North Carolina State Standards for Arts Education: Grade 8

NC.1. Dance: The learner will identify and demonstrate elements and skills in dance.

1.01. Exhibit and explain kinesthetic awareness in development of movement skills and dance techniques.

1.02. Synthesize the element of space in dance: accurately transfer a spatial pattern from the visual to the kinesthetic.

1.03. Synthesize the element of time in dance: accurately transfer a rhythmic pattern from the aural to the kinesthetic.

1.04. Synthesize the element of energy: identify and clearly demonstrate a range of dynamics/movement qualities.

1.05. Describe the movement elements observed in a dance using movement/dance vocabulary.

1.06. Demonstrate accurate memorization and reproduction of dance sequences from verbal, visual and/or auditory cues.

NC.2. Dance: The learner will understand choreographic principles, processes, and structures.

2.01. Use improvisation to invent and combine movements for creating dance compositions.

2.02. Manipulate sequence in dance compositions.

2.03. Utilize partnering skills in dance compositions.

2.04. Improvise, create, and perform dances based on own ideas and concepts from other sources.

2.05. Utilize and manipulate various compositional structures and/or forms of dance in dance compositions.

NC.3. Dance: The learner will understand that dance can create and communicate meaning.

3.01. Create, present, and explain a dance that communicates a topic of personal significance.

3.02. Incorporate and justify the use of various elements to communicate meaning in a dance.

3.03. Create and present dance compositions based on the use of abstracted gesture.

NC.4. Dance: The learner will apply and demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills in dance.

4.01. Compare and contrast multiple solutions and validate one solution to a given movement problem.

4.02. Create a movement problem based on given criteria; demonstrate and evaluate multiple solutions to that problem.

4.03. Compare and contrast two dance compositions in terms of space, time, and energy.

4.04. Identify possible aesthetic criteria for evaluating dance.

NC.5. Dance: The learner will demonstrate and understand dance in various cultures and historical periods.

5.01. Demonstrate dance styles and concepts from various cultures.

5.02. Create dance compositions based on dance from various cultures.

5.03. Compare, contrast, and evaluate dances from various cultures and historical periods.

5.04. Investigate, explain, and evaluate dance forms using many resources including people in the community, videos, computer technology, and print sources.

5.05. Create projects that incorporate knowledge of various dance forms and innovators throughout historical time periods.

5.06. Analyze the role of dance in at least two different cultures or time periods.

NC.6. Dance: The learner will make connections between dance and healthful living.

6.01. Identify, explore, and explain the capabilities and limitations of the body.

6.02. Summarize strategies to prevent dance injuries.

6.03. Analyze the effects of healthy and unhealthy practices in dance.

6.04. Create an original warm-up and explain how warm-ups prepare the dancer mentally and physically for movement.

NC.7. Dance: The learner will make connections between dance and other content areas.

7.01. Create dance compositions integrating ideas and concepts from other content areas including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

7.02. Create a dance project that integrates various arts areas (dance, music, theatre arts, visual arts).

7.03. Formulate examples of concepts used in dance and other content areas.

7.04. Use technology as a tool for exploring and creating dance.

NC.8. Dance: The learner will understand dance as an art form with a range of opportunities for involvement.

8.01. Define the role of an audience and performer in dance.

8.02. Demonstrate appropriate behaviors while watching, creating, and performing dance.

8.03. Identify and explore various dance related professions including those of dance critic, dance educator, and dance notator.

NC.1. Music: The learner will sing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

1.01. Sing consistently on pitch, with accurate rhythm and proper breath control, in an appropriate range.

1.02. Respond to the cues of a conductor.

1.03. Sing music of appropriate voicing, with expression and technical accuracy.

1.04. Sing music representing diverse styles, genres, and cultures.

1.05. Show respect for the singing efforts of others.

1.06. Additionally, for students participating in choral classes: Sing music written in 2 and 3 parts.

1.07. Additionally, for students participating in choral classes: Sing music written in modest ranges which may include changes of tempo, key, and meter.

NC.2. Music: The learner will play on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

2.01. Play at least one instrument with appropriate posture, playing position, and technique.

2.02. Respond to the cues of a conductor.

2.03. Play music representing diverse styles, genres, and cultures.

2.04. Play by ear simple melodies and accompaniments.

2.05. Show respect for the instrumental playing efforts of others.

2.06. Additionally, for students participating in instrumental music classes: Play on at least one instrument, music at an appropriate and increasingly difficult level, with expressiveness and technical accuracy.

2.07. Additionally, for students participating in instrumental music classes: Play music written in modest ranges which may include changes of tempo, key, and meter.

NC.3. Music: The learner will improvise melodies, variations, and accompaniments.

3.01. Improvise melodies and harmonic accompaniments.

3.02. Improvise rhythmic and melodic variations using major and minor pentatonic and diatonic scales.

3.03. Improvise short melodies, unaccompanied and over given rhythmic accompaniments, each in a consistent style, meter, and tonality.

