Students at Kamehameha Middle School will experience two different elective courses, one per semester, during their 7th grade year.  One course will be from Languages, and one will be from Performing Arts.  In one semester students enrolled in a Language class will be exposed to a basic introduction to the target language and culture, while students enrolled in a Performing Arts class will be exposed to basic fundamentals relevant to the course.

Languages 

     Kamehameha Middle School offers three languages to chose from – Hawaiian, Japanese, and Spanish.  In this 7th grade introductory language course, students will learn basic language skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  Cultural connections through a review of history, crafts, songs, and dances may be explored as well.  Students who develop a strong interest in a particular language may have an opportunity to further deepen their understanding of the target language in their 8th grade year.

Performing Arts 

     Performing Arts has always played a major role in the culture of the Hawaiian people, and for over a century, has been a strong tradition at Kamehameha.  Students at Kamehameha Middle School who are enrolled in Band, Choral Music, Orchestra, or Papa Oli me Hula will be able to gain a variety of skills, enjoy a wide range of experiences, and develop a meaningful, lifelong appreciation for the arts.  As these are introductory courses for 7th grade, previous experience is not necessary.  Students who develop a strong interest in a particular performing arts ensemble may have an opportunity to further develop their skill and passion in their 8th grade year.

Band: Students will be introduced to playing band instruments from the woodwind, brass, or percussion families.  They will be exposed to basic playing techniques and basic music theory.

Choral Music: Students will be introduced to singing and the basics of music theory.  They will be exposed to a wide variety of choral repertoire.

Orchestra: Students will be introduced to playing string instruments – violin, viola, cello, or bass.  They will be exposed to basic playing techniques and basic music theory.

Papa Oli me Hula (Hawaiian Chant and Dance): Students will be introduced to basic skills and cultural protocol in a relationship to oli (chant) and hula (dance).  This course is open to both keikikāne (boys) and kaikamāhine (girls).

7th Grade Elective Course Summary