December 9, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: This week's goals are to finish performing our compositions, and use Finale software to professionally print our compositions. We will also expand our reading and playing skills performing songs which have notes "do" and "re"  from our method book. 

During our first class of the week, students will learn new notes "do" and "re" and add them to their scale chart. After a warm up, students will practise songs 19, 23 and 24 in the method book as testing is completed. A short demonstration of Finale software will be presented.

The second class of the week will be spent in the computer lab.  Students will use Finale software to print their compositions and compile a class song-book.

Homework:  practise songs 19, 23, and 24


Grade 8 Goals: This week's goals are to complete composing a Hymn by adding passing/decorative notes to their individual parts and perform it with the group. Students will also have time to practise Swingle Bells in preparation for a test next week.

During our first class of the week, students will learn how/where to add decorative notes to their hymn melodies. Each student will be expected to add passing notes in 2-3 places using the following rules:
     there may only be 4 beats of music in every bar
     chord tones must remain on beats 1 and 3 in every bar
     passing notes should lead to (connect) one chord note to another chord note, filling missing letter                names
     passing notes should occur at different places than other players
     passing notes should be playable
Students should practise their new melodies being careful to perform the rhythm of the passing notes accurately. When ready, they may perform their melodies together to create polyphony .  (A polyphonic texture means that the piece of music has many equally important melodies played at one time.)

During the second class of the week, students may pracitse their compositions in preparation for playing test next week. They may also work performing their hymn in their groups.

Homework: complete writing and learning to play your part of the Hymn. Practise "Swingle Bells" for a playing test.

December 2, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: This week's goals are to complete and perform our compositions using the creative process, and learn songs from Traditions of Excellence which use note "mi" of our scale (concert D).

During the first class of the week, students will begin with a warm up and will be introduced to the book "Traditions of Excellence". They will learn a new note and can then practise songs 7-12.  Time will be given to revise and edit their Question and Answer compositions and practise them in preparation for a composing and performing mark. Some students will be asked to perform their composition.

During the second class of the week, students will continue to perform for a mark. They will use the book to learn additional songs and notes at their own pace.

Homework: practise your composition to perform for a mark and songs 7-12 in the book.

Grade 8 Goals: This week's goals are to review rules for creating harmony by forming chords (harmonious sounding groups of notes) on every step of the scale. We will also work on the ending section of "Swingle Bells"

During our first class of the week, we will review the rules for forming chords. and will play  I, 4 and 5 chords using our chord sheet from last week. We will also learn to harmonize using other chords. We will review our hymn Abide With Me" using chord and non-chord notes. Finally, we will have spot tests on the first 39 bars of "Swingle Bells" and learn the final section of this song.

During the second class of the week, we will review all of "Swingle Bells" and spot test. We will form groups of 3 or 4 students, and plan the chords for original hymns using what we have learned about harmony and the following rules:
     1. each member of the group MUST use the same chord plan
     2. the hymn should be 8 or more bars long
     3. the hymn must begin on a 1 chord and end on a 1 chord
     4. the hymn must use mostly 1, 4 and 5 chords
     5. all measures must contain a harmonizing whole note

Homework: practise counting and clapping/playing all of "Swingle Bells"

November 25, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: This week our goals are to he creative process to compose an original melody. Students will study the elements of good song writing, and use their knowledge to compose and perform an 8-measure "Question and Answer" melody.

During our first class of the week, students will review the elements of a question and answer song and, through discussion, discover the components of good song writing (melodic and rhythmic patterns, musical punctuation, a variety of durations and pitches, bar lines, key signatures, time signatures, clefs, etc.). They will brainstorm a list of success criteria for good melody-writing, and begin planning their own melodies by composing the rhythmic patterns.

During the second class, students will add pitch to their melodies by exploring different combinations of notes and select the pitches which they like best to complete their melodies. They will add all required components listed on the success criteria provided.

Homework: Complete the writing of your melody and begin to practise it.

Grade 8 Goals: This week our goals are to learn about the elements of music that create a peaceful, calm mood. In particular, we will learn about hymns, harmony and chords.

During the first class of the week, students will receive feedback on their war compositions, and listen to the recordings of many groups, analyzing the elements which made some more successful than others.

Then, we will move on from music of war to music of peace, as we enter the holiday season. Students will learn about hymns and listen to a few in class such as "Amazing Grace" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78IJzRK6gYc and "Hogwarts Hymn" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcj6IHCtodU  They will play a simple hymn; chord notes and decorative/passing notes will be introduced.

During the second class of the week, students will review the hymn and learn how to build and name chords using the notes of the major scale. Using their understanding of chords and harmony, they will  create and perform an original "whole note hymn" as a class.


Homework: continue to practise "Swingle Bells" 1-23 and add the remaining measures.

November 18, 2013

November 18, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: This week we will be focusing on reading and playing using 4 tones in the concert Bb scale, and demonstrate our understanding by performing a Question and Answer song from Staff Songs 4.

During our first class of the week, we will review our scale warm-up using the 4 tones on our scale fingering chart. We will review Staff Songs 3 and Question and Answer form, identifying this song form in examples from Staff Songs 4. Students will be asked to prepare one of the Question and Answer songs from Staff Songs 4 for a test during their second class of the week. Success criteria will be discussed.

During our second class of the week, students will perform, alone or in small groups, one of the Question and Answer songs assigned for a mark. Feedback will be provided during class.

Homework: Learn Staff Songs 4 and prepare one of the Question and Answer songs for a test.


Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for thus week are to demonstrate our understanding of the elements of music and the creative process by performing our group compositions about war. We will also continue our work with rhythm by counting and performing a  section of "Swingle Bells".

During our first class of the week, students will revisit the success criteria for their war composition, and discuss the weighting for each part of the self-evaluation process. They will perform their compositions and then reflect on their performance by completing a self-evaluation.

During our second class of the week, students will complete the remaining performances, and then review the "Liberty March" measures 1-32, and  "Swingle Bells" measures 7-14. Students will begin "Swingle Bells" by clapping, then fingering in time and finally, playing. Measures 14-23 will be assigned for homework.

Howework: "Swingle Bells" 7-23.

November 11, 2013

November 11, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: Our goals for this week are to continue improving our reading and playing skills and identifying patterns in the music we play.  Using website drills, scale warm-up charts, and Staff Songs sheets, we will search for repeating patterns and learn about "questions and answer" form.

During our first class of the week, we will begin with our fractured-scale warm-up and then review all of the songs on Staff Songs sheet 1. We will look for repeating melodic and rhythmic patterns and learn about the "question and answer" form pattern used in "Skip it". We will review Staff Songs 2 focusing on performing the long, 2 and 3 beat notes accurately.

During our second class of the week, we will warm-up and review Staff Songs 2. Students will receive Staff Songs 3 and 4, and will look for "question and answer" songs. Students will add the new note used in Staff Songs 4 to their scale chart, and are expected to learn most/all of staff songs 3.

Homework: Learn Staff Song 3 (or more).



Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for this week are to complete our "War" compositions including the graphic score and legend, and perform the pieces. Students will self-evaluate, and receive an individual and a group mark.

During our first class of the week, students will review "Liberty March" and some students will be asked to perform the assigned section: measures 1-32. Most classes will complete their compositions, graphic scores and rehearse for the final performance.

During the second class of the week, many students will perform their compositions. During the performances or for homework, students will be asked to write counting under all notes of "Swingle Bells". This should be practised for homework.

Homework: Practise "Swingle Bells" and prepare your part of the composition for a mark.

November 4, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: This week our goal is to build our reading and playing skills on our instrument.

ALL STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE A MOUTHPIECE OF THEIR OWN BY THIS POINT IN THE YEAR UNLESS THEY HAVE COME TO DISCUSS SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

During our first class of the week, students will learn how to maintain their instruments (brass valves and slides, woodwind corks and mouthpieces). Then students will review rhythm and pitch on the staff. They will recieve a scale sheet which they will use to record the notes they have learned and play a "fractured scale" warm up. They will use the 4 practise steps to review songs 1-3 on Staff Songs Sheet #1 and continue on to learn the rest. In each song, they will be looking for musical patterns which are similar or repeat.

During our second class of the week, we will begin by reviewing note reading using websites discussed last week (see last week's post).We will review some songs on Staff Songs Sheet 1 and go on to learn longer durations on Staff Songs Sheet 2. We will continue looking for patterns and identify the "Question and Answer" song form.

Homework: Students are expected to practise Staff Songs sheets 1 and 2 2 -5 times this week outside of class. This is practise week 1 on their practise record sheet.

Grade 8 Goals: This week our goal is to communicate our message/ideas about war as we complete our War Compositions using graphic notation.

During the first class of the week, students will have an opportunity to hear a selection of modern music examples which illustrate the use of unusual timbres and graphic scores. They will continue using the Creative Process to select and organize melodies and sound effects into a meaningful composition.

During the last class of the week, students will rehearse their compositions and begin a new band piece on the topic of war: "Liberty March". They will be asked to write the counting under the first 24 bars and practise this section for homework.

Homework: Practise their melodies and sound effects and measures 1-24 of Liberty March.

October 28, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: Our goal for this week are to continue our study of beat and rhythm, and learn to identify pitch on the music staff used by our instrument.

During our first class of the week, students will continue/complete their rhythm compositions and then will learn about pitch notation on the staff. They will apply what they learn to their copy of Staff Songs 1/2. For homework they will receive a pitch worksheet, an Instrument Responsibility Sheet, and a practise record sheet.

Homework. students should have their responsibility sheet signed and complete the pitch worksheet.

During our second class of the week, students will review pitch and rhythm notation, and will begin reading and playing music from Staff Songs 1using the four practise steps:
     CLAP the rhythm
     SAY the letter names of the notes on the staff
     FINGER the notes in time
     PLAT the notes in time
They will reflect on their success and do focused practise on the difficult measures.

Homework: practise naming the notes on the staff at the following sites:

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/keyboard/speednotereading.html
http://courses.wcupa.edu/frichmon/usetech/musicalflashcards/tcnotes.html

Students who have:
     1. returned their Instrument Responsibility Sheet
     2. performed Try for Three successfully
     3. achieved at least a 75% on their written test 

may sign out an instrument for at home practise one night at a time. Their practise record sheet should be signed by a parent.


Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for his week are to use the creative process to successfully compose and perform war music which communicates a particular idea or message.

During the first class of the week, students will go over their homework and prepare to share their 2 melodies and 3 (or more) sound effects with others. A Success Criteria checklist will be handed out once students are in groups of 4-6 players. Students will share their war sounds/melodies with each other and begin selecting/planning their sound story composition.

Homework: practise performing melodies or finding additional sounds as required to complete the group's sound story.

During the second class of the week, students will again work with their groups to make decisions and create a graphic score which represents the sounds in their composition. Students will rehearse and prepare to present their composition for the class next time. If time permits, we will begin to read and perform a traditional march.

Homework: practise your part of the presentation.

October 21, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: Our goals for this week are to demonstrate an understanding of beat and rhythm through performance and composition.

During our first class of the week, students will receive copies of their written test for review. Students who receive less than a level 3 will need to retest before they are able to continue on their instrument. Students will learn to count beats (musical time) and fill these beats with a variety of notes/rests using music manipulatives. Students should become familiar with whole, half, quarter, and eighth note durations. Using their beat and rhythm composing sheet, students will compose 4 measures (16 beats) of rhythm using all of the durations studied and practise clapping it accurately.

During the second class of the week, students will be marked on the writing and performance of their compositions. They will also have the opportunity to perform their pattern as part of a duet.  They will receive an Instrument Responsibility Sheet which should be returned next class.

Homework: complete the Beat/Rhythm Composing sheet and prepare to perform the rhythm pattern in class for a mark. Be prepared for next class with a mouthpiece and your signed Instrument Responsibility Sheet.

Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for this week are to explore the topic of war, and use the creative process to create a composition which communicates the sounds,thoughts, and feelings of war.

During our first class of the week, students will receive feedback on their compositions and complete clapping/counting performances. They will watch a presentation which introduces musical forms related to war (the requiem, the protest song, the patriotic song, the propaganda song, etc.) They will begin to think about the messages and elements used to communicate messages about war through music.

During the second class of the week, students will interpret a piece of graphic notation about war and perform it for classmates. Using the worksheet provided, they will compose their own collection of war sounds/melodies, with a message/mood in mind. If time permits, we will begin a march.

Homework: complete your war sound collection so that you can contribute to a group war story next class.

October 14, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: This week our goals are to assign an instrument to each student, complete a written and performance assessment on that instrument, and to be sure that students know their strengths and next steps as players.

During our first class of the week, students will consider their strengths and weaknesses on each of the instruments they have tried, and will complete the assignment process which considers their strengths, balance, and the instruments available. Once they are on their final instrument, they will perform the 3 note song for a mark and receive feedback. Students will receive a letter indicating their instrument which should be shared with parents. There will be a quick review for the written text next class. (Any students who have not been assigned an instrument should be coming for help before or after school.)

During the second class of the week, students will have a written test about the instrument to which they have been assigned. Some classes will finish viewing youtube videos of performers playing the flute and clarinet.
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Homework: study for the written test and complete a short reflective paragraph describing your strengths as a musician and the skills you would like to improve (assembly, tone, tonguing, fingering, breath control, air speed, buzz, care and cleaning, etc.)

Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for this week are to demonstrate an understanding of rhythmic accuracy by using proper counting as they clap or play in class.

During our first class of the week, students will review measures 1-17 of "Jupiter" and play through the remaining measures using their understanding of rhythm. They will make note of measures for practise at home. Some students will demonstrate their rhythmic accuracy by performing a section of "Jupiter", or clapping a group of measures from other sources.

