December 6, 2010

Grade 7: This is practise week 3 in term 1. Students should be practising two times or more outside of class this week.

The first class of the week will review songs 1,3,and 5 on Staff Songs #3, and introduce the songs on Staff Song #4. All performance self-evaluation sheets are due from the playing test on Staff Songs 1 and 2. Students will use the 4 practise steps to continue building readying and playing notes on the staff.

During the second class of the week, we will begin with Mad Minute note reading drill. Then students will learn the first three notes of the scale from Essential Elements Book 2000 (book 1) and add them to their scale chart. Using these new notes, students will begin Jingle Bells from Essential Elements 2000.

Homework: Students should learn all of Staff Songs 3 and 4. They may begin to practise Jingle Bells once Staff Songs are learned.

Grace 8: This practise week 12 in term 1. Students should be practising two times or more outside of class this week.

During the first class of the week, students will hand in their Learning Contracts and some students will be asked to perform the section of Thunderer for the class that they learned. We will continue on the topic of peace; related to the Hymn played in class last week, we will learn how to create harmony in music. Students will receive a harmony worksheet and learn how to build chords - groups of notes which work well together and sound beautiful.

During the second class of the week, students will play and create chord progressions based upon the scale's power chords: I, IV, and V. Journal #10 will be assigned.

Homework: Continue practising Thunderer and Journal #10: People all over the world wish for peace. Imagine that there is a lasting peace in every land. What impact might that have on the sound of music?

Journals #1-10 must be handed in next class. Journals should be typed. If no printer is available, they must be printed neatly and stapled together before handing in.

November 29, 2010

Grade 7: This is practise week 2 in term one. Students should practise two times outside of class time this week and have their practise record sheet signed by a parent or guardian.

During the first class of the week, we will warm up using long tones and tonguing exercises on each of the 4 notes of the scale learned in class. Then students will complete tests and hand in their self-evaluation form. They will try to improvise simple patterns using the song "Try For Three" and then perform songs from Staff Songs #3 together.

The second class of the week will focus on Staff Songs #4 using the new fourth note of the scale.

Homework: Students should be familiar with all songs on Staff Songs #3 and #4.

Grade 8:This is practise week 11 in term one. Students should practise two times outside of class time this week and have their practise record sheet signed by a parent or guardian.

During the first class of the week, students will be sharing journal #9 selections with the class. They should be prepared to read their journal entry and provide a listening link for the song they selected about war. They will listen to a few war songs and find common elements. All self-evaluations for war are due.

The second class of the week will focus on the second half of our unit, "Peace". We will brainstorm peace words, predict the use of elements in peaceful music, and then listen to Nimrod from The Enigma Variations by Elgar. We will create our own wish for peace inspired by the music. Finally, working with the 8 measure Hymn "Abide With Me", we will work on creating peace in our performance.

Learning contracts should be completed for The Thunderer this week and sections performed.

Homework: Students should practise The Thunderer and complete their Learning Contract reflection(s).

Homework:

Week of November 22, 2010

Grade 7: This is practise week 2 in term 1. All students should practise 2 or more times outside of class this week and have their practise record sheet signed.

During the first class of the week, students will receive a copy of the performance rubric for their first performance test. They will have a short time to prepare/review and then play one of the songs on Staff Songs 1 or 2 in pairs or small groups. During the testing period, students will also complete a short reflection and practise the clapping, letter names and fingering for the new songs on Staff Songs 3 and 4.

During the second class of the week, students will complete testing and begin staff songs 4.

Homework: Students should know all songs on Staff Songs 3 and 4 by practising with the 4 practise steps.

Grade 8: This is practise week 10 in term 1. All students should practise 2 or more times outside of class this week and have their practise record sheet signed.

During the first class of the week, final review and recording of War compositions will be completed. Self-evaluation rubrics are due this class. We discuss journal #9, and learn about one type of war music - the march.

During the second class of the week, students will receive a copy of a Music Learning Contract, and will begin studying and practising "The Thunderer", a piece by the march king, John Phillip Sousa. The contract deadline is one week from the start date, at which time students will be assessed.

Homework: War composing self-evaluations need to be handed in. Students need to complete the Learning Contract for "The Thunderer" and practise at least 2 times to complete the contract.

November 15, 2010

Grade 7: This is practise week 2 in term 1. All students should practise 2 times outside of class this week.

During the first class of the week, students will receive a Scale Chart where they will draw the 3 notes they have learned on the staff, their letter names and proper fingering. They will review all songs on Staff Song #1. Feedback will be given and opportunities to solo will be given. To improve note reading skills, students will play musical "Twister".

