Willowdale Instrumental Music: 2014

Friday, June 20, 2014

June 23, 2014

Grades 7 and 8 Goals: This week's goals are to prepare and inventory all of the instruments and materials for next year. We will focus on disassembling, cleaning, lubricating, and reassembling all of the brasses. All woodwinds will get clean swabs and cork wax in preparation for the new year. Mouthpieces will be sterilized and inventoried.

Homework: Have a safe, exciting and memorable summer!!

1. sleep in and stay up late

2. have fun with your friends

3. spend WAY too much time on the computer

Grade 8 students - best of luck in high school and beyond. I hope you will stay in touch through social media!

A. Lerer

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: This week's goal is to complete "Spiderman" and demonstrate an understanding of the elements of music by performing this piece with accurate pitches, duration, articulation, dynamics, balance and "swing feel".

During the first class of the week, students will review all measures and will get feedback on the use of balance, articulation, rhythms and other expressive elements. They will discover "Spiderman's" connection to the blues.

During the final class of the week, students will perform "Spiderman" for an assessment.
There is no homework assigned.

Grade 8 Goals: This week's goals are to demonstrate an understanding of the creative process and elements of music by performing a STOMP composition. (Students will be assessed based upon the co-created success criteria.

During the first class of the week, students will review their STOMP performances and revise or refine any elements in preparation for performance. Those groups which are ready may perform at the end of the period, and will complete a self-evaluation based upon the success criteria established.

During the second class of the week, students will complete STOMP performances, and if time permits, will have the opportunity to view a recording of their Arts Night performances. They will reflect on their accomplishments this year. There is no homework assigned.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

June 9, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: This week's goals are to continue applying our understanding of reading and playing skills to "Spiderman". Students should be able to perform measures 3-39 accurately.

NOTE :

STUDENTS WHO RENTED THEIR INSTRUMENT FROM HARKNETT MUSIC CAN RENT AGAIN FOR NEXT YEAR AND GET THE SUMMER FREE!! PLEASE CONTACT THE STORE (905) 477-1141.

STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT RENTING AGAIN NEXT YEAR MUST RETURN INSTRUMENTS TO WILLOWDALE BY 3:00 ON FRIDAY JUNE 13TH FOR PICKUP.

During the first class of the week, students will review the more challenging rhythm patterns in the first half of the piece (measures 13-14 and 15-16) and practise clapping/fingering these patterns where they appear in their instrument part. We will play in instrument teams from measures 3-19. Then we will work on measures 19-31.

During the second class of the week, we will continue perfecting measures 3-38, adding articulation and expressive elements (staccato, tenuto, slurs, accents, dynamics, etc.) Students should be able to play measures 3-39 slowly and smoothly by the end of this class.

Homework: begin learning 31-39

Grade 8 Goals: This week's goals are to finalize the movement for the polyphonic section and begin the monophonic and homophonic sections to complete the performance.

During the first class of the week, students will be given time to review the choreography for the opening section of their composition. They will add/perfect the music and movement, and then experiment with ways to transition to a new place/shape and action using monophonic patterns.

They should then add a homophonic section (one important melody with a background).

During the second class of the week, students will again rehearse and share ideas for the 3 sections of their STOMP piece and add a "trick" or interesting movement to finish their compositions.

Homework: practise memorizing all performance components for STOMP.

NOTE :

STUDENTS WHO RENTED THEIR INSTRUMENT FROM HARKNETT MUSIC CAN RENT AGAIN FOR NEXT YEAR AND GET THE SUMMER FREE!! PLEASE CONTACT THE STORE (905) 477-1141.

STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT RENTING AGAIN NEXT YEAR MUST RETURN INSTRUMENTS TO WILLOWDALE BY 3:00 ON FRIDAY JUNE 13TH FOR PICKUP.

Saturday, May 31, 2014

June 2, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: This week's goals are to have students use their knowledge of pitch (fingering), rhythm (counting), and other music symbols (accidentals, dynamics, etc.) to learn a section of "Spiderman" accurately.

During our first class of the week, students will receive their final journal marks and will have an opportunity to discuss this final listening assessment. With a partner, students will review the 4 bars of "Spiderman" they selected. Once the counting has been written underneath these bars, they will check each other's counting, practise clapping it and then play it for each other. At the end of the class, students will perform their bars in order. They will set a goal of 4 more bars for next class.

During the second class of the week, students will use the same step to decode/learn at least 4 more bars. At the end of class, they will work to incorporate them in a performance of a section(s) of the piece.

Homework: practise and be able to perform at least 8 measures of "Spiderman" accurately

Grade 8 Goals: This week's goals are to begin developing the form, movement and dramatic elements for the polyphonic section of a STOMP performance.

During the first class of the week, students will review their rhythms for the polyphonic section of their STOMP routine. They will finalize the form, rehearse it and then experiment with tonal qualities of their instruments to select tone colours for each line of rhythm. Once the group has performed their piece on their "instruments", they will consider apply of the following movement elements to their performance:

space (what shape(s) they will form on stage from a bird-eye view)

relationships (groups, pairs/partners, rows, individuals, etc.)

tempo (how quickly to move from one place to another)

direction (where they are heading)

shape (what type of movement they will use - skip, slide, crawl, etc)

height (high, med, or low)

During the second class of the week, students will complete the first draft of the choreography of this section of their work and rehearse it with the members of their group.