During the second class of the week, students will replay all measures of "Jupiter" with a focus on improving the measures which were incorrect previously. Students who did not have a clapping or playing assessment will be marked during this class.

Homework: practise "Jupiter" and clapping worksheet

October 7, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: Our goals for this week are to complete our exploration of the basic band instruments by learning a simple melody on the flute, and prepare for a written test on the band instruments studied.

During the first class of the week, students will view examples of clarinet and flute performance on youtube and discuss how/where these instruments are commonly used. They learn to name the parts, assemble, produce a tone, tongue, hold in playing and rest positions, play three tones, clean and care for the flute. Information about the dates and after school auditions for saxophone, tuba, percussion (drums) and French horn will be shared. Students should complete the flute section of their instrument worksheet. Try-outs for special instruments will be held as follows for students showing potential on our first 4 instruments:

Tuba (must have a level 3 on trombone or an invitation)
     Wed. Oct. 9th at 8:30 a.m.

French Horn (must have a level 4 on trumpet)
     Wed. Oct.9th at 8:30 a.m.

Percussion (snare drum, bass drum, tympani, auxiliary percussion, xylophone) Only students who have previous drum or piano experience, or an invitation may attend.
     Thurs. Oct. 17th at 8:30 a.m. for 7A, 7B, 7E
     Thurs. Oct. 17th at 3:05 p.m. for 7C, 7D

Alto and Tenor Sax (must have a level 4 on clarinet)
     Wednesday Oct. 16th at 8:30 a.m. for 7A, 7B, 7E
     Wednesday Oct. 16th at 3:05 p.m. for 7C, 7D


Most classes do not have a second music period this week. Those who do have an additional class will begin to analyze which instruments were the easiest for them and will perform the three note song learned for a mark. A review of information covered this far will follow in preparation for the written test next week.

Homework: Begin to prepare for the written test on the instruments studied.

Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for this week are to improve our rhythmic accuracy and our understanding of musical elements by composing and performing an original 8-bar melody.

During our first class of the week, students will receive a rhythm worksheet and review how to count a variety of durations using proper counting "1+2+3+4+". They will work in pairs or groups to clap and count rhythms on their rhythm worksheet. During practise, many students will be asked to perform their "Bits and Pieces" composition, and will receive a mark for writing and performing.

Testing will continue during our second class of the week, and some students will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of rhythm and musical time by demonstrating accurate performance of rhythms from the worksheet.

Homework: Prepare all measures of "Alpha Squadron" for written or performance assessment. Prepare to perform rhythm from the worksheet provided and to be marked on the writing/performance of your "Bits and Pieces" composition.

September 30, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: Demonstrate an understanding of the assembly, terms,  care, cleaning, tone production, holding and rest position associated with the clarinet.

During our first class of the week, students will assemble the entire clarinet and learn the fingerings for notes G, F and A used in our a melody. Assessments will be completed and some students will be invited to try the alto saxophone. They will complete the clarinet area of their instrument worksheet for homework.

During the second class of the week, students will review our first woodwind - the clarinet - and if time permits, begin the flute.
Information about brasses will also be reviewed in preparation for a unit test on the 4 instruments studied.

Homework: complete the clarinet section of the worksheet and begin studying for the unit test.


Grade 8 Goals: Compose and perform and original "Bits and Pieces" composition, and continue learning "Alpha Squadron" -  all measures.

During our first class of the week, students will  perform all measures of "Alpha Squadron" and spot tests will continue on measures 1-37. Students will co-create a rubric for "Bits and Pieces" and then have a portion of the class to complete the writing of their melody. The composition should include:

WRITTEN CRITERIA
          at least 8 measures taken from 7 songs in the method book or Alpha Squadron
          patterns and repeats (measures 1 and 5 must be the same)
          correct use of key signature, time signature and bar lines
          evidence of dynamics and articulation
          meaningful phrases which end with rests or long tones
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
          beautiful tone
          accurate pitches (fingerings) and rhythm
          proper use of breath and posture
          accurate dynamics and articulation
          careful tuning
          expressive and meaningful phrasing

During the second class of the week, students will perform their compositions for the class and will be assessed on the writing and performance. If time permits, we will begin our unit on war and peace with a multi-media PREZI presentation.

Homework: complete "Bits and Pieces" and be prepared to play it. Learn all measures of "Alpha Squadron"

September 23, 2013

Grade 7: Goal - demonstrate an understanding of assembly, tone production, tonguing, care and cleaning of the clarinet and be able to play a 3-note song.

During our first class of the week, students will review homework which should include required information related to playing brass instruments. They will begin learning about the clarinet. All students will receive a reed and will learn about some of the parts, assembly, embouchure and tone production on clarinet. 

During our second class of the week, students will complete the assembly and perform a simple 3-note melody. Students will be assessed on their clarinet skills, and those who have an embouchure which produces an in-tune and gentle tone, may be invited to try the saxophone after school.

Homework: complete as many questions about the clarinet as possible on your instrument sheet


Grade 8: Goal- continue to build accurate rhythm skills and demonstrate an understanding of articulation; apply these skills to "Alpha Squadron".

During our first class of the week, students will finish decoding their scores by looking up any circled or starred items on their music sheets and identifying practise strategies for challenging sections. Classes will warm up with an articulation drill (tenutos, staccatos, slurs and accents) and then will read through the entire piece trying to apply the correct articulations to the measures they learned. Students will set a new goal for themselves as they work on completing the first section.

During our second class, we will reivew the first section of "Alpha Squadron" and set new goals. Manuscript paper will be handed out and the "Bits and Pieces" composing assignment will be explained. Compositions are due in one week.

Homework: learn at least the first section of "Alpha Squadron" using accurate rhythm and articulation. Begin "Bits and Pieces" composition.

September 16, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: This week we will learn to play a 3 note song on brass instruments. We will review all aspects of playing a simple 3-note melody on the trumpet (assembly, tone production, rest and playing position, names of the instrument parts, care and cleaning.) Students will begin to learn the trombone once they have completed the trumpet.

During our first class of the week, students will review the elements of trumpet performance by assembling the trumpet and performing a simple 3-note melody. They will recieve feedback on their performance on the trumpet and complete their self-evaluation in preparation for instrument #2, the trombone.

During our second class, students will begin the trombone. Assembly, names of parts, tone production, rest and playing position, care and cleaning will be  discussed. Students will learn to play the first 2 tones on the trombone.

Homework: Students should complete questions for the trumpet on the worksheet provided, outlining all aspects of trumpet performance in order to qualify for our second instrument, the trombone.

Grade 8 Goals: Our goals are to read and play accurately using "1+2+3+4+" as we perform a variety of songs from our method books and song sheets.

During the first class of the week, students will finish performing their chosen review song in small groups. Some students will be asked to perform song 64, demonstrating an understanding of rhythm discussed last class. Song 68 will be analyzed, played, and assigned for homework.

At the beginning of class two, some students will be tested on their ability to play song 64 or 68. In addition, students will receive a copy of our first band piece related to our unit on War and Peace, "Alpha Squadron". Students will decode the score and select 8 measures or more to learn and perfect. If time permits, students will be assigned a simple composing task using "bits and pieces" of songs from their method book. This is due in one week.