During the second class of the week, students will have Mad Minute race #2. After a scale warm-up, students will begin learning the songs on Staff Songs #2. Long durations (half note and dotted half note) will be introduced. Breath control will be discussed.

Homework: Practise Staff Songs #2.

Grade 8: this is practise week 9 in term 1. All students should practise 2 times outside of class this week.

During the first class of the week, students will complete the final performance/recording of their class composition for war. They will complete a self-evaluation based upon the rubric provided.

During the second class of the week, students will listen to a variety of recordings of music related to war such as marches, and rap performances. Students will begin "The Thunderer" by John Philip Souza.

Homework: Learn one section of "The Thunderer". Journal Question #9: Select a piece about war on the internet (youtube). Based upon your selection explain where the conflict occurred and what it was about; what purpose/point of view the music reflects about the conflict. Support your ideas by referring to the lyrics or the elements of music used.

Week of November 8, 2010

Grade 7: This is the first week of home practise; all grade 7 students are expected to practise twice outside of class and have their practise record sheet signed by their parent (if practising before/after school it will be signed by Mrs. Lerer).

During the first class of the week, we will review the treble clef and bass clef note reading homework sheets. We will learn how to sign out materials from the music library. With our instruments, we will warm up with long tones and tonguing, and practise three or more songs from Staff Songs #1 using the "perfect-practise" steps.

During the second class of the week, we will have a Mad-Minute note reading drill and then continue learning the songs on Staff Songs #1.

Homework: Students should be prepared to play any of the songs on Staff Songs #1 and their composition.

Grade 8: This is week 8 in term one. Students are expected to practise twice this week outside of class.

During our first class of the week, students will share thoughts about the trip to the Toronto Symphony. They will review response journal #7 assigned last week and share thoughts with stand partners and other instrument members. Once a plan for when and how each "war-word" theme will be used in our class composition, students will warm up and prepare to play the themes together. Students will have opportunities to play and listen to various combinations of the musical themes as they create a first draft of the composition. For next class, add expressive elements to the theme.

During the second class of the week, we will begin the March.

Homework: Practise the March, and war theme with expressive elements. Journal #8: After hearing a number of pieces from The Planets, but Gustav Holst, describe how did Gustav Holst use the musical elements differently in "Venus, The Bringer of Peace"?

Week of Nov. 1, 2010

Grade 7: During the first class of the week, we will go over last weeks' test on their selected instrument. Students will hand in their Instrument Assignment Forms and their completed Rhythm Composition #1. During the second class of the week, students will learn about reading pitch (letter names) on the treble and bass staves, and will receive their first sheet of songs for their instrument, Staff Songs 1 and 2. They will learn how to use the 4 practise steps to learn new songs on Staff Songs 1 and 2.

Homework: "Looking UP and Looking Down" and Theory sheet - treble clef or bass clef.

Grade 8: This is week 7 in term 1. Students should be practising twice outside of class this week.

During the first class this week, students will listen to additional selections from the program "Blast Off" in preparation for our trip to the Toronto Symphony on Thursday morning. While remaining playing tests on Chorale Elegant are given, students will work in teams to learn the "war-word-music" chosen for their instrument.

During the second class of the week, students will work in small groups to plan and organize how/when the "war-word-music" for their instrument will be used. A large graphic score will be created and played in class.

Homework: Practise your instrument group's "war-word-pattern" using dynamics and expression. Journal #7 After hearing the musical patterns for war selected by your class and learning the one for your instrument, explain how and when your pattern should be used in the composition. Describe how you would create meaning using dynamics, tempo and other expressive elements. Be prepared to support your answer.

Week of Oct. 25, 2010

Grade 7: During the first class of the week, students who ordered a mouthpiece will be receiving them. They will have a written test on the instrument they will be learning this year.

During the second class of the week, students will review and practise the 4 measure pattern they composed last week ("Composition #1") by clapping. They will clap their measures for a peer and then will work on keeping a steady beat and performing their two patterns together as a duet. Once they are successful, they will perform these pattern on their instruments, choosing letter names/sounds for each note.

Grade 8: This is practise week 6 in term 1. Students should be practising twice this week outside of class.

During our first class of the week, students will be tested on a section of Chorale Elegante as discussed in class last week. While students are being tested, others will work on composing a pattern/melody based upon their war-word web (journal #6).

During the second class, students will hear a modern piece on the topic of war, "Metastasis" by Iannis Xenakis and an example of live looping. This will help them understand how the patterns for the composition will be planned together. They will then try to sell their pattern/melody to the rest of their instrument group to be used in the final composition. The one selected by the group will be learned and practised for homework by all of the members of the group.