Homework: practise the rhythms and choreography for your polyphonic STOMP routine.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

May 26, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: This week our goal is to demonstrate an understanding of musical time (counting of notes and rests using "1+2+3+4+") through performance.

During the first class of the week, students will review patterns of notes and rests, practising clapping and counting aloud using proper counting techniques: "1+2+3+4+". We will apply this counting to songs 68 (playing this duet in 2 parts) and song 91 (following rules for accidentals # b and lq properly).

During the second class of the week, students will perform song 116 using proper counting for the dotted quarter - eighth note pattern. (think "Deck - the -halls") If time permits, we will begin our final journal by learning about the great gates of Kiev. The final journal question must be completed during class, and students may use their listening web sheet, glossaries and other reference materials to answer the question:

The Russian composer Modest Mussourgsky used music to describe the great gates of Kiev. What elements of music does he use and what do they tell you about the gates?

Homework: practise songs 68, 91 and 116.

Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for this week are to demonstrate an understanding of sixteenth note rhythms/durations and polyphony by creating and performing an effective 4-part group composition.

During our first class of the week, students will be forming groups of 10-12 and choosing roles which will define their responsibilities within their group. In teams of 2, they will compose their parts and practise them. Then as a group, they will plan the form/organization of sections, and practise performing all their piece from memory.

During the second class of the week, groups will take turns selecting their performance "instruments" once they have mastered their music. All groups should be prepared with required materials next week so they can begin working on choreography and movement.

Homework: memorize and be able to perform your 8 beat pattern steadily while others are performing other parts

Sunday, May 18, 2014

May 19, 2014

Grade 7: Our goal for this week is to count and perform patterns of notes and rests accurately using "1+2+3+4+" counting in at least 4 bars of "Spiderman".

During our first class of the week, students may be given the opportunity to complete any blues writing/performing which was begun before trips to Mono Cliffs. They will then receive their final listening journal rubric, which will be discussed.

During the second class of the week, students will learn to count using "1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +" to accurately perform patterns of whole, half, quarter, eighth notes and rests. They will receive a copy of "Spiderman" and will apply their understanding by writing the counting under at least 4 bars of their choice. They will practise clapping it, fingering in time and then play it.

Homework: Practise clapping and playing the 4 bars selected from "Spiderman". Prepare for and open-book final journal next week.

Grade 8: Our goal for this week is to demonstrate an understanding of quarter, eighth, and sixteenth patterns through composition and performance.

During our first class of the week, students will receive feedback on the writing and performance of their 8 beat monophonic (one voice at a time) rhythm composition. They will get into groups and choose an object with which to perform one of the rhythms. When ready, the class will create a polyphonic (many voices at a time) performance by organizing and overlapping many rhythm patterns at once.

During the second class of the week, students will work on forming STOMP groups of 8 performers. In these groups students will choose roles and compose one of the lines of rhythm which will be the basis of their own polyphonic composition.

Homework: Practise counting and clapping their own rhythm pattern for their STOMP routine.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

May 12, 2014

Grade 7: Our goal for this week is to use language to demonstrate our understanding of the elements of music and the elements of the blues.

During our first class of the week, students may be given the opportunity to complete any blues writing/performing which was begun last class. They will then receive their final listening journal rubric, which will be discussed.

During the second class of the week, the final listening journal will be completed. Students will have the opportunity to listen to the piece 3-4 times. (This is an "open book" journal so students will be permitted to refer to THEIR OWN handouts, listening notes, and previous journals.) Work will be collected at the end of the period.

Homework: none

Grade 8: Our goal for this week is to analyze the essential skills and components of a STOMP performance.

During the first class of the week, students will watch the video "STOMP OUT LOUD". In groups, they will focus on one question related to the video, and share their reflections with the class during the last 10 minutes of the class.

During the second class of the week, students will learn to read, count and perform many complex rhythm patterns similar to the ones in STOMP using quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes. An anchor chart/worksheet will be provided and students will be asked to compose and perform an original 8 beat pattern using these durations.

Homework: complete your own 8 beat composition and be prepared to perform it

May 5, 2014

May 5, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: Our goals for this week are to demonstrate an understanding of all of the elements of the blues (improvising a blues solo and playing a blues harmony/walking bass) through group performance.

During the first class of the week, students will begin by listening to examples of blues solos:

Blues for Harry

Mario Perrett Saxophone Solo

They will receive and discuss the rubric for their final performance evaluation on the blues. In groups of 3-4, they will practise taking turns playing a 12 bar solo and a 12 bar harmony and/or walking bass part. Some students may be asked to perform for a mark.

During the second class of the week, students will be marked on their performances. While groups are performing, others will be expected to write an original verse of the blues which shows their understanding of the context of the blues; how the lyrics reflect the thoughts and feelings of an individual at a given moment in history. Work will be collected at the end of the period.