Homework: learn 8 bars of "Alpha Squadron" and begin "bits and pieces" composition.

June 10, 2013

June 10, 2013

Grade 7:

Our goal for this week is to demonstrate our understanding of blues by performing blues harmonies and blues solos.

During the first class of the week, students will work in groups, taking turns being soloists or background musicians. While looking at their blues scale sheet, each member of the group will improvise (make up on the spot) a 12 measure blues solo. The other members of the group will look at their blues chord sheet and play a 12 bar background using correct chord notes.

During the second class of the week, students will perform their solos for the class and will be marked based upon the success criteria discussed. (uses a variety of blues scale notes, creates meaningful patterns of sound and silence, uses swinging eight notes, uses 'call and response" between the solo and background.

Homework: practise solo and background for evaluation this week

Grade 8:

Our goal for this week is to demonstrate our understanding of the creative process, rhythmic notation, and musical elements by performing our STOMP group projects.

During the first class of the week, students will spend a short time reviewing success criteria and rehearsing their STOMP group performance. Each group will perform for a mark, and each performer will complete a self-evaluation based upon the success criteria.

During the second class of the week, remaining groups will perform and evaluate themselves.

Homework: review and perfect all parts for your STOMP performance

June 3, 2013

Grade 7:
This is practise week 13 in term 2. Students should have practised 26 times this term outside of class and should have had their practise record sheet signed.

Our goal for this week is to demonstrate an understanding of the context of the blues through writing and performance.
During most first classes of the week, students will have a written test on the history and musical elements of the blues (social, economic and historical  forces which led to creation of the blues as well as the musical elements required to play a blues melody and harmony)
During the remaining time this week, students will demonstrate their ability to improvise a 12 bar melody using the blues scale, and play a 12 bar blues background harmony using the appropriate chord notes.

Homework: prepare for the written and performance tests on the blues



Grade 8:
This is practise week 13 in term 2. Students should have practised 26 times this term outside of class.

Our goals for this week are to complete our polyphonic, monophonic and homophonic sections of our STOMP routines in preparation for performing for a mark next week.
During our first class of the week, students will be working with their groups to create the homophonic section of their piece. A rubric will be shared. Students will also review the previously composed sections.
During the final class, students will rehearse and perfect their composition and prepare for the evaluation.

Homework: practise all sections of your STOMP routine

May 20, 2013

May 20, 2013

Grade 7:
This is week 13 in term 2. Students should practise twice this week outside of class.
Our goals for this week are to continue learning about the context of the blues through discussion and the video "Going Home". We will complete our performance of "Blues Rock".
During our first class of the week, we will review "Blues Rock" and finish watching "Going Home". During our second class of the week, students will learn about the topics of the blues, and how the blues spread during the war years. I time permits, we will also discuss the instruments of the blues

Homework: Finish perfecting "Blues Rock"

Grade 8: This is week 13 in term 2. Students should practise twice this week outside of class.
Our goals for this week are to finish the choreography of our first OMP" section(s) and begin creating a new monophonic section(s). Students should memorize their parts for each rehearsal/class.
During our second class of the week, students will continue choreography and we will review for a tsst next week which focuses on their understanding of 16th note durations.

Homework: Prepare your monophonic or homophonic pattern from memory and prepare for a test on 16th note durations.

May 12, 2013

Grade 7:

This is week 12 in term 2. Students should practise twice this week outside of class.
Our goals for this week are to improve our playing of Blues Rock and demonstrate an understanding of the rhythm, melody, and context of the blues.
Students will begin by improvising using the blues scale and experiment with creating a 12 bar blues solo. We will review ms 1-25, and 49 to the end of Blues Rock. If time permits, we will begin the middle section - measures 25-48.
During the second class of the week, students will review Blues rock and will watch the video "Coming Home" which introduces the context of the blues. (who, what, when, where, why)
Homework: Practise Blues Rock, assigned measures.

Grade 8:

This is week 12 in term 2. Students should practise twice this week outside of class.
Our goals for this week are to complete composing and performing our first section of our Stomp routine and perform it with non-traditional instruments.
During out first class of the week, students will finalize the form of their polyphonic section, select their "instruments", and then explore ways to perform their parts using non-traditional sounds. They will create a scene/setting for their composition and begin choreographing it.
During our second class of the week, we will continue with the tasks begun in our first class.

Homework: All students must practise their 8 beat pattern so that they can perform it from memory and add movement at the same time.

May 6, 2013

Grade 7:
This is week 12 in term 2. Students should be practising twice this week outside of class.
Our goals for this week are to continue our study of the blues, demonstrating our understanding of blues lyrics, rhythms and melody.
During our first class of the week, we will take up our Elements of Music test and the written portion of our Anasazi/Guantanamera test. We will hear remaining students perform their blues verse and 8 beat melodies. We will work on Blues Rock for the remaining part of the period.
During our second class of the week, we will focus on Blues Rock, hearing individual instrument groups and then performing measures 1-25 together. We will discuss the change in key signature and begin measures 49-end for homework.

Homework: Review measures 1-25 of Blues Rock and learn 49-end.

Grade 8:

This is week 12 in term 2. Students should be practising twice this week outside of class.
Our goals for this week are to demonstrate our understanding of rhythm, texture and form by composing a polyphonic composition using 16th, 8th, and quarter note patterns.
During our first class of the week, students will review determine their roles, duties, and tasks within their STOMP groups. They will compose an 8 beat line of rhythm using a variety of notes and rests. Their pattern must leave musical "space" for other performers in the group so that here is a balance of interest in each line. Students will practise their part, memorize it, and perform it for an assessment.
During the second class of the week, students will perform their part from memory for an assessment and will work with the other members of the group to decide on how the A, B, C, and D parts will be organized (form). When ready, students will select a scene/setting for their stomp routine and an appropriate "instrument".


Homework: Memorize the 8 beat pattern you created and be prepared to perform it repeatedly for an assessment.

April 29, 2013

Grade 7:
This is week 11 in term 2. Students should practise twice outside of class this week and have 22 practise signatures on their practise record sheet.
Our goals for this week are to demonstrate an understanding of the lyrics and the melody of the blues through performance, and to demonstrate their understanding of the elements of music using musical terms.
During our first class of the week, students will continue to chant their blues lyric verses in "blues time" and be assessed. They will echo/improvise patterns using the blues scale notes and then perform their individual (composed) two bar blues melody for an assessment. Students will also complete their score study of Blues Rock by learning all of the new notes/concepts used in the first section, or more, of this piece.
During the second class of the week, students will complete assessments on blues lyrics and blues melodies. They will receive their final journal question and will be given class time to complete it. This journal question will be marked and used to evaluate their understanding of the elements of music and the terminology covered this term.

Homework: Practse the first section of "Blues Rock" and be prepared to perform it in class next week.


