February 28, 2011

Grade 7: This is practise week 4 in term 2.
Due to special programs and the shortened week of Feb. 21st, we will continue with the lessons which were begun last week:

During the first class of the week, we will listen to part of a requiem - a mass for the dead. Both "Dies Irae" from Requiem in D minorand La Crimosa from Requiem in G minor were composed by Mozart and used in the church service. Listening question #6 is: What do you feel and imagine as you listen to this piece, and which of the elements of music are most important in creating mood in this piece?
We will complete rhythm quizzes which require students to clap and count out loud for 4 measures of music in 4/4 time. We will also review the pentatonic scale to prepare students for their pentatonic duets/trios. Groups will be asked to perform their pentatonic Chinese New Year compositions for the class.
During the second class of the week, we will continue with performances and tests. Students will be introduced to the notes of the minor scale and are expected to practise song #49 in Essential Elements 2000. (

Grade 8: This is practise week 4, in term 2.
Due to the Muskowka Woods trip and special schedules during the week of Feb. 21st, we will continue with the lessons which were begun last week:

During the first class of the week, students will recieve a copy of the "Checklist for Greatness". We will discuss the checklist and begin evaluating music brought in by students using these criteria. We will create a list of "great songs" as determined by each class. We will review measures 23-38 of "Jai Ho"
During the second class of the week, students will continue to listen to examples of music and refine "Jai Ho" measures 1-38. For homework, students are expected to learn measures 39-54.(Due to the short week, some classes will have only one music period this week, so this lesson may be taught next week.)

February 21, 2011

Grade 7: This is practise week 3 in term 2.

During the first class of the week, we will listen to part of a requiem - a mass for the dead. Both "Dies Irae" from Requiem in D minor and La Crimosa from Requiem in G minor were composed by Mozart and used in the church service. Listening question #6 is: What do you feel and imagine as you listen to this piece, and which of the elements of music are most important in creating mood in this piece?

We will complete rhythm quizzes which require students to clap and count out loud for 4 measures of music in 4/4 time. We will also review the pentatonic scale to prepare students for their pentatonic duets/trios. Groups will be asked to perform their pentatonic Chinese New Year compositions for the class.

During the second class of the week, we will continue with performances and tests. Students will be introduced to the notes of the minor scale and are expected to practise song #49 in Essential Elements 2000. (Due to the short week, some classes will have only one music period this week, so this lesson may be taught next week.)

Grade 8: This is practise week 3, in term 2.

During the first class of the week, students will recieve a copy of the "Checklist for Greatness". We will discuss the checklist and begin evaluating music brought in by students using these criteria. We will create a list of "great songs" as determined by each class. We will review measures 23-38 of "Jai Ho"

During the second class of the week, students will continue to listen to examples of music and refine "Jai Ho" measures 1-38. For homework, students are expected to learn measures 39-54.

(Due to the short week, some classes will have only one music period this week, so this lesson may be taught next week.)

Week of Feb. 14, 2010

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Grade 7: This is practise week 2 in term 2. Students are expected to practise twice this week for homework.

During the first class of the week, students will listen to "Got My Mojo Workin" and answer journal question #4: What does this music remind you of and why? They will be using their knowledge of the pentatonic scale to create and perform original duets or trios for Chinese New Year. They will also be asked to demonstrate their understanding of rhythm by performing 4 bars of rhythm while counting out loud "1 + 2+ 3+ 4+".

During the second class of the week, students will review song #42, Skip To My Lou and perform their pentatonic melodies. If time permits, they will learn how to play the minor scale which includes two new notes for song #49 "Hey Ho Nobody Home".

Homework: Journal question #4, pentatonic performances; song #49.

Grade 8:

This is practise week 2 in term 2. Students are expected to practise twice this week for homework.

During the first class of the week, students will review measures 1-26 of Jai Ho and begin measures 26-38. Only students who have learned this section will perform in class. In groups, students will discuss what makes a great piece of music, and create a list of 10 essential elements all great pieces of music share.

During the second class of the week, we will continue measures 26-38 in Jai Ho and develop consensus for our "Checklist for Greatness". We will listen to two or more of musical examples to determine whether they are "great" based upon our checklist.

Homework: Practise Jai Ho measures 1-38.

Week of Feb. 7, 2011

Grade 7: This is practise week one in term 2. Students are expected to practise twice this week outside of class.

During our first class of the week, we will review "William Tell" (song 45) while counting eighth notes to improve rhythmic accuracy. Any students who have not completed listening #1-4 will have this week to do so. We will also create an original pentatonic composition using patterns which are composed and improvised.

During our second class we will continue our study of rhythm by performing many patterns as we count out loud. We will begin "Skip To My Lou" in Essential Elements 2000.

Homework: Revise/complete music journals 1-4 and practise "Skip To My Lou".

Grade 8: This is practise week one in term 2. Students are expected to practise twice this week outside of class.

During our first class of the week, we will review measures 9-23 of "Jai Ho" and add measures 1-9. Students should focus on the new elements such as new fingerings for high notes, accents, new rhythm patterns etc.

During our second class of the week, students will listen to the original theme from the movie "Slumdog Millionaire" and compare it to the band arrangement. We will also discuss whether we believe it to be a great piece of music and why. Students will be expected to demonstrate their playing measures 1-23 for a mark.

Homework: Practise measure 1-23 of "Jai Ho".

Homework: