Michigan State Standards for Arts Education: Grade 6

MI.1. Dance (Performing): All students will apply skills and knowledge to perform in the arts.

1.1. Demonstrate the following movement skills: alignment, balance, initiation of movement, articulation of isolated body parts, weight shift, elevation and landing, and fall and recovery.

1.2. Accurately identify and demonstrate basic dance steps, positions, and patterns for dance from two different styles or traditions.

1.3. Accurately transfer a spatial pattern from the visual to the kinesthetic.

1.4. Accurately transfer a rhythmic pattern from the aural to the kinesthetic.

1.5. Identify and clearly demonstrate a range of dynamics/movement qualities.

1.6. Demonstrate increasing kinesthetic awareness, concentration, and focus in performing movement skills.

1.7. Demonstrate accurate memorization and reproduction of movement sequences.

1.8. Clearly demonstrate the principles of contrast and transition.

1.9. Effectively demonstrate the processes of reordering and chance.

1.10. Successfully demonstrate the structures or forms for AB, ABA, canon, call and response, and narrative.

1.11. Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively in a small group during the choreographic process.

1.12. Demonstrate the following partner skills in a visually interesting way: creating contrasting and complementary shapes, taking and supporting weight.

1.13. Effectively demonstrate the difference between pantomiming and abstracting a gesture.

MI.2. Dance (Creating): All students will apply skills and knowledge to create in the arts.

2.1. Demonstrate the following partner skills in a visually interesting way: creating contrasting and complementary shapes, taking and supporting weight.

2.2. Create a dance that successfully communicates a topic of personal significance.

2.3. Learn to artistically and aesthetically keep movement of a single dance in frame with video camera.

MI.3. Dance (Analyzing in Context): All students will analyze, describe and evaluate works of art.

3.1. Describe the action and movement elements observed in a dance, using appropriate movement/dance vocabulary.

3.2. Observe and explain how different accompaniment (such as sound, music, spoken text) can affect the meaning of a dance.

3.3. Demonstrate and/or explain how lighting and costuming can contribute to the meaning of a dance.

3.4. Explore a movement problem and create multiple solutions; choose the most interesting solution and discuss the reasons for that choice.

3.5. Demonstrate appropriate audience behavior in watching dance performances; discuss their opinions about the dances with their peers in a supportive and constructive way.

3.6. Compare and contrast two dance compositions in terms of space (such as shape and pathways), time (such as rhythm and tempo), and force/energy (movement qualities).

3.7. Identify possible aesthetic criteria for evaluating dance (such as skills of performers, originality, visual and/or emotional impact, variety, and contrast).

3.8. Observe the same dance both live and recorded on video; compare and contrast the aesthetic impact of the two observations.

MI.4. Dance (Arts in Context): All students will understand, analyze, and describe the arts in their historical, social, and cultural contexts.

4.1. Competently perform folk and/or classical dances from other cultures; describe similarities and differences in steps and movement styles.

4.2. Competently perform folk, social, or theatrical dances learned from resources in their own community, of different cultures, time periods, or from a broad spectrum of twentieth century America, the cultural/historical context of that dance, effectively sharing its context with peers.

4.3. Accurately describe the role of dance in at least two different cultures or time periods.

MI.5. Dance (Connecting to Other Arts, Other Disciplines, and Life): All students will recognize, analyze, and describe connections among the arts; between the arts and other disciplines; between the arts and everyday life.

5.1. Identify at least three personal goals to improve as dancers and steps they are taking to reach those goals.

5.2. Explain strategies to prevent dance injuries.

5.3. Explain how warm-up prepares the body and mind for expressive purposes.

5.4. Develop a project that reveals similarities and differences between the arts.

5.5. Cite examples of concepts used in dance and another discipline outside the arts (such as balance, shape, pattern).

5.6. Begin to develop a portfolio of techniques in progress using recording devices (music, slides, photo, video).

MI.1. Music (Performing): All students will apply skills and knowledge to perform in the arts.

1.1. Sing and play with expression and technical accuracy a repertoire of vocal and instrumental literature including some songs performed from memory.

1.2. Sing and play music representing diverse genres and cultures, with expression appropriate for the work being performed.

1.3. Sing accurately with good breath control throughout their singing ranges.

1.4. Sing music written in two and three parts.

1.5. Perform accurately, with appropriate technique, on at least one instrument --solo, in small and large ensembles.

1.6. Use electronic instruments in a variety of ways as a performance medium.

1.7. Play simple melodies and harmonic accompaniments by ear. Play simple melodies and harmonic accompaniments by ear.

1.8. Read whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, and dotted notes and rests; simple, compound, and alla breve meters.

1.9. Sight read simple melodies in treble and bass clefs.

1.10. Use standard notation to record personal musical ideas and the musical ideas of others.

MI.2. Music (Creating): All students will apply skills and knowledge to create in the arts.

2.1. Improvise simple harmonic accompaniments.

2.2. Improvise melodic embellishments and simple rhythmic and melodic variations on given pentatonic melodies and melodies in major keys.

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

2.4. Compose short pieces within specified guidelines.

2.5. Arrange simple pieces for voices or instruments other than those for which the pieces were written.

2.6. Use a variety of traditional and nontraditional sound sources and electronic media when composing, arranging, and improvising.

2.7. Communicate an idea through musical arrangements, compositions, and improvisations.

MI.3. Music (Analyzing in Context): All students will analyze, describe and evaluate works of art.

3.1. Analyze the uses of elements of music in aural examples representing diverse genres and cultures.

3.2. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of meter, rhythm, tonality, intervals, chords, and harmonic progressions in their analyses of music.

3.3. Develop criteria for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of music performances and compositions and apply these criteria when performing.

3.4. Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of one's own and others' performances, compositions, arrangements, and improvisations by applying specific and appropriate criteria and offering constructive suggestions for improvement.

MI.4. Music (Arts in Context): All students will understand, analyze, and describe the arts in their historical, social, and cultural contexts.

4.1. Describe distinguishing characteristics of representative music genres and styles from a variety of cultures.

4.2. Classify by genre and style (and, if applicable, by historical period, composer, and title) a varied body of exemplary musical works and explain the characteristics that cause each work to be considered exemplary.

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

4.4. Describe the impact of electronic media on music.

MI.5. Music (Connecting to Other Arts, Other Disciplines, and Life): All students will recognize, analyze, and describe connections among the arts; between the arts and other disciplines; between the arts and everyday life.

5.1. Compare how the characteristic materials of each art can be used to transform similar events, scenes, emotions, or ideas into works of art.

5.2. Describe ways in which the principles and subject matter of other disciplines are related to music.

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

5.4. Describe the role of music in artistic applications of electronic media today.

MI.1. Theatre (Performing): All students will apply skills and knowledge to perform in the arts.

1.1. Demonstrate acting skills (such as sensory recall, concentration, breath control, diction, body alignment, control of isolated body parts) to develop characterizations that suggest artistic choices.

1.2. In an ensemble, interact as the invented characters in improvised and scripted scenes.

1.3. Lead small groups in planning rehearsals for improvised and scripted scenes.

MI.2. Theatre (Creating): All students will apply skills and knowledge to create in the arts.

2.1. Refine and record dialogue and action.

2.2. Analyze descriptions, dialogue, and actions to discover, articulate, and justify character motivation and invent character behaviors based on the observation of interactions, ethical choices, and emotional responses of people.

2.3. Individually and in groups, create characters, environments, and actions that create tensions and suspense.

2.4. Work collaboratively to select and create elements of scenery, properties, lighting, and sound to signify environments, costumes and makeup to suggest character.

MI.3. Theatre (Analyzing in Context): All students will analyze, describe and evaluate works of art.

3.1. Explain the functions and interrelated nature of scenery, properties, lighting, sound, costumes, and makeup in creating an environment appropriate for the drama.

3.2. Analyze improvised and scripted scenes for technical requirements.

3.3. Develop focused ideas for the environment using visual elements (line, texture, color, space), visual principles (repetition, balance, emphasis, contrast, unity) and aural qualities (pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, expression) from traditional and nontraditional sources.

3.4. Analyze research from print and nonprint sources and apply to script writing, acting, design, and directing choices.