3.04. Show respect for the improvisational efforts of others.

NC.4. Music: The learner will compose and arrange music within specified guidelines.

4.01. Compose short pieces using the basic elements of music to demonstrate repetition and contrast, and tension and release.

4.02. Create an arrangement of an existing composition, using different voices and/or instruments.

4.03. Use a variety of sound, notational, and technological sources to compose and arrange music.

4.04. Show respect for the composing and arranging efforts of others.

NC.5. Music: The learner will read and notate music.

5.01. Read whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, and dotted note and rest durations in 2/3, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, 3/8, 2/2, and mixed meters.

5.02. Read melodic notation in the treble and bass clefs.

5.03. Identify symbols and traditional terms referring to expressive musical qualities including dynamics and tempo.

5.04. Use standard symbols to notate meter, rhythm, pitch, and dynamics in simple patterns.

5.05. Show respect for the reading and notating efforts of others.

NC.6. Music: The learner will listen to, analyze, and describe music.

6.01. Describe and explain specific musical events in a given aural example, using appropriate terminology.

6.02. Analyze elements of music in aural examples representing diverse genres and cultures.

6.03. Describe and explain the basic principles of meter, rhythm, tonality, intervals, chords, and harmonic progressions in the analyses of music.

6.04. Demonstrate perceptual skills by conducting, moving, answering questions about, and describing aural examples of music.

6.05. Show respect while listening to and analyzing music.

NC.7. Music: The learner will evaluate music and music performances.

7.01. Devise criteria for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of music performances and compositions, and apply criteria in personal listening and performing.

7.02. Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of compositions, arrangements, and improvisations by applying specific criteria appropriate for the style of the music and offer constructive suggestions for improvement.

7.03. Identify and describe how interacting musical elements impact one's feelingful responses to music.

7.04. Show respect for the musical efforts and opinions of others.

NC.8. Music: The learner will understand relationships between music, the other arts, and content areas outside the arts.

8.01. Compare in two or more arts areas how the characteristic elements of each art form can be used to transform events, emotions, or ideas into works of art.

8.02. Describe ways in which the concepts and skills of other content areas taught in the school including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are related to those of music.

8.03. Demonstrate the character traits of responsibility, self-discipline, and perseverance while informally or formally participating in music.

NC.9. Music: The learner will understand music in relation to history and culture.

9.01. Describe and explain the distinguishing characteristics of representative music genres and styles from a variety of cultures.

9.02. Classify various exemplary musical compositions and discuss the characteristics that cause each work to be considered exemplary.

9.03. Compare in several cultures of the world and in history the functions music serves, roles of musicians, and conditions under which music is typically performed.

9.04. Show respect for music from various cultures and historical periods.

NC.1. Theatre: The learner will write based on personal experience and heritage, imagination, literature, and history.

1.01. Apply the unique characteristics of the dramatic script such as dramatic structure and dialogue when writing for the theatre.

1.02. Create written dramatic material based on original or established interdisciplinary prompts, personal experiences and historical events.

1.03. Write, critique, and informally produce original scenes and one act plays.

1.04. Read and analyze scenes and plays.

1.05. Write detailed character analyses or biographies.

NC.2. Theatre: The learner will act by interacting in improvisations and assuming roles.

2.01. Practice and demonstrate techniques for physical and vocal conditioning.

2.02. Utilize physical and vocal skills to create believable characters.

2.03. Utilize acting skills to study human behavior and conflict resolution.

2.04. Synthesize research, observation, given circumstances and acting skills to create characters in formal and informal presentations.

2.05. Expand and utilize acting vocabulary such as motivation, objective and blocking.

2.06. Compare and utilize different acting methods and theories.

2.07. Participate in auditions.

NC.3. Theatre: The learner will design and produce theatre by conceptualizing and realizing artistic interpretations for informal or formal productions.

3.01. Understand and practice the role of the designer and technical elements in the theatre process.

3.02. Design and build a set for formal or informal dramatic presentations.

3.03. Work collaboratively to use available resources for props, costumes, lighting and settings.

3.04. Expand and implement technical theatre vocabulary.

3.05. Assume the roles and responsibilities of the production staff.

3.06. Compare and contrast different theatre spaces (i.e. thrust, arena, proscenium, and flexible) and their different requirements for technical elements.

3.07. Create a prompt book.

3.08. Create an atmosphere for audiences is formal and informal presentations.

NC.4. Theatre: The learner will direct through planning and presenting informal or formal productions.

4.01. Understand and practice the directing process: research, plan and collaborate, audition, cast, block and direct.

4.02. Implement the responsibilities of the director.

4.03. Collaborate with others to make choices to be applied to formal and informal productions.

4.04. Use rehearsal time effectively to brainstorm, experiment, plan and rehearse.

4.05. Communicate characters' internal monologue through vocalization and physical movement.

NC.5. Theatre: The learner will research by finding information to support informal or formal productions.

