April 4, 2011

Grade 7: This is practise week 8 in term 2. Students should be practising twice this week outside of class.

During the first class of the week, students will review blues harmony, playing appropriate whole notes for the 12 bar blues. They will learn about the rhythm patterns used in the blues including syncopation and swinging eighth note patterns, and apply them to the 12 bar blues.

During the second class of the week, students will explore ways to incorporate syncopation and swinging rhythms in the blues scale. Students will receive copies of "The Raven" for their instruments and will begin measures 1-17.

Homework: practise swinging rhythm patterns using the blues scale. All students should know how to play "The Raven" measures 1-17.

March 28, 2011

Grade 7: This is practise week 7 in term 2. Please practise twice this week outside of class.

During our first class, we will review song 54 and learn to perform the melody in two ways: as a round and as a blues song.

During our second class of the week, we will learn about the harmony, or background used in the blues. We will receive 2 worksheets to introduce chords, and how they are used in the 12-bar blues. Then, we will create a 12-bar blues background using three different chords.

Homework: Practise song 54 as a blues song and practise your 12 bar blues harmony using jazzy rhythms.

Grade 8: This is practise week 7 in term 2. Please practise twice this week outside of class.

During our classes this week, we will continue working on sections C and D of our Style Profile worksheets. Once the elements of music have been determined for each style, students will report on their findings and share their information with the group. Groups will compare and contrast different styles.

If time permits, we will begin learning about the 6 purposes for music and consider how our favourite styles are used in our world.

Homework: Complete section D of the Style Profile sheet.

March 21, 2011

Grade 7: This is practise week 6 in term 2. Students should practise twice this week outside of class.

During the first class of the week, we will review our scales and song #49, and begin song #54 . To begin our unit on the blues, students will receive a handout describing the elements of the blues, a musical style which began as in the 1800s in the United States, and expressed the thoughts and feelings of black Americans in the deep south. Students will listen to a variety of blues examples (which show the blues elements) using an on-line presentation titled "Boogie Chillun" (Boogie Children).

During the second class of the week, we will focus on one of the blues elements - the use of the blues scale. Students will receive a handout with the notes of the blues scale, and will learn to use these notes to create simple melodies/patterns in blues style. We will review song #54 and alter it to create a blues version.

Homework: Listen again to the examples from "Boogie Chillun" heard in class. Complete listening #7 by comparing two of these examples, describing their similarities and differences. Refer to the elements of music and the new handout on the elements of the blues. Practise song #54, and the blues scale patterns.

Grade 8: This is practise week 6 in term 2. Students should practise twice this week outside of class.

During the first class of the week, students will complete a style profile sheet and then choose their style groups. They will select 2-3 songs in their style to be used when analyzing their style next class. For the remainder of the period, students will practise for their test next class on Jai Ho.

During the second class of the week, students will be tested on Jai Ho. During testing, some students will work in style groups to discuss and list how the elements of music are used in their favourite song(s). Then, they will compare their style and elements list with another group and report to the class. Students will begin to discuss how the environment in North America has supported the growth of a variety of styles/types of music.

Homework: Practise "Jai Ho" in preparation for a playing the test. Students will select a song in a favourite style and be prepared to discuss how the elements of music are used.

March 7, 2011

Grade 7: This is practise week 5 in term 2. Students should practise twice or more outside of class this week.

During the first class of the week, we will review and compare the three scales we have learned: major, minor and pentatonic. Students should be able to perform song #49 and contribute to our discussion about listening #6, as we explore how the elements of music create mood and intensity.

During the second class of the week, we will begin our unit on the Blues by watching the video "Going Home" which traces the roots of blues music in America.

Homework: scales, song 49

Grade 8:This is practise week 5 in term 2. Students should practise twice or more outside of class this week.

During the first class of the week, students will perform measures 31-47 of Jai Ho with their section and then with other instrument groups. We will continue listening for elements of greatness in another student song selection.

During the second class of the week, students will work on completing "What's Your Style" worksheets, which provide opportunities to reflect upon their musical preferences and the conditions which support the growth of a variety of musical styles.

Homework: Jai Ho measures 31-47