Week of: October 18, 2010

Grade 7: This week students in grade 7 will be deciding upon their first and second choice instruments. Final instruments will be assigned during music class based upon student preference, playing ability, instrument availability, and balance. Once assigned, students are expected to purchase materials for their instrument so that they can begin more intense study. All mouthpiece and reed orders must be in by Thursday, October 21, 2010. Students may go to local music retailers such as Long and McQuade, St. Johns Music or Harknett Music to purchase mouthpieces and reeds or rent instruments.

During the second class of the week, we will begin learning about beat and rhythm, and begin to read and perform simple patterns in 4/4 time.

Homework: Complete instrument choice form and materials order form. Bring in form by Thursday to purchase materials through the school. Complete composing with rhythm worksheet and study for a test on your chosen instrument which includes: names of the parts, how to assemble and disassemble it, how to clean it, which hand holds the weight, the letter names and fingerings of the three notes we have learned, how to form your lips to make a sound, what is delicate about it, etc.

Grade 8: This is practise week 5 in term 1. Students are expected to practise 2 times outside of music class this week.

During our first class of the week, students will receive a trip form (trip to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 4, 2010). Journal #5 will be discussed and practise record sheets will be checked. Students may participate in the chromatic scale race and then all students will work on the final A1 section of Chorale Elegant.

During our second class of the week, we will be brainstorming words about war. Students will consider how they will use the elements of music to compose 4 measure musical patterns based upon these words and then select the best melody to contribute to the class composition. Patterns will be written using graphic notation.

Homework: Trip forms due. Practise all of Chorale Elegant with phrasing and dynamics in preparation for a performance test next week. Journal question #6: Create a word web which includes your thoughts, feelings, impressions, images and beliefs about war.

Week of: October 11, 2010

Grade 7:

During the first class of the week, students will begin learning about ther fourth and final band instrument. They will learn about assembly, tone production, holding position and how to play a two-tone song using notation. They will learn how to care for the instrument and disassemble it properly.

During the second class of the week, students will assemble it independently and learn a 3-note melody.

Homework: Students should complete their self-evaluation for instrument #4 on the sheet provided. They will need to rank the four instruments in order of preference and playing success.

IMPORTANT DATES:

MUSIC MATERIALS/RENTAL NIGHT - THURSDAY, OCT. 21, 2010 7:30 P.M. (music room)

Saxophone tryouts - Friday, Oct. 15, 2010 3:05-4:00 (for the best students in clarinet)

French Horn tryouts - Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010 3:05-4:00 (for the best trumpet players)

Drums/Percussion tryouts - Monday, Oct. 18, 2010 3:05-4:00 (by invitation of the teacher)

Tuba tryouts - Monday, Oct. 18, 2010 8:15-8:45

Grade 8:

This is practise week 4 in your practise record sheet. Students should be practising two times outside of class this week.

During our first class, students will discuss responses to the 4th journal question which was assigned last week. "Bits and Pieces" (the first composition for the term) will be returned and feedback provided. Students are expected to know/perform the B section of Chorale Elegant together.

During the second class of the week students may participate in the chromatic scale race, and may begin to work on the range race as a warm-up. We will listen to "Mars" in preparation for our trip to the Toronto Symphony on Nov. 4th and discuss how the composer uses the elements of music to depict war. The final A section will be started and should be continued for homework.

Homework: Journal question #5: Imagine that you are composing a piece of music about war. What feelings and impressions would you want to share about war, and how would you use the elements of music to be successful? Practise: chromatic challenge, range challenge, Chorale - B section and the last A section

Week of Oct. 4, 2010

Grade 7:

During the first class of the week, we will take up the homework assigned last week - evaluation of instrument #2. Then students will learn to set up their third instrument, learn how to hold it, produce a tone, tongue, and play a 2 note song. They will learn how to properly clean it and disassemble it.

During the second class of the week, students will review information covered in the first class and learn to play a three-note song.

Homework: Students will complete instrument evaluation #3.

Grade 8: This is practise week 3 in term one; students are expected to practise twice outside of class.

During the first class of the week, grade 8 students will share their responses to Journal Question #3 with the class. They will learn to play the concert Bb chromatic scale (in a chromatic scale, all 13 tones are played between from low concert Bb to high concert Bb.) They will then work with section partners to reach their second goal - students should know the entire A section or more. During classwork, many students will be asked to perform their composition "Bits and Pieces" and hand in their written copy.

