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"?