Here is the list of electives courses that a student in the 6th grade may choose for the year. 6th grade students choose one from this list. Click an elective to see a description of the course.
Choir
Improve singing voices
Learn to sing in two parts
Learn to read music
Learn a variety of songs to perform
Learn concert etiquette
Learn proper diction for singing
Learn to overcome stage fright
Learn to compete fairly
Learn to work as a team
Special Activities:
Fall, winter and spring concerts
Special programs for school and community
Solo and Ensemble Contest
Field trip near the end of the school year.
Beginning Band At Hays CISD, Beginning Band is offered in the Sixth Grade. After the students take beginning band, they are then able to take regular performing band classes the following years at DMS, and Hays High School.
Beginning band students may start on flute, clarinet, oboe*, bassoon*, alto saxophone, cornet (trumpet), French horn*, trombone, baritone*, tuba*, and percussion. Instruments marked with an asterisk (*) are available through the school district.
Students will receive a band registration packet from their 5th grade homeroom teacher and students interested should return the registration form by the date shown on the form.
The DMS band directors will host an instrument placement night several times during the spring semester. All students returning registration forms will be individually evaluated by a Hays Band Director for proper instrument placement. Physical characteristics, school grades, musical listening quiz, and student's personal preference will be considered.
Students must attend and try out so that they are placed in the approved band classes in the fall.
Explorers
The Explorers course allows students to discover 12 weeks of Art, 12 weeks of Spanish, and 12 weeks of Drama or Computer Technology. Based on staffing and schedule needs, some students will be assigned to Drama while others may be in the Computer class.
Art
Students will experiment with different media from pastel to painting and from drawing to a 3-D project. The emphasis will be on experimenting and the process of making art. Student work will be exhibited throughout the school.
Spanish
Students will be introduced in a conversational manner. Students will and and answer questions about themselves, their family, pets, daily life, weather, and foods. They will learn how to count, describe the weather, and identify objects.
Drama
Students will get to know themselves better and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them by experiencing theatre first hand. By participating in pantomime, improvisation, storytelling, puppetry, role-playing and set design the students will have an opportunity to increase their skills in imagination, concentration and observation.
Computers
Students will spend a short amount of time on a number of different applications including word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, databases, internet and web page design. They will create documents and complete projects all with an emphasis on keyboarding.