During the second class of the week, students will continue working on performance goals and peer assess for the A section. The remaining compositions will be evaluated.

Homework: Begin learning to play the B section of the Chorale. Journal Question #4: Reflect upon your practise toward your first goal for Chorale Elegante. Are you satisfied with your progress so far and why? What are your next steps to improve your performance?

Week of Sept. 27, 2010

Grade 7: During the first class of the week, grade 7 students will discuss their thoughts about the first instrument they tried which were to be recorded on their Instrument Evaluation Sheet (assigned for homework last class). They will begin exploring their second brass instrument and learn to play the three note song using musical notation.

During the second class of the week, students will set up their instruments and perform the song independently. This homework/classwork blog will be introduced.

Homework: Students will complete the second instrument evaluation using the sheet provided.

Grade 8: This is the second week of recorded practise in term 1. Students should be practising twice this week and recording their practise on their practise record sheet.

During the class of the week, students will discuss their second journal entry. After warming up, they will review their composition and many will perform them in class this week. Students will receive a copy of two band pieces, listen to one called "Chorale Elegant", and learn how to complete a score study in preparation for learning it.

During the second class of the week, students will continue familiarizing themselves with the band piece "Chorale Elegant" by discovering the form and where they play the melody. Then they will set goals for next class: a personal learning goal and a group learning goal. They will begin their practise toward that goal. Remaining compositions will be heard.

Homework: complete their personal and group learning goals through practise and complete Journal question #3: What did you learn or realize about "Chorale Elegante" by completing the score study, and how did it make you more successful?

Week of Sept. 20, 2010

Grade 7:

This week grade 7 students are expected to have a binder for their music notes and assignments. They will continue their exploration of the band instruments in the brass family. They will complete their exploration of the a brass instrument learning how to assemble it, rest position, playing position, tone production/control, tonguing patterns, and how to play a simple 2 or 3 note melody.

Homework: Students will complete a self-evaluation for this first instrument based upon their success on this first instrument and teacher feedback. Students will also complete a music interest survey.

Grade 8: This is practise week one in term one. Students are expected to practise twice this week outside of class. During our first class we will discuss responses to their first journal questions assigned last week. We will begin our first composition assignment, "Bits and Pieces". In this assignment students must create an 8 measure piece using bits and pieces of other songs from Essential Elements 2000. (An example of a level 3 composition will be shared and criteria/procedures discussed)

During the second class, students will complete their composition and prepare to perform it. Homework: Complete composition and learn to perform it .

Journal Reflection #2: Describe which steps in the creative process you used when creating your composition, and how they helped you created a meaningful melody.

Week of Sept. 13, 2010

September 7, 2010

Welcome back to school! I hope that your first week is lots of fun as you reconnect with friends and teachers. The year ahead will be full of new and exciting learning experiences.

Grade 7: Please have your Willowdale Instrumental Music Handbook signed after reading it over with your parents. Students who wish to try the clarinet must bring $1 for a reed next class.

Grade 8: Please have your Instrument Assignment Form signed and returned by your next class. You will need your mouthpiece, reeds, music binder and other music materials for your second class.

Week of: May 24, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 13 in term three. Students are expected to practise twice outside of class. In this week's lessons students will review song 63 and hand in their Mars projects. After reviewing the creative process, students will be working with Finale software to expand on one of their music compositions. They will have the opportunity to hear the music on the computer, editing/revising and produce a final work.
Homework: song 163 and revisions/additions to their composing

Grade 8: This is week 13 in term three. Students are expected to practise twice outside of class alone or with their STOMP group. In this week's lessons, students will complete the first section of their STOMP routine, including polyphonic music, movement and use of "instruments". They will complete the written sections on pages 1-3 of their booklet, determining expressive elements and add a monophonic or homophonic element to end this first section.
Homework: students should be rehearsing their part for STOMP alone or with their group. ALL STUDENTS MUST BRING IN 'INSTRUMENTS' FOR THIS PROJECT BY THE END OF THE WEEK.

Week of May 17, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 12 in term 3. Students are expected to practise twice this week outside of class. This week we will review the quizzes and listen to Gustav Holst's "Mars" from The Planets for a second time. For homework, students should complete the back of their response sheet and decide a way to show their understanding of the meaning of the music: through language (writing a story that was inspired by the music and shows it's meaning), through art (create a piece of artwork which was inspired by the music and show's it's meaning), drama/movement (create and perform a movement routine/dance which was inspired by the music and shows it's meaning). We will begin to practise song 163 and learn how to count and clap patterns of eighth notes and eighth rests.
Homework: song 163, Mars Response Sheet and project to show meaning of Mars.
Grade 8: This is week 12 of term 3. There is no practising homework this week. Students will be working on forming groups for STOMP, choosing roles for each member, developing guidelines and co-constructing a rubric for their performance. They will begin composing section A and decide what materials they will be using as their unusual "instruments".
Homework: students should be getting their materials from home and be prepared to use them to practise with their group beginning next week.

