Eighth grade A block art students have created treehouse constructions using sticks, cardboard, and twine. They worked in pairs, using their imaginations and developing practical construction skills as part of their architecture unit.

Senior Ben Schirmeier has been named to the All-Virginia Jazz Band for his drumming excellence. From the many who auditioned, only a small number of students were accepted for this prestigious ensemble. Ben will travel to Richmond in November with some of the best high school jazz musicians in the state. The ensemble will prepare a concert under the direction of Dr. Barry Long from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. Congrats to Ben on this outstanding achievement!

Last week, members of the IS and US Bands got the opportunity to work with Staff Sergeant Charles Sonoda from the U.S. Army Band. SSG Sonoda gave a masterclass for our students who are preparing to audition for the All-District Band next January, explaining the audition process, practice strategies, and tips for the day of the audition. The students got to play for SSG Sonoda, received individualized feedback, and learned how to make an effective practice plan. A member of the U.S. Army Band since 2018, SSG Sonoda studied music (clarinet) at DePaul University and Northwestern University, and has performed with such groups as the National Repertory Orchestra and the Chicago Symphonic Winds.

Fourth grade students began the semester by exploring the Middle School Art studio. As the students experienced how the studio functions, they developed greater independence to easily access materials, set goals for themselves, and guide their works through the process of creation. The students experimented with a variety of processes and materials, including a favorite activity - Zentangle. Zentangle is an abstract work of art created from a collection of patterns on a small paper tile. Incorporating the skills of refinement and detail into small abstract paintings, the students converted letters from their names into galaxies of design while playing with color, line, shape, and texture. Continuing our practice of letter design, the students used studio resources to create their Illuminated Initials, pictured above. 

Colorful and realistic-looking sculptures made by the Class of 2027 will be on exhibit in the IS Commons, just in time for Parent Night. On display is work that our eighth graders completed at the end of the last academic year. In an effort to understand form, shape, color, and dimension, the students made sculptures of everyday food, such as hamburgers, sushi, ice cream, pie and cake, baozi, noodle soup, and fruit. The goal, according to IS art teacher Hillary Steel, was to teach observational skills and trompe-l'oeil, the technique of creating art that, at first glance, looks real and "fools the eye." The exhibit will remain in the IS Commons through most of October.