Grade 8:
This is week 11 in term 2. Students should be practising twice outside of class this week.
Our goals for this week are to secure our understanding of 16th note rhythms and understand how they can be used to create monophonic, homophonic and polyphonic compositions. 

During our first class of the week, we will review 16th note durations. We will take up the homework and use the examples created by students to create short monophonic, homophonic and polyphonic pieces. We will discuss the musical importance of each part, and then will discuss the roles needed in each stomp group to ensure success.
During the second class of the week, students will form groups and will begin composing the polyphonic section of their "STOMP" routine.

Homework: Practise your rhythmic pattern - be sure to memorize it.

April 22, 2013

Grade 7:
This is week 11 in term one. Students should practise twice outside of class this week and have 22 signatures on their Practise Record Sheet.

Our goals for this week are to begin our Blues unit, during which we will learn about the history, context, and musical elements of the 12-bar blues, and learn to create and performs  blues melodies, lyrics and harmonies. This week we will listen and identify some examples of the blues and learn about the structure of blues lyrics. Students will receive a blues lyric worksheet and blues scale fingering sheet, and will learn to play the blues scale. If time permits, we will watch some of the video "Going Home".

Homework: Begin learning "Blues Rock" and composing blues verses. Practise the blues scale.

Grade 8:


This is week 11 in term one. Students should practise twice outside of class this week.




Our goals for this week are to become aware of the types and sounds of modern music through listening and performance.
After completing any remaining tests and receiving feedback, students will listen and respond to a variety of recordings modern music, and discuss what they have in common. They will ultimately agree upon a definition for "Music" which includes all of these unusual forms.
Students will listen to and watch some video examples from "STOMP!" and create a simple piece of "Music" based upon their definition.
During our second class of the week, students work on the refrain section of "Somebody That I Used To Know, and will learn to read, play and perform a variety of durations which are needed to perform compositions such as "STOMP!".


Homework: Practise "Someboedy That I Used To Know" refrain section, and practise clapping the durations learned in class.

APRIL 15

Grade 7: 
This is practise week 10 in term 2. Students should be practising twice outside of class this week. Our goals for this week are to complete our study of the elements of music and our band pieces in preparation for a final assessment.
During the first class of the week, students will take up journal #4 and will begin assessments on both Anasazi and Guantanamera..
During the second class of the week, students will complete their written tests on Anasazi and Guantanamera.
If time permits, they will receive copies of a new band piece "Blues Rock" as we begin our final unit on the Blues.

Homework: prepare for the tests on Anasazi and Guantanamera and begin practising "Blues Rock"

Grade 8:

This is practise week 10 in term 2. Students should be practising twice outside of class this week. Our goals for this week are to demonstrate an understanding of coning using eighth notes through writing and performance.
During our first class of the week students will complete a written and clapping test.
During the second class of the week, students will complete any remaining incidental music performances, and if time permits, will begin learning to play our new band piece, "Somebody That I Used To Know".

Homework: practise "Somebody That I Used To Know"

April 8, 2013

Grade 7:
This is practise week 9 in term 2; students should practise twice this week and have a total of 18 signatures on their Practise Record Sheet.
Our goals for this week are to finish learning all notes for "Guantanamera" and assess performances.
During the first class of the week, students will warm up and review measures 17-28 of "Guantanamera" which use 2 groups of instruments in the band to create a conversation. The remaining new section of the piece from measures 35-45 will be taught and the entire piece performed.
During the second class of the week we will review "Guantanamera" from beginning to end focusing on articulation (staccatto and tenuto) and dynamics in preparation for a playing text next week.. Students will learn about the final 3 musical elements: pitch, metre and form through listening. Students will complete journal question #4: As you listen to "Overture from William Tell" by Rossini, explain how the elements of music create a triumphant (victorious) mood.

Pitch:  (high like the sound of a bird, or low like the sound of a bear - NOT loud or quiet)
     high: Jazz Sujite for Flute, Flight of the Bumblebee (flute), Yanni's violins,
     low: Elephants, Flight of the Bumblebee (tuba) Sonic Boom, Tommy The Cat
Rhythm: the length of the notes (mostly long notes or short notes)
     long: Air on a G String
     short: Trepak
Form: the arrangement of long musical sections in a piece
     ABA - ternary form Fantasie Impromptu
     ABACA - rondo form   Guantanamera
     pop song form - verse, refrain, bridge (any pop song)

Homework: practise all measures of "Guantanamera" for a playing test next week and complete journal #4.

Grade 8:

This is practise week 9 in term 2; students should practise twice this week and have a total of 18 signatures on their Practise Record Sheet.

Our goals for this week are to improve our ability to read and perform music using proper counting of eighth notes (1+2+3+4+) and review the first (A) section of "I Feel Good". We will learn the remaining new measures - the second (B) section from measures 31-41. If time permits, we will begin Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know".

During our first class of the week, students will review counting in eighth notes and clap a variety of rhythmic patterns. They will apply this to measures 1-29 of "I Feel Good" in preparation for a test, and learn the next 12 measures of "I Feel Good". Incidental Music performances will continue.

During the second class of the week, students will be marked on the measures taught in "I Feel Good" and complete remaining Incidental Music performances. If time permits, we will begin "Somebody That I Used To Know".

Homework:   prepare for a playing test on "I Feel Good" and a clapping/written text next week on counting in eighths.

April 1, 2013

Grade 7:

This is practise week 8 in term 2. Students should have practised at least 16 times this term outside of class.

Our goals for this week are to complete "Anasazi" using correct dynamics (mp, mf and crescendo) and articulation (slurs and fermata), and be able to perform measures 1-25 of "Guantanamera". 

During our first class of the week, students will receive their final reed of the year and will take up journal #3. Then we will warm up with our scale(s) and review "Anasazi" focusing on appropriate expressive qualities such as dynamics and articulation. We listen to a recording of "Guantanamera" and will play through measures 5-12 or more.

During our second class of the week, we will review what was covered last class and learn to clap/play measures 12-25 of "Guantanamera" which includes a conversation between groups of instruments - sometimes instruments must listen for a question from another instrument, and sometimes they answer the question..

Homework: Listen to "Guantanamera". Practise playing measures 5-12 or more of Guantanamera, and after clapping and counting aloud, learn to play 13-25. 

Grade 8:

This is practise week 8 in term 2. Our goals for this week are to continue hearing incidental music performances and to be able to play measures 1-28 of "I Feel Good"

During our first class of the week, students will receive their final reed for the year. Then we will hear group performances of incidental music. We will review focus on counting accurately and performing measures 5-12 accurately alone and with other instruments.

During our second class of the week, we will review measures 5-13 and continue to measure 28 alone and with other groups. Additional group performances of incidental music will be shared.

Homework:

Listen to, and try playing along with this recording of "I Got You" for the section we have studied. 