Week of: May 17, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 12 in term 3. Students should practise twice this week outside of class. During the first class of the week quizzes will be handed back and reviewed. Then we will listen again to "Mars, The Bringer of War" from Gustav Holst's composition for orchestra "The Planets". Students will be asked to describe more about the piece on their response sheets. For homework, students will complete the reflection sheet and show their understanding of the message of the music in one of the following ways:
create a piece of artwork which describes the meaning of the music
create a piece of writing which describes the "story" of the music
create a drama/movement routine which shows it's meaning
Homework: Reflection sheet and additional creative project due in one week
Grade 8: This is week 12 in term 3. Students have no instrumental practise this week. During our classes, we will begin our final project, "STOMP". We will form groups, select roles, define group rules and co-construct a rubric for the project. Using the Creative Process, we will begin composing and practising the first section, "A", for our routine.
Homework: Find materials at home to use for the group project and have them in school for next week's classes.

Week of: May 10, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 11 in term 3. Students should continue to practise two times this week. During our first class, students will have a quiz on Bronze and Silver musical elements. In addition, we will and begin to listen using the Critical Analysis Process as we hear "Mars" by Gustav Holst. During the second class, students will learn about counting eighth-note sized pieces of time in order to play songs which have combinations of eighth notes and rests. Students will continue to listen and analyze "Mars" from The Planets by Gustav Holst.
Homework: Continue to work on Band Olympics songs including Gold Level songs which include eighth note patterns.

Grade 8: This is week 11 in term 3. Students should continue to practise twice outside of class. Grade 8 students begin exploring a variety of musical durations this week in order to develop a complete understanding of quarter, eighth and sixteenth durations in 4/4 time. Students will work in groups to compose and perform layers of patterns using a variety of notes and rests. They will form their groups for their STOMP! performances.
Homework: No homework this week.

Week of: May 3, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 10 in Term 3. Students should be practising twice this week outside of class. This week we will review all of the Silver level concepts from our Band Olympics which include key signatures, accidentals (flats, sharps, naturals) in the measures of a piece, and multiple measures of rests. Students will have a quiz on these concepts next week.
Class time will be provided for students to complete Band Olympics performances and complete their Silver Level composing which should be handed in at the end of the second class of the week. There will be a number of rehearsals for our Junior Band in preparation for our concert on Thursday, May 6, at 7:00.
Homework: Complete Silver Level songs, composing and study for the quiz on Bronze and Silver concepts for next week.

Grade 8:
This is week 10 in Term 3. Students should be practising twice this week outside of class. During the first class of the week, students will be performing "In Quest of Uluru" for a final assessment. We will begin our unit on STOMP! by watching the video of the music routines from the Broadway Show. In this unit we will be using unusual "instruments" to create movement and drumming routines similar to the performances created by the original cast.
Homework: Practise and study for the final "Uluru" assessment.

Week of: April 25, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 9 in term 3. Students should be practising twice this week. During class one this week, we will review the quiz on Bronze level elements. The concepts and songs for Band Olympic level Silver 1 will be revisited, and the concepts covered in Silver 2 will be introduced. (multiple measure rests, new key signatures/scales) During the second class of the week, "Star Wars" will be reviewed and completed. Time will be provided for students to perform Silver Level 1 and 2 songs.
Homework: practise Silver Level 1 and 2 songs and perform for assessment. Begin Silver Level Composing Assignment - due at the end of the 2nd class next week.

Grade 8: This is week 9 in term 3. Students should be practising twice this week. During the first class of the week, we will review the quiz about the elements of greatness related to "In Quest of Uluru" and Tequila. We will play the beginning section of "In Quest of Uluru" and "Tequila" to complete these pieces. During the second class of the week, we will play our band instruments for the last time in class and listen to music from Africa, considering the criteria for "greatness" as we listen. Next week we will begin our STOMP! unit using non-traditional instruments.
Homework: practise all of "In Quest of Uluru" and "Tequila".

Week of: April 19, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 8 in term 3. Students should be practising two times this week to learn the final section of "Star Wars" and one of the Silver 1 songs from the Band Olympics chart.

