September 25, 2011

Grade 7:

This week we will begin with a discussion of journal question #2 which was assigned last week. We will complete our exploration of instrument #2 (either clarinet or trumpet), learning how to assemble it, produce a tone, tongue and play the notes of a simple melody, disassemble it, and clean it. Students will receive feedback about their aptitude on this instrument.

Some classes will use Essential Elements book 1 to learn more about the history and use of their instrument.

Homework: students will complete their self-evaluation for instrument #2, and complete/improve their answer to journal question #2 about the use and care of this instrument.

All grade 7 students are invited to join Senior Choir which meets each Tuesday at 11:50 in the music room.

Grade 8:

This is practise week 3 in term one. Students should be practising twice each week outside of class.

This week students will discuss their answer to journal question #2 assigned last week. They will set a new goal(s) for "Alpha Squadron" and use a variety of practise strategies to advance toward that goal. With focused practise, all students should be able to play measures 1-60 (or more) accurately and fluidly, with dynamics and articulation, by the end of this week.

Homework: practise "Alpha Squadron" measures 1-60 for a quiz next week, and answer Journal Question #3: List as many practise strategies that you have tried or have seen used in class to improve their performance.

All Grade 8 students are invited to join Senior Choir on Tuesday at 11:50 and Senior Band which meets on Thursday at 11:50.

NOTE: This week Senior Band will be held on Wednesday in the gym at 11:50. Please bring your membership forms.

September 19, 2011

Grade 7: To begin class this week, we will discuss journal question 1 assigned last week. This week grade 7 students will be completing their first instrument.

For homework after the first class of the week: complete the self-evaluation sheet about the instrument they learned to play.

During the second class of the week, students will begin their exploration of a second instrument, learning how to assemble it, hold it, make a sound, care for it, play a three note song and put it away.

For homework: complete journal question #2: In a simple T-chart, describe the differences between your first and second instruments.

All students are invited to attend our Senior Choir rehearsal on Tuesday at lunch. Membership forms will be handed out.

Grade 8: This week, students will begin class by considering why music is important, and read the handout "Why Music?". They will discuss their progress toward their learning goal for our first piece "Alpha Squadron" with a partner, and will work to clarify any new notes or symbols in their score using their fingering chart, music glossary and other resources. After a period of practise, we will perform the piece again, focusing on improving measures 29-45.

During the second class of the week, we will work on the introduction section of "Alpha Squadron" to improve rhythmic accuracy.

For homework: set a new performance goal for Alpha Squadron and practise toward that goal. Journal Question 2: Consider your playing of Alpha Squadron this week. Evaluate your performance based upon your practising goal. Did our classes change your performance? Explain. Describe how you would like to change/improve your performance in the coming week.

All grade 8 students are invited to attend our Senior Choir rehearsal on Tuesday at lunch, and Senior Band rehearsal on Thursday at lunch. Membership forms will be handed out.

September 12, 2011

Grade 7: This week grade 7 students are expected to begin bringing a binder to each class for their music notes and assignments. They will continue their exploration of the band instruments in the brass and woodwind families. They will learn how to assemble their first instrument, rest position, playing position, tone production/control, tonguing patterns, and how to play a simple 2 or 3 note melody. They will learn how to care for it and disassemble it after use.

Homework: Students will complete a self-evaluation of their performance on this first instrument. Students will answer Question 1 in their music journal: What you were most successful at when using your first instrument? What you would like to improve and what might you do to be more successful?

Grade 8: Grade 8: Students will receive a glossary, fingering chart and practise record sheet. This is practise week 1 in term one and students are expected to practise twice this week outside of class.

After reviewing the Bb major scale and a song of their choice from the method book, students will begin a new band piece - a march. They will work in instrument groups to set a performance goal for this new march - selecting a section for practise during class time and homework. As a group, they will plan strategies for success and then perform the selection at the end of each period.

Journal Reflection #1: Describe the steps, strategies and materials (charts) that helped you reach/approach your performance goal.

Homework: Practise the section of the march to accomplish your performance goal.

September 5 2011

Grade 7: This week students will receive their Music Program Handbook, a name tag for their music stands and a music interest survey to be completed for homework. We will discuss why music is important and it's uses in society. Students will begin to explore the band instruments: flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone.

Grade 8: This week students will be assigned their instrument for the year and have their assignment form signed for homework. They will review the scale and care of their instrument before selecting a song from the method book to learn and perform for the class. We will discuss why music is important and it's uses in society.