5.01. Employ a variety of different research methods and technology to support production.

5.02. Demonstrate a knowledge of and the ability to discuss the implications of the legal and ethical issues regarding the use of other's ideas.

5.03. Reference a script to design and implement technical theatre requirements.

5.04. Analyze given circumstances in a script to create character.

5.05. Analyze given circumstances in a script to make artistic choices.

NC.6. Theatre: The learner will compare and integrate art forms by analyzing traditional theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and new art forms.

6.01. Analyze other art forms and how they relate to theatre.

6.02. Synthesize several art forms into dramatic presentations.

6.03. Compare and contrast how society and various art forms impact each other.

NC.7. Theatre: The learner will analyze, critique, and construct meaning from informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions.

7.01. Practice positive audience etiquette.

7.02. Evaluate the relationship between the audience and the production.

7.03. Use descriptive vocabulary and creative thinking in the critiquing process.

7.04. Write and discuss analysis of informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions from various cultures.

7.05. Listen to and implement constructive criticism.

7.06. Analyze how theatre can evoke emotions and thoughts from an audience.

NC.8. Theatre: The learner will understand context by analyzing the role of theatre, film, television, and electronic media in the past and present.

8.01. Compare and contrast theatre and related media to real life.

8.02. Analyze and discuss how theatre and related media have reflected and transformed various cultures throughout history.

8.03. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of American theatre history which may include the study of African, Asian, Native and Latin American, and other cultures.

NC.1. Visual Arts: The learner will develop critical and creative thinking skills and perceptual awareness necessary for understanding and producing art.

1.01. Plan and organize for unique and original solutions.

1.02. Refine strategies for imagining and implementing images.

1.03. Analyze various solutions to solving creative problems to determine which are better.

1.04. Solve problems using images from fantasy and reality.

1.05. Choose and apply the best ideas among those developed over time.

1.06. Develop solutions that incorporate the use of a variety of senses.

NC.2. Visual Arts: The learner will develop skills necessary for understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes.

2.01. Discriminate in deciding the effectiveness of various media techniques to reach an artistic solution.

2.02. Apply materials such that their unique properties and potential impact the artistic solution.

2.03. Apply a variety of techniques and processes when working with each material.

2.04. Determine an original solution through expressive media techniques.

2.05. Understand the historical and personal implications of the proper use of tools and materials.

NC.3. Visual Arts: The learner will organize the components of a work into a cohesive whole through knowledge of organizational principles of design and art elements.

3.01. Understand how artists use the elements and principles of design to impact their environment.

3.02. Develop original solutions that effectively apply the elements of art in an aesthetic composition.

3.03. Apply diverse original solutions in the problem solving process.

3.04. Apply intuitive perceptions in the problem-solving process.

3.05. Apply diverse experimental solutions in problem-solving.

NC.4. Visual Arts: The learner will choose and evaluate a range of subject matter and ideas to communicate intended meaning in artworks.

4.01. Communicate and persuade through visual arts.

4.02. Develop the use of life surroundings and personal experiences to express ideas and feelings visually.

4.03. Utilize environmental imagery to create artwork with personal meaning.

4.04. Invent original and personal imagery to convey ideas that are both personal and have meaning.

4.05. Develop personal imagery and style.

NC.5. Visual Arts: The learner will understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.

5.01. Consider the history, purpose and function of visual arts and analyze their impact on various cultures.

5.02. Explain the impact of a particular culture, time and place on a specific work of art.

5.03. Compare and contrast relationships of works of art to one another in terms of history, aesthetics, and cultural/ethnic groups.

5.04. Explain the impact of art movements, periods, and styles.

5.05. Explain the impact universal themes in art throughout history have had on specific works of art.

5.06. Explain the impact of current culture on your personal style, attitude and techniques.

NC.6. Visual Arts: The learner will reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others.

6.01. Evaluate the effectiveness of a work of art in meeting its intended purpose.

6.02. Evaluate the ways in which a work of art reflects or communicates the diverse experiences of the artist.

6.03. Interpret how a given work of art expresses the uniqueness of the individual artist.

6.04. Evaluate and reflect on the impact of various decisions made throughout the creative process.

6.05. Critique artwork evaluating purpose, tone and style in an oral or written expression.

NC.7. Visual Arts: The learner will perceive connections between visual arts and other disciplines.

7.01. Interpret and analyze connections, similarities and differences between the visual arts and other disciplines.

7.02. Demonstrate various ways the art elements and design principles interrelate within all arts disciplines.

7.03. Compare and contrast characteristics of visual arts within a particular historical period or style with ideas, issues or themes in other disciplines.

7.04. Apply various technologies in order to effect visual arts and other disciplines.

NC.8. Visual Arts: The learner will develop an awareness of art as an avocation and profession.

8.01. Assess the ways art enhances all aspects of life.

8.02. Assess the criteria to pursue visual arts as a profession.