During the first class of the week students will have a performance assessment on measures 13-36 of "Star Wars" and will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts covered in Bronze levels 1 and 2. The second class of the week will introduce concepts in Silver level 1; time will be allocated for Band Olympics performances.

Grade 8: This is week 8 in term 3. Students should be practising two times this week to learn the final section of "In Quest of Uluru".

During the first class of the week, students will have a performance assessment on "Tequila" and a written quiz on the pieces/concepts covered in our unit "Music of the World". Students will be expected to analyze how/if the pieces we have studied are "great" (or not) and support their answers with examples from the music.

Week of: April 12, 2010

Grade 7:

This is week 7 in term 3; students should be practising twice this week. During the first class of the week we will be reviewing "Star Wars" measures 1-36 and trying the final section, measures 37 to the end. We will also review all of the requirements for the bronze level of the Band Olympics Program.

During the second class of the week, we will review the final section of "Star Wars" and students will have some time to complete the bronze level compositions which are due at the end of the period. Time will be allocated for students to demonstrate bronze level songs.

Homework: Prepare for the Star Wars playing test next week.

Grade 8:

This is week 7 in term 3; students should be practising twice this week. During the first class of the week, we will review the middle section (B section) of "In Quest of Uluru" and begin the first section (A section). Also, students should be prepared to contribute information about the musical style they researched for our hall display. We will continue to listen to recordings of musical genres from around the world.

During the second class we will review for a test on "Tequila" and "In Quest of Uluru". The test will take place during music classes next week and will include written and performance components.

Homework: review and practise for the test next week.

Week of April 4, 2010

Grade 7:
This is week 6 in term 3. Students should have practised 12 times outside of class. This week we will review Star Wars measures 1-29 and continue with the next section, measures 29-33. We will provide time to hear some students perform bronze level one songs during class and at practise times.
The songs and concepts for bronze level 2 will be covered this week. Students are expected to practise these songs and be prepared to perform/test on one of them by the end of the week.
Homework: Bronze level 2 songs

Grade 8:
This is week 6 in term 3. Students should have practised 12 times outside of class. We will review Tequila this week and begin "In Quest of Uluru". Students will set a learning goal for themselves (one section of this piece) and work in teams to accomplish their goal.

Using our listening checklist, we will begin our exploration of world music with the playing of some latin recordings such as:
"Bamboleo" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mifnMC_Kn1Q
"Mala Vida" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrdxnomTA1c&feature=related
Homework: In Quest of Uluru

Week of March 29, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 5 of term 3. Students should have practised 10 times this term outside of class. We will continue Star Wars in class, learning the middle section - measures 21-29 this week.

Band Olympics begins this week and continue until the first week in May. Achievement in Band Olympics represents 50% of the term 3 mark. Students will receive a list of songs and simple composing assignments to be completed for bronze, silver and gold medal levels of achievement. During classes, the songs and concepts for a level will be introduced. After practising, students are expected to demonstrate proficiency at these songs/concepts through performance. It is up to students be evaluated on Band Olympics songs on a weekly basis. This week students are expected to Homework: practise and learn a Bronze Level One song and be tested.

Grade 8: This is week 5 in term 3. Students should have practised 10 times outside of class this term. This week we will finish learning the notes for Tequila. We will continue our discussion about what makes great music and work on finalizing our checklist for "greatness". This checklist will be used to guide our listening as we explore examples from a variety of musical genres. Homework: Tequila

March 22, 2010

Grade 7:

This is week 4 of term three. Students should have practised 8 times outside of class by the end of this week.

During this week, students will review the counting and playing of the melody section from"Star Wars". They will also learn about dotted half notes, and the difference between slurs and ties as we play through songs 64 and 95 in Essential Elements 2000.

Homework: songs 64, 95 and Star Wars.

Grade 8:

This is week 4 of term three. Students should have practised 8 times outside of class by the end of this week.

During the week, students will listen to some examples of latin music and begin playing the band piece "Tequila" in class.

Classes will work on developing a "Checklist for Musical Greatness" with which they will measure a number of songs in familiar and unfamiliar genres.

Homework: practise "Tequila".

March 8, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 3 of term three. Students should have practised six times outside of class by the end of this week.

Harmonizing assignments are due this week, and we will warm up with the major scale from memory (including high B and C for clarinet players). Students should be able to play song 57 in Essential Elements and will receive the first piece of band music, "Star Wars".

During testing on song 53, students will receive their first piece of band music "The Theme from Star Wars" and will add counting and other markings as they begin the learning process. Homework: Students should review song 53, 57 and practise the measures from "Star Wars" assigned in class.