March 18, 2013

Grade 6:
Our goals for this week are to review and improve our singing of measures 1-33 in unison and parts using our understanding of the terms and symbols of music notation learned before March break.
During our first class of the week, we will begin with a warm-up to prepare for singing. Then, we will review the terms and symbols found in our score and listen critically to examples of measures, focusing on what might be improved for a more musical performance. We will review singing all parts and perform.
During our second class of the week, we will review and perform again, thinking critically about how well we have interpreted the score. We will make revisions and perform again.
If time permits, we will begin learning the melody and the text for "Shining Moon".

Grade 7:
This is practise week 7 in term 2. Students should be practising "Anasazi" or other pieces twice this week outside of class. Our goals for this week are to begin performing "Anasazi" using our knowledge of the context of the score, the composers instructions and our knowledge of playing techniques on our instrument. We will begin by clapping the rhythm of our parts (which are all different), fingering at the correct tempo, and then performing the measures we have learned.We will discuss how we might use the elements of music to create mood effectively. Our goal is to perform measures 1-25 or further as a "band".

During the second class of the week, we will learn 2 additional musical elements: tonality and metre. We will listen to a variety of examples such as:
   Major Tonality (uses major scale and sounds peaceful, proud, happy):
Minuet in G, O Canada, Home, Concerto D'Aranjuez first movement
   Minor: Tonality (uses minor scale and sounds sad, scary) :
Skyfall, Moonlight Sonata, Concerto D'Aranjuez Adagio
   Triple Metre (music is in groups of 3 beats per bar, feels like swaying):
Waltz of the Flowers, Mario Underwater Theme,  Elephants
   Duple Metre: any pop or rock song, (music is in groups of 2 or 4 beats per bar; feels like marching or walking)
 March from the Nutcracker, Fireworks

For homework, students will need to answer Journal Question #3:
      As you listen to "Danse Macabre" what story do you imagine is being told with this music?  
      Describe how do the musical elements bring the story to life (tonality, metre, dynamics, 
      texture, tempo, tone colours)
We will continue with "Anasazi" and learn to measure 43.

Homework: Practise measures 1-43 of Anasazi.

Grade 8:
This is practise week 7 in term 2. Students should be practising twice this week outside of class.
Our goals for this week are to develop an understanding of how to count eighth notes and eighth rests in music we play or read.
During our first class of the week, students will review, rehearse and begin performing their music for film for a mark.
During our second class, of the week, we will learn how to clap/count a variety of rhythms and then apply that knowledge to "I feel Good". They will be expected write counting under 8 bars and learn to play them proficiently.

Homework: practise "I feel Good" - 8 bars

March 4, 2013

Grade 6: Our goal for this week is to learn measures 1-33 of "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel", focusing on pronunciation, tone, and in-tune singing. Students will add the following terms and symbols found in the music to their glossaries: tenuto, cresc., rit, fermata, mp, mf; syncopation. If time permits, we will work on the phrasing using stagger breathing on "oo" for ms 3-18


Grade 7: This is practise week 6 in term 2. Students should be practising twice outside of class. Our goals for this week are to complete our Finale duets and print them for our composition book, and to begin learning "Anasazi" for band.

During our first class of the week, we will review the steps in the creative process and the success criteria for the project. We will learn how to select notes that will be harmonious with the notes of our melody, and they apply that learning to our own composition in the computer lab.

During our final class of the week, we will listen to a variety of musical examples to identify two additional musical elements -  tonality and metre. Students will complete journal #3 focusing upon the elements studied (dynamics, tempo, texture, tone colours, tonality and metre).
Students will then complete compositions (melody, harmony, dynamics and articulation) and share our work with others in the class. All compositions will be printed and marked based upon the success criteria provided.

Homework; practise and learn at least 16 measures of  "Anasazi". Journal #3.


Grade 8:This is practise week 6 in term 2. Students should be practising twice outside of class. Our goals for this week are to complete the creation of our music for film, and practise performing it with our group.

During our first class of the week, we will review the success criteria and steps in the creative process which will support student success. Students will work in groups to compose an additional 8 or more measures. (at least 12 bars should be complete before the final class)
During our final class of the week, students will complete all measures and rehearse in groups while watching the film. They will make adjustments/revisions, add articulation and dynamics, and prepare to present their music for a mark.

Homework: complete composing for film and learn to perform your part alone an in a group

February 25, 2013

Grade 6
Our goals for this week are to record our arrangement of "J'entends Le Moulin" using our rhythmic ostinati on pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments and voices. We will also begin to learn "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel" a spiritual arranged for choir.
During our first class of the week, students will review the instrumental and vocal parts for the song which was learned last week. Students will elect classmates who were most successful at improvising on their instruments as the final performers during the recording. The other students will form the unison choir and will sing during the recording.If time permits we will discuss the context of our new choir song "Didn't My Lord" and listen to a recording of it on youtube.
During our second class of the week, we will listen to our recording and discuss what the elements of the recording which were most successful and what might be improved. We will spend the remainder of the period beginning to learn vocal parts for the new choir piece.

Grade 7

This is week 5 in term 2. Students are reminded to practise twice this week. Our goals for this week are to learn how to use the creative process and Finale software to create a composition for two instruments.
During the first class of the week, we will take up our journal and check that all students have completed this assignment. Students will complete any outstanding performance tests and then will be introduced to Finale software. They will learn how to input notes and rests on the staff using a computer, and expressive markings such as articulation.
Once in the lab, students will receive a sheet indicating the success criteria for a composing assignment which will require students to create a duet using their Question and Answer composition.
During the second class, students will complete note entry and edit their work. Students will receive a copy of the new band piece "Anasazi" and should begin learning 8 or more measures.
Homework: practise Anasazi

Grade 8

This is week 5 in term 2. Students are reminded to practise twice this week.  Our goals for this week are to complete all preliminary activities which demonstrate an understanding of how the elements of incidental music are related to a film's action and composer's point of view. Students will receive instructions for a group composition for film.
During our first class, students will receive their Planet Earth assignments and performance test rubrics; the results of these two assessments will be discussed. Students will review what has been learned about background music and listen to some examples of movie themes which incorporate the 3 roles discussed (rhythmic, melodic and harmonic).
Students will watch 3 different versions of "Giraffe" in which each musical background communicates a different point of view. After receiving a composing worksheet and success criteria, students will view the 3 film clip choices for their composing project, consider which one they would like to compose, the message/point of view they want to share, and how their instrument might be used most effectively. If time permits, students will form groups and begin planning their composition.
Homework: complete composing 16 bars for your film clip and practise your melody.

February 19, 2013

Grade 6:
Our goals for this week are to continue our singing of the Quebec folk song "J'entends Le Moulin" and add a multi-layered ostinato to it.

During our first class of the week, students will complete any remaining performances of solos for "Mei Ming". Marks will be shared with students. We will review "J'entends Le Moulin" and work on singing in tune with a light head tone. We will discuss the types of sounds which might be used as an accompaniment. Students will take turns improvising ostinati and singing the first 4 or 5 verses of the song.

During our second class of the week, students will begin a new choral song (which is a spiritual) called "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel". We will discuss the social and historical context for this song.

