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