Grade 8: This is week 3 of term three. Students should have practised six times outside of class by the end of this week. Two new band arrangements will be handed out this week which are in different styles. Students should begin practising "Tequila".

In class, students will continue sharing examples of "great songs" from their listening libraries and discussing which musical elements make them great. Students will participate in a listening survey indicating their musical preferences, and then examine the musical preferences of other members of the grade 8 class.

Homework: Students will research a musical genre (selected at random) and hand in the following information (point form) during the week of March 22nd:

genre name

country of origin

time period for that genre

simple description of musical elements

predictable/unpredictable features

historical/social context reflected in the song

a website address to connect use with a "great" song in this style

March 1, 2010

Grade 7: This is week two of term 3 and students should have practised six times outside of class this week. During our two classes this week, we will be using our knowledge of consonant and dissonant note pairs to harmonize a simple melody. Students will work with their partners once more before being marked on song 53 (duet). Homework: song #57 and completing the harmonizing assignment begun in class.

Grade 8: This is week two of term 3 and students should have practised six times outside of class this week. During our two classes, we will begin exploring the music of our world by listing the many genres of music with which we are familiar. Students will share a favourite song from one or more of these genres and we will try to identify what makes each one a "great" song. Homework: students may begin exploring the many musical genres for a short report on style which will be assigned next class. The report, submitted in point form, should include: one genre, it's geographic origin, a "great" song title, description of musical elements, explanation of what it reflects about the world.

February 22, 2010

Grade 7: This is week one of term 3. Students should have practised 2 times outside of class this term. In class this week, students will submit their term 2 practise record and receive a new one for term 3.

One of our goals for term 3 is developing independence - the ability to play a melody while other instruments around us play different notes and at different times. Students will play the round "Frere Jaques", song #54 in Essential Elements 2000, and choose a partner to learn the duet "Aura Lee, song #53. (The melody for song 53 is the same as "Love Me Tender" recorded by Elvis Presley. Students can listen to it on Youtube.) Students will also review the major and minor scales to learn about which combinations of notes create consonance or dissonance. Homework: practise song 53 and perform in class with a partner (duet).

Grade 8: This is week one of term 3. Students should have practised 2 times outside of class this term. In class this week, students will complete any final additions to the Blues Timeline 1900-2010. In groups, they will review the information on the timeline to identify when important changes occured in the sound of the blues and what influenced those changes. (wars, electrification of instruments, job opportunities, etc.) Then, they will work in groups to identify when each of ten "mystery" recordings were made. Homework: bring in your recordings of "great" songs in any style next week to begin our next unit.

February 15, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 1 of term 3. Students should have practised two times outside of class this term. During our first class of the week, we will be reviewing the major and minor scales and song #49. We will complete our self-evaluations and listen to student performances of compositions, evaluating the mood created.

During the second class of the week, we will continue listening to compositions and developing our ability to play independent parts. Homework includes songs 53 and 54.

Grade 8:
This is week one of term 3. Students should have practised 2 times outside of class this term. During classes this week, students will finish their group performances of the blues. We will visit the computer lab to research a fact about the blues to place on the Grade 8 Blues Time-line which span pre-1900 to 2010.

February 8, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 11 in term 2. Students should have practised 22 times outside of class. Students will receive a new scale sheet, and learn the two new notes/fingerings required to play a minor scale. The class will play song #49, which uses notes from the minor scale and a 2/4 time signature. Students will receive feedback on their culminating composing project based upon the theme from William Tell, and will be asked to complete any final revisions in preparation for performing the B section during the second class of the week. Homework: practise their B section from composition 4, the minor scale and song 49.

During the second class of the week, students will review the minor scale, song 49, and perform their sad/scary version of "William Tell". Homework: continue to practise their compositions and song #100 in Essential Elements 2000.

Grade 8: This is week 11 in term 2. Students should have practised 22 times outside of class. During this week, students will perform their original blues songs in groups. This is the part of the culminating project demonstrating an understanding of the historical context and musical elements of the blues. Homework: Students should prepare for their blues performances and any remaining article presentations.

Week of February 1, 2010

Grade 7:
This is week 10 in term 2; students should have practised 20 times outside of class. The first lesson of the week will provide time for students to revise and edit their composing for the culminating task - composition #4. They will work on the A (happy/peaceful) and B (sad/scary) sections of their background music and practise playing it. Homework: complete both sections and be prepared to perform next class.

During the second class of the week students will perform their melodies for each other and/or for Mrs. Lerer and edit based upon peer feedback. They will complete the artist's reflection. Compositions will be collected at the end of this class. Homework: practise song #49 in Essential Elements.