3.5. Describe and analyze the effect of publicity, study guides, programs, use of various electronic media, and physical environments on audience response and appreciation of dramatic performances.

3.6. Articulate and justify the meanings constructed from their own and others' dramatic performances.

3.7. Use articulated criteria to describe, analyze, and evaluate the perceived effectiveness of artistic choices found in dramatic performances.

3.8. Describe and evaluate the perceived effectiveness of students' contributions (as playwrights, actors, designers, and directors) to the collaborative process of developing improvised and scripted scenes.

MI.4. Theatre (Arts in Context): All students will understand, analyze, and describe the arts in their historical, social, and cultural contexts.

4.1. Describe and compare universal characters and situations in dramas from and about various cultures and historical periods, illustrate in improvised and scripted scenes, and discuss how theatre reflects a culture.

4.2. Analyze the emotional and social impact of dramatic events in their lives, in the community, and in other cultures.

4.3. Explain the knowledge, skills, and discipline needed to pursue careers and avocational opportunities in theatre, film, television, and electronic media.

4.4. Explain how culture affects the content and production values of dramatic performances.

4.5. Explain how social concepts such as cooperation, communication, collaboration, consensus, self-esteem, risk-taking, sympathy, and empathy apply in theatre and daily life.

MI.5. Theatre (Connecting to Other Arts, Other Disciplines, and Life): All students will recognize, analyze, and describe connections among the arts; between the arts and other disciplines; between the arts and everyday life.

5.1. Describe characteristics and compare the presentation of characters, environments, and actions in theatre, musical theatre, dramatic media, dance, and visual arts.

5.2. Incorporate elements of dance, music, visual arts, and multi-media to express ideas and emotions in improvised and scripted scenes.

5.3. Express and compare personal reactions to several art forms.

MI.1. Visual Arts (Performing): All students will apply skills and knowledge to perform in the arts.

1.1. Select materials, techniques, media technology, and processes to achieve desired effects.

1.2. Use art materials and tools safely and responsibly to communicate experiences and ideas.

1.3. Select and use the visual characteristics and organizational principles of art to communicate ideas.

1.4. Be involved in the process and presentation of a final product or exhibit.

MI.2. Visual Arts (Creating): All students will apply skills and knowledge to create in the arts.

2.1. Select materials, techniques, and processes to effectively communicate ideas.

2.2. Employ organizational principles and analyze what makes them effective or not in the communication of ideas.

2.3. Integrate visual, spatial, and temporal concepts with content to communicate intended meaning in artworks.

2.4. Use subjects, themes, and symbols that communicate intended meaning in artworks.

2.5. Integrate organizational structures and characteristics to create art for different purposes.

2.6. Organize information and ideas for media productions.

MI.3. Visual Arts (Analyzing in Context): All students will analyze, describe and evaluate works of art.

3.1. Form and defend judgments about characteristics and structures to accomplish commercial, personal, communal, or other purposes of art.

3.2. Observe and compare works of art that were created for different purposes.

3.3. Describe how materials, techniques, technology, and processes cause responses.

3.4. Describe and compare the characteristics of personal artwork to the artwork of others.

3.5. Describe how personal experiences influence the development of specific artworks.

MI.4. Visual Arts (Arts in Context): All students will understand, analyze, and describe the arts in their historical, social, and cultural contexts.

4.1. Know and compare the characteristics of artworks in various eras and cultures.

4.2. Describe and place a variety of art objects in historical and cultural contexts.

4.3. Analyze, describe, and demonstrate how factors of time and place (such as climate, resources, ideas, and technology) influence visual characteristics that give meaning and value to a work of art.

MI.5. Visual Arts (Connecting to Other Arts, Other Disciplines, and Life): All students will recognize, analyze, and describe connections among the arts; between the arts and other disciplines; between the arts and everyday life.

5.1. Analyze personal, family, and community connections that involve work by visual artists.

5.2. Describe and compare skills involved in arts-related and visual arts careers.

5.3. Compare the characteristics of works in two or more art forms that share similar subject matter, historical periods, or cultural context.

5.4. Describe ways in which the principles and subject matter of other disciplines taught in the school are interrelated with the visual arts.