criticism
T3.TI.9. The student will give and integrate constructive criticism by
T3.TI.9.1. Developing and using appropriate theatre arts vocabulary;
T3.TI.9.2. Discussing performances, projects, and plans; and
T3.TI.9.3. Applying the concepts of evaluation to oral and written observations, including intent, structure, effectiveness, and value.
T3.TI.10. The student will read, analyze, and respond to selected dramatic literature to
T3.TI.10.1. Identify the elements of dramatic literature, including conflict, plot, theme, character, and dialogue; and
T3.TI.10.2. Develop and apply criteria to describe and evaluate dramatic literature.
T3.TI.11. The student will view and analyze live performances and make informed responses by
T3.TI.11.1. Identifying the elements of production-directing, design, and acting;
T3.TI.11.2. Describing, analyzing, and evaluating artistic choices in dramatic presentations; and
T4.TI. Aesthetics
T4.TI.13. The student will describe the elements of a theatrical experience that evoke a personal aesthetic response and will describe the response, using appropriate theatre arts vocabulary.
VA.TII. Theatre Arts II (Dramatic Literature and Theatre History)
T1.TII. Performance and Production
T1.TII.3. The student will apply the creative process to the skills of storytelling, acting, and playwriting by:
T1.TII.3.5. Continuing to refine research skills for characterization and script/text interpretation;
T1.TII.3.8. Incorporating psychological, historical, and social dynamics derived from information suggested by the script.
T1.TII.4. The student will create and strengthen trust through participation in theatre games and improvisations that
T1.TII.4.1. Demonstrate characterization and justify motivations;
T1.TII.5. The student will apply principles of directing by
T1.TII.5.1. Selecting scenes and participating in script analysis, casting, rehearsal, and staging;
T1.TII.5.3. Communicating directorial choices, including pacing, mood, concept, and style;
T1.TII.5.4. Employing ethical choices in script selection, editing, and presentation; and
T1.TII.5.5. Evaluating choices made in the directorial process.
T1.TII.6. The student will explore and demonstrate skills and principles of technical theatre by
T1.TII.6.2. Applying the components, functions, and operations of technical theatre elements, including lighting, scenery, costuming, makeup, properties, and sound;
T1.TII.8. The student will demonstrate skill in communicating concepts and information through the study of theatre arts by
T1.TII.8.1. Generating a variety of theatre experiences, using various resources, media materials, and available technology; and
T1.TII.8.2. Researching current theatrical institutions and opportunities available in the community, commonwealth, and world.
T2.TII. Cultural Context and Theatre History
T2.TII.9. The student will identify major stylistic movements and connections to historical periods, including classical, Renaissance, Elizabethan, modern, and contemporary, by
T2.TII.9.2. Identifying, researching, and analyzing symbolism and cultural and historical clues in dramatic texts; and
T2.TII.9.3. Researching and describing historical production designs, techniques, and performances from various cultures.
T2.TII.10. The student will trace the development of technical theatre by
T2.TII.10.1. Explaining the effects of technological advances on theatre; and
T2.TII.10.2. Analyzing a variety of dramatic texts to determine their production requirements by referencing historical and cultural contexts.
T2.TII.11. The student will describe how theatre is similar to and different from other art forms, other fields of knowledge, and literary genres by
T2.TII.11.1. Identifying characteristics and comparing the presentation of characters, environments, and actions in theatre and other art forms;
T3.TII. Judgment and Criticism
T3.TII.13. The student will read, analyze, and respond to selected dramatic literature by
T3.TII.13.1. Using an expanded theatre arts vocabulary and terminology;
T4.TII. Aesthetics
T4.TII.19. The student will research and investigate the intentions of those who created specific theatrical works.
VA.TIII. Theatre Arts III (Intermediate Acting and Playwriting)
T1.TIII. Performance and Production
T1.TIII.2. The student will exhibit independence, discipline, and commitment to the theatre process through work on assigned projects and productions.
T1.TIII.5. The student will investigate basic film/video production, including camera techniques, appropriate terminology, screenplays, acting for the camera, and the editing process.
T1.TIII.7. The student will demonstrate the principles of design by
T1.TIII.7.4. Rendering lighting plots and costume plates for a stage or film/video;
T3.TIII. Judgment and Criticism
T3.TIII.11. The student will use theatre, playwriting, acting, and film/video vocabulary.
VA.V. Visual Arts
V1. Visual Communication and Production
V1.6.2. The student will use the principles of design, including proportion, rhythm, balance, emphasis, variety, and unity, to express ideas and create images.
V1.6.3. The student will use one-point perspective to create the illusion of depth in a two-dimensional drawing.
V1.6.4. The student will depict the proportional relationships among the parts of the human body or among other objects.
V1.6.6. The student will use appropriate art media and techniques to create both visual and tactile textures in works of art.
V1.6.7. The student will use chiaroscuro to create the illusion of form in a work of art.
V1.6.10. The student will use computer graphics and computer-generated text to create original works of art.
V3. Judgment and Criticism
V3.6.16. The student will explain how the elements of art, the principles of design, art techniques, and art media influence meaning in works of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art.
V3.6.19. The student will identify the relationship between art processes and final solutions.
V3.6.20. The student will identify and examine ethical standards in the use of describing works of art; responding to works of art; interpreting works of art; and evaluating works of art.
V3.6.20.1. Print and digital images;