Grade 8:
This is week 10 in term 2; students should have practised 20 times outside of class this term. During the first class of the week, students will begin sharing the information they summarized from an article on the blues. Students will have half of the class to practise their culminating blues performance with in thier chosen groups. Written portions of the culminating task will be collected.
Homework: practise for the performance portion of the culminating task - blues song.

During the second class, students will continue sharing information about the blues article they read. Students will begin presenting the performance portion of their culminating task - their final blues song - for evaluation.

Week of January 25, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 9 in term 2; students should have practised 18 times this term. Students will review song 45 and will present their compositions on dynamics. The culminating task for term 2 - composing a song with contrasting sections will be discussed. Compositions are due one week after they are assigned.

Grade 8: This is week 9 in term 2; students should have practised 18 times this term. Students will complete their group presentations on the blues and share their information with the class. The culminating task for term 2 will be discussed (Blues Choice Card). Projects/performances are due one week after they are assigned.

Week of: January 17, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 8 of term 2; students should have practised at least 16 times outside of class this term.
During the first class of the week, students will be marked on their performance of song #25 in Essential Elements 2000. During performances, students will be working in groups to complete a worksheet on terms/symbols for dynamics and create a sound composition which uses dynamic symbols to describe a real-life event. (eg. train arriving at a station) Songs #30 and 31 should be practised for homework.

During the second class, some student groups will be asked to perform their compositions for the class. Song #31 will be reviewed and students will be expected to apply dynamic levels to the sections of the song to create variety. For homework, students will learn song #45 and apply dynamics as written.

Grade 8: This is week 8 of term 2; students should have practised at least 16 times outside of class this term.
During the first week of the class, students will be marked on their performance of a blues harmony. While some students are performing, the remaining students will be working in groups to read and prepare an oral presentation summarizing one of 6 articles (with listening examples) describing a period in blues history. For homework students should prepare for a test on "Spiderman" with articulation.

During the second week of the class, students will be marked on their performance/articulation for a section of "Spiderman". Groups will prepare and present article summaries for the class. The blues culminating task and rubric will be handed out. For homework, students should begin working on their blues culminating task.

Week of: January 10, 2010

Grade 7: This is week 7 in the term. Grade 7 students should have practised their instrument outside of class at least 14 times so far this term. The week will begin with a Mad Minute note reading drill and a warm-up using the 7 notes we have learned for our scale. Students may be asked to demonstrate their progress on song #14 for assessment purposes. Concepts covered in songs 15-22 will be covered in class and song #23 will be assigned for homework.

During the second class of the week, students will be listening to Minute Waltz by Chopin (and a variety of other waltzes) as we explore two new musical elements - metre and form. Listening Journal Repsonse #1 is due at the end of this class. Based upon the elements of music:
1.How does Tchaikovsky use the elements of music to create different moods?
2. Which piece of music do you prefer and why?

Grade 8:
This is week 7 in the term. Students should have practised at least 14 times outside of class so far this term. During our first class this week, we will review the structure and rules for creating a 12 bar blues background. In groups, students will be expected to perform a syncopated background for the blues. For homework, students will be asked to set personal improvement goals for Spiderman and blues backgrounds.

During the second class, we will continue our work on Spiderman, developing fluency for all measures and refining articulation. For homework, students will be expected to implement their personal improvement plan for Spiderman and be prepared to demonstrate and reflect upon their results.

Week of January 3, 2009

Grade 7: Welcome back and Happy New Year!
It is week 6 in our practise record sheet. This week we will begin with Mad Minute and then review some of the songs from Staff Songs #4. We will learn the remaining 3 fingerings/notes of the scale for our warm up (concert Bb Major scale) and song #14 in our book Essential Elements 2000. Homework: practise the concert Bb scale upward and downward in half notes and quarter notes. Learn song #14 in Essential Elements 2000.

During our second lesson of the week, we will review the elements of music covered in our first listening examples. Metre and Tonality will be the focus of our listening for this week. Homework: Response journal entry#1 comparing the use of musical elements to create mood in 2 contrasting pieces.

Grade 8:Welcome back and Happy New Year!
It is week 6 in our practise record sheet. This week we will begin by listing/describing the components of the blues studied so far on our Blues Soup sheet. We will also review measures 30-39 of "Spiderman" and then perform all measures slowly. Homework: improve Spiderman based upon your personal improvement plan completed in class.

During the second class of the week, we will begin learning about the harmonic structure (chords used) in the 12 bar blues background. Homework: improvise a syncopated background pattern and apply it to the 12 bar blues chords.