Grade 7:
This is practise week 4 in term 2.  Students should be practising twice this week outside of class and have 6 signatures on their Practise Record Sheet. Our goals for this week are to complete performances of duets and pentatonic groups, and to begin learning about the elements of music. We will focus on texture, tempo, dynamics, and timbres/tone colours.

During our first class of the week, students will receive a packet of information about the elements of music. Referring to their information packet, students will be asked to describe the texture tempo, dynamics, and timbres/tone colours of "Terpsichord Musarum" which was composed in the 1400s. They will perform song 46 in their book which was composed in the same era. For homework, students will answer the following question in their journals:
     Using musical terminology about the elements of music, describe the differences between 
     Renaissance dance music and the dance music we hear today.

During our second class of the week, students will be asked to share their journal question with the class, and the will review song 46. Any remaining duets or pentatonic performances will be performed.

Homework: Song 46 and journal question #2 above.

Grade 8:
This is practise week 4 in term 2.  Students should be practising twice this week outside of class. Our goals for this week are to demonstrate our musicianship by performing "Crusade" for a mark, and begin our incidental music composing project.

During our first class of the week, Students will be introduced to the incidental music composing project  by watching a short youtube video, They will discuss the message and elements, and then experiment with creating incidental music using a drone, rhythmic riff and melody.

During our second class of the week, students will continue any testing not completed during our first class.

Homework: prepare for the Crusade test.

February 11, 2013

Grade 6: Our goals for this week are to perform our pentatonic melodies as a solo for the class and add an ostinato to the performances. We will begin a group of new reading songs which will build on our understanding of do, re, mi, sol and la, and add low sol. These include "On the Banks of The Don", "John Kanaka", and "J'Entends Le Moulin".

During our first class we will perform our pentatonic solos. We will read and sing one of our new reading songs and add a pentatonic ostinato as an accompaniment.

During our second class we will complete any remaining pentatonic solos and begin a new choral score.


Grade 7: This is practise week 3 in term 2. Students should have 6 signatures for practise outside of class. Our goals for this week are to begin learning the minor scale and complete our Lunar New Year presentations (using the pentatonic scale) for a mark. Most grade 7 classes will only meet one time this week because of the PA day on Friday.

During our first class of the week we will begin with a scale warms up using the major and pentatonic scales. We will begin building a minor scale on the back of our major scale sheet, using our new note from song 37. Students will review song 39 (faster) and will then get into groups to perform their duets and Lunar New Year pentatonic rounds.
During our second class of the week we will continue our group performances and read through song 38 if time permits.
Homework: practise songs 38 and 39 (both parts) for speed, and prepare to play your pentatonic round.


Grade 8: This is practise week 3 in term 2. Our goals for this week are to perform all measures of "Crusade" accurately and expressively (with dynamics and articulation), and use our knowledge of the elements of music to select incidental music for a film.

During our first class of the week we will perform from measure 50 to the end completing the entire pieces. Some students will be asked to demonstrate their playing ability. We will finish the presentation on the history of incidental music in film.
During our second class of the week students will view a youtube video from the movie "Good Morning Vietnam" and predicting what the incidental music might be. They will then listen and discuss the impact of the actual music. The we will watch "Earth - the one video you need to see" without the incidental music. In partners, they will discuss some of the different messages it might  convey and the way elements would be used..  For homework, students will be asked to complete the worksheet which asks them to select appropriate music for the background of this video and explain/support their choice.
Homework: practise measures 1-end of Crusade with articulation and dynamics. Complete the "Earth" worksheet.

February 4, 2013

Grade 6: Our goals for this week are to continue building our reading skill using our sol-fa syllables as we create and perform a simple song using the major pentatonic scale, and performing ostinati to accompany our melodies. (The pentatonic scale is often associated with Oriental melodies.)

During our first class of the week, we review by echoing and reading patterns using do, re, mi, sol and la. Students will perform their melody for Mei Ming's song with their partner/group. We will view 2-3 youtube videos which show performances of traditional Chinese instruments and Chinese music for the New Year.
During our second class of the week, students will choose pentatonic patterns to create and sing their own melody. They will perform it as a solo.
If time permits, students will use pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments to create their own 8 beat ostinati which could be used as a background for their song. 

Grade 7: Our goals for this week are to continue to build our ability to play in parts on our instruments, and read and play fluidly from notation.

During our first class of the week, we will hear some duets from students who have prepared songs 26, 33 or 34. Then many students will perform their penatonic 8 beat melodies alone and in groups of 2 to 4 students for a mark.  New concepts used in songs 29, 37 and 39 will be introduced. 

During our second class of the week, students will review songs 29, 37, 39 and continue hearing duets from groups of students. The reverse side of the pentatonic composing sheet will be assigned.

Homework: students should be practising songs 29, 37 and 39. Students should be expanding their 8 beat composition to a 16 beat composition using the reverse side of their composing sheet.

Grade 8: Our goals for this week are to performing measures 28-49 of "Crusade", and
continue our study of incidental music by exploring examples of incidental music across the history of film.

During our first class of the week, students will hand in their Analysis of a Theme written work. We will review measures 1-28 and begin measures 28-49. Students will be expected to perform these measures for a quiz next class. In the time remaining, we will view a presentation on the history of incidental music for films.

During our second class of the week, we will review measures 1-28 and some students will be asked to demonstrate their ability to perform this section. We will then complete the presentation on the history of incidental music for film. Students will complete the class with an activity which asks them to discuss and predict how the elements of music will be used for a video from youtube. The actual music will then be played and the effect discussed.

Homework: practice "Crusade" measure 1-49

January 28, 2013

Grade 6: Our goals for this week are to continue building our reading skill using our sol-fa syllables by creating and performing a simple song using the major pentatonic scale, and performing ostinati to accompany our melodies. (The pentatonic scale is often associated with Oriental melodies.)

During our first class of the week, we review by echoing and reading patterns using do, re, mi, sol and la. Since we ran out of time last class, we will now listen to the story "Mei Ming and the Dragon's Daughter" and as the story is told, imagine how the pentatonic melody in this story might sound. Students will have an opportunity create a melody with a partner/group for Mei Ming's song::

     Fish have fins,
     Bird have wings,
     I have a small voice and
     I can sing.

During our second class of the week, students will learn more about penatonic music in China. They will complete their pentatonic melodies, rehearse them, and perform these melodies using voice and appropriate pitched percussion instruments.
If time permits, we will add authentic non-pitched instruments. Finally we will work to create our own Chinese percussion ostinato for Chinese New Year called "Hsehuo Gudien" or Festival Parade.

Grade 7: 
This is week 1 in term 2. Students are expected to practise twice this week outside of class. Our goals are to begin developing independence when playing in parts.
During our first class of the week, we will review/play songs 25, 26, 33 and 34 and will work with a partner to perform one of the songs for a mark next class. Practise record sheets will be collected and new ones assigned for term 2.
During our second class of the week, students will receive a pentatonic scale worksheet and will learn to play and improvise simple patterns using the penatonic scale.  For homework students will complete this worksheet.

