Western Middle School for the Arts educates and inspires students through performance in academics and arts to prepare them to be successful, compassionate, and creative citizens in our diverse world.

All Western Middle School for the Arts students will perform at high levels, both academically and artistically.

Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year and the incoming sixth-grade class, Western Middle School became the districtwide magnet school for visual and performing arts. All students attending Western Middle School choose an area of focus from the following: Dance, Theatre, Media Arts, Visual Arts, Band, String Orchestra, Piano/Digital Composition, and Vocal Music. Visual and performing arts classes include opportunities for interdisciplinary learning to provide students with experience in all areas of the magnet program. The area of arts focus occurs daily. 

Coursework includes Math, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts. We offer the Advance Program in Math and English, as well as the Gifted and Talented Program.   

Adam Bullock, Band Teacher 
Gabriella Burdette, String Orchestra Teacher

• Instrumental Music students will have the opportunity to participate in band or string orchestra. Students will play a variety of music.

• Students in band and orchestra will perform at the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Large Ensemble Band or Orchestral Festival Assessment.

• Students will have the opportunity to participate in the KMEA Solo and Ensemble Assessments and to audition for the All-County Band and/or Orchestra.

• Symphonic Band - Music for All National Festival Program

• Camerata Orchestra  + If You've Only Got a Moustache, S. Foster

Benjamin Powell, Piano / Digital Music Teacher

• Students in the Piano +  Digital Music program will explore the possibilities of improvising, creating, and performing music through digital pianos and digital software. 

• Students will perform piano solos (difficulty and genre chosen based on student ability/interest), group piano songs, and group improv sessions.

• Students will create and share a variety of digital music and present their original compositions in showcase events for the school and community.

Katie Cook, Vocal Music Teacher - Choir Website

• Vocal Music students will learn to sight-read music as well as sing a variety of musical selections.

• Students in chorus will participate in the KMEA Large Ensemble Choral Festival Assessment. Students will have the opportunity to participate in KMEA Solo and Ensemble Assessments and in the All-County Chorus.

• The chorus also will perform concerts at Western and at other venues in the community

• Die Nachtigall - Felix Mendelssohn

Tamara Begley, Dance Teacher - Dance Website

• Students focusing on Dance will experience a variety of dance forms, including ballet, modern dance, and creative movement. Students will learn about the role of dance in various cultures throughout history.

• Dance productions to showcase students' skills will occur at least twice each year at the school and, when possible, at other venues throughout the community.

• Sixth Grade Collaboration Project Video

Tiffany LaVoie, Natalie Fields, Theatre Teachers

• Theatre students will practice performance and presentation skills that can be used in advanced theater classes as well as in life. Students will study the history and performance elements of drama and play production.

• In addition, they will study acting techniques, improvisation, pantomime, public speaking, role playing, creative movement, and playwriting. Students will be involved in a classroom play or performance each year.

• Additionally, the theatre department sponsors two schoolwide productions a year. Our majors will be informed of performance opportunities with various arts organizations in the community, and field trips to professional performances will be integrated into the class curriculum.

• Shadow Play Collaboration Video

MEDIA ARTS

Elizabeth Allen, Media Arts Teacher

• Students combine traditional visual arts methods with contemporary technology, fostering both artistic and technology skills.

• Emphasis placed on graphic design and visual arts.

• Students assemble their art pieces into a digital portfolio representing both traditional and digital arts projects.

Ben Owen, Visual Art Teacher 
Amanda Thompson, Visual Art Teacher - Visual Arts Website

• Over the course of their middle school experience, Visual Arts students will work with a variety of art processes, including drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, photography, and digital art.

• Students will display work in exhibitions and participate in a variety of art competitions. Student will have compiled an art portfolio upon completion of middle school.

• Western Wonders Virtual Art Gallery

The Importance of Carefully Selecting Your Art Major