Homework: practise your two part song (25, 26, 33, or 34) to present to the class, and finish pentatonic worksheet.

Grade 8:
This is week one in term 2. Students should practise twice outside of class this week. Our goals for this week are to improve our reading/playing skills by learning "Crusade" after decoding it, and begin considering how music affects the listener by exploring movie theme songs (incidental music) in our unit "Music and the Movies".
During our first class of the week, we will explore our score for "Crusade" and understand all of the terms and symbols used. We will play 16 measures and learn another 8 for homework.
During our second class of the week, we will watch a short youtube video about the history of "Talkies" and then in groups, try to match movies with recordings of their theme songs. Students will need to support their choices by analyzing what they hear in each musical example, and how it makes them feel. For homework, students will be asked to complete a worksheet "Movie Theme Analysis".

Homework: Movie Theme Analysis worksheet and practise 24 measures or more of "Crusade"

Grade 6: Our goals for this week are to continue building our reading skill using our sol-fa syllables by creating and performing a simple song using the major pentatonic scale, and performing ostinati to accompany our melodies. (The pentatonic scale is often associated with Oriental melodies.)
During our first class of the week, we will take up our test. Then will work on echoing and reading patterns using do, re, mi, sol and la. Students will listen to the story "Mei Ming and the Dragon's Daughter" and as the story is told, imagine how the pentatonic melody in this story might sound. Students will have an opportunity create a melody with a partner/group.
During our second class of the week, students will learn more about penatonic music in China. They will complete their pentatonic compositions, rehearse them, and to perform these melodies using voice and pitched percussion instruments.
If time permits, we will begin an authentic Chinese percussion ostinato for Chinese New Year called "Hsehuo Gudien" or Festival Parade.

Grade 7: This is practise week 9 in term 1. Students are expected to practise twice this week outside of class. Our goals for this week are to demonstrate our composing, reading and playing skills on our instrument by performing our Question and Answer composition as a solo. We will also begin our journals in which we will record our thoughts and feelings about the music we hear and play.
During our first class of the week most students will perform their solo compositions. Students  will answer the first journal question in response to performances by other members of our class. (see last week's blog for question #1).
During our second class of the week students will continue to perform and journal to complete this assignment. We will also begin to read and play in more than one part focusing on method book songs #25, 26, 31, and 33.
Homework: practise songs #25, 26, 31, and 33

Grade 8: This is practise week 15 in term 1. Students are expected to practise twice this week outside of class. Our goals for this week are to
During our first class of the week most students will perform their Peace Hymn for a mark. (This assessment was delayed to provide an extra practise period for many students who were unprepared.)
During our second class of the week students will decode their copy of "Crusade" (* for new fingerings, ? for things that you don't understand/need to look up, ( ) around difficult sections which need extra practise, and ! or circle around things that you need to look out for. Students should be able to play 16 bars or more for next class.

Homework: practise 16 bars or more of Crusade.

January 14, 2013

Grade 6
Our goals for this are to demonstrate an understanding of music vocabulary covered during the past term and begin a new choral piece "Allelulia"
During our first class, we will have a test on music terms. If time permits, we will experiment with a variety of ways to express feelings through language by speaking with a variety of inflections in preparation for our new choral selections - two pieces titled "Alleluia" written in different historical periods and styles.
During our second class we will take up our tests and then listen to recordings of the original "Allelulia" composition by Mozart and Leonard Cohen.

Grade 7
This is practise week 8 in term 1. Students should practise twice outside of class.
Our goals for this week are demonstrate what we have learned this term by completing a "Question and Answer" composition for our instrument and perform it as a solo. The accuracy of the written work and the performance will be marked.
During our first class of the week, clarinet and sax players will receive their second reed. We will begin with a scale review and will learn the correct 7th note of the major scale.
Students will complete their composition using the rubric as a guide to the success criteria, and receive feedback on their writing. They will practise their composition in class and for homework.
During our second class of the week, students will perform their "Question and Answer" composition as a solo and will be marked on the performance. During performances, students will begin their journal writing by responding to the following question:
For two classmates who have performed their Question and Answer compositions, describe the following:
1. one compliment you would share about their writing/performance
2.one suggestion that you would give them about their writing/performance
3. how you think they used pattern in their composition (repetition, sequence, reverse, etc)

Homework: complete the writing of your Question and Answer composition and practise it.

Grade 8
This is practise week 14 in term 1. All students should practice twice outside of class.
Our goals for this week are to compose, practise and perform a polyphonic Peace Hymn in small groups which uses our understanding of harmony, chords and passing notes correctly. We will also begin a new band piece "Crusade" if time permits.
During our first class, students will complete all composing and review playing their melody focusing on rhythmic accuracy. When ready, will join members of their group to clap, finger and then play their trio together.
During our second class, students will have a short time to warm up and rehearse before performing their harmony compositions for the class. If time permits, students will receive and begin "Crusade".

Homework: practise Peace Hymn composition and Crusade.

January 7, 2013

Grade 6: 
Our goals for this week are to learn a reading song using our knowledge of sol, mi, do, la and the remaining scale notes.  We will add words to this song, and add the terms treble clef, verse, scale, pitched instrument, repeat sign, bar line, double bar line, measure, time signature, staff, quarter note, eighth notes, quarter rest, lyrics, ostinato, first and second endings, and verse to our list of terms. If time permits, we will create a simple rhythmic composition as an interlude between verses.

During our first class of the week we will review scale tones by echo singing. Then we will read and sing The Scale Song, following the first and second endings. We will add our own lyrics based upon the way the pitches move upward and downward. Some students will have an opportunity to play the melody on a xylophone.

During our second class of the week, we will review the scale song and add an ostinato using the notes  do, and sol. We will perform the song with melody, ostinato and add an interlude it time permits.Students should study for a written test on musical terms next week.

Grade 7: This is week 7 in term 1. Students are should practise twice this week outside of class. Our goals for this week are to play songs 15 to 20 confidently and begin to compose our own question and answer song using our understanding of pattern in music.

During our first class of the week we will begin with a scale warm up and then receive a complete fingering chart for our instrument which should be kept in a music binder and brought to class for the entire year. We will review songs 15-20 in our book.

During the second class of the week, we will learn about how composers use patterns to create melodies. Students will receive a composing assignment and will be expected to complete the composition and be able to play it slowly for their next class.

Grade 8:  This is week 13 in term 1. Students are should practise twice this week outside of class.OUr goals for this week are to compose an original hymn using our knowledge of  harmony, chord tones and non-chord tones.

During the first class of the week, we will review information covered about chords and harmony, referring to the worksheet provided earlier in the term. Students will form groups of 3 or 4 and begin planning their harmony chords and determine who will play the top, middle and/or bottom notes of each chord.

During the second class of the week, students will add passing tones to their composition to create an independent melody.They will practise their melody alone and then practise playing it with their group.