Homework: Prepare for final blues tests and concert.

Grade 8 Goals:

Our goals for this week are to complete our incidental music unit - demonstrating an understanding of how the elements of music communicate with the listener, and how to use the creative process - by performing our compositions for film.

During the first class of the week, remaining incidental music groups will perform their group compositions, students will perform for the class and receive feedback on their compositions.

Any students who have not performed "Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge" will be tested.

During the second class of the week, students will perform "Home", Wonderful

World" and "Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge" as a class once more. After reflecting upon their use of balance, dynamics, tempo, tone, phrasing and other musical elements, students will perform one last time aiming for their 'personal best' performance of each piece.

Homework: Performers, please prepare for the concert.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

April 28, 2014

Grade 7: This week's goal is to demonstrate an understanding of all of the components of the blues (lyrics, melody, harmony and walking bass) through performance.

During the first class of the week, students will practise performing solos, background and lyrics in groups. Students will be encouraged to perform blues solos for the entire 12 bars while others are playing the background using whole notes or word rhythm patterns like "baby", "don't you go" or "won't you come back".

During the second class of the week, students will learn about the walking bass and take turns performing each part of the blues in a group of 3-4 players. The success criteria for their blues performance test on the blues will be shared.

Homework: Practise blues solo, harmony and walking bass.

Grade 8: This week's goals are to finish using the creative process to compose/perform incidental music, and to demonstrate an understanding of the elements of music through performance and composition.

During the first class of the week, students will be performing their incidental music compositions with their film for a mark. They will receive feedback from the class and teacher on their performance.

During the second class of the week, students will be tested on their performance of "Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge".

Homework: Practise for assessments

Monday, April 21, 2014

April 21, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: Our goals for this week are to continue to demonstrate our understanding of the elements of music and the elements of the blues through discussion, writing and performance.

During our first class of the week, students will complete their quiz on the elements of music. They will review the blues "ingredients" learned so far (melody/improvisation - using the blues scale, lyrics - chanting verses of words in time with the 12 bars of music, harmony - playing chord notes from the 12 bar blues chord progression) and put them together in a blues performance - first as a whole class and then in small groups. Students will explore performing the harmony part using word rhythms such as "baby:", "don't you go", etc.

During the second class of the week, students will be introduced to the last component of the blues which is the walking bass line. This steady "walking" of notes provides the forward movement or the "drive" for the blues. Students will be given a worksheet which outlines what they will play for each bar.

Homework: Review the elements of music for the final journal next week. Practise all of the blues performance elements: improvising a solo from the blues scale, playing harmony using word rhythms, playing the walking bass, chanting lyrics.

Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for this week are to complete the composing of our incidental music, which should add intensity and communicate a message/mood to the film selected. Students should practise their compositions and prepare to perform it for a mark next week.

During our first class of the week, students will review and revise music created with their group members, evaluating the following:

1. Does the music works well with the timing of events in the film?

2. Does the music communicate the message/mood intended?.

3. Does the music last for 60-90 seconds or more?

4. Do you use elements such as tempo, dynamics, articulation, to create meaning?

5. Does it sound well learned/performed?

During the second class of the week, students will review "Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge" and complete their composing and rehearse their music with their groups in preparation for performances next week.

Homework: practise "Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge" and your incidental music - focusing on expression such as dynamics, tempo, articulation, etc.

Saturday, April 5, 2014

April 7, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: This week our goals are to expand upon our understanding of the blues. We will experiment with blues lyrics, blues melodies and blues harmonies.

During our first class of the week, we will continue chanting lyrics for the blues which use the 12 bar form (each line of words must last for 4 bars or 16 beats). We will listen to additional examples of the blues:

Call It Stormy Monday by T-Bone Walker

The Thrill Is Gone - B. B. King

and students will be asked to find their favourite blues songs and email the link to Mr. Simmons, our teacher candidate: bluesexamples@gmail.com.

We will play patterns using the blues scale to create melodies using this backup track on youtube:
Blues Backup Track (slow)
We will discover this scale's unique properties for improvisation. If time permits, we will move on to blues harmony and learn about the 12 blues chord progression.

During our second class of the week, students will focus on blues harmony, learning how to build chords and how these chords are used in each of the 12 bars of the "Delta" blues. Standard 12 bar "Delta" blues form uses the following chord progression, based upon the I or 1 chord, IV or 4 chord, I or 5 chord:

Roman Numerals Numbers

I I I I 1 1 1 1

IV IV I I 4 4 4 4

V IV I I (or V) 5 4 1 1 (or 5)

Homework: Find your favourite blues song! Practice improvising using one, two, three or more notes for 12 bars without stopping. Complete the Whole Note Blues worksheet.

Grade 8 Goals:

During our first class of the week, we will review "Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge", and listen to examples of incidental music which have 3 layers: melody, harmony and rhythmic pattern:

Robin Hood Theme (begins with rhythm, then adds harmony, then adds melody)

Terminator (begins with harmony, then adds rhythm, then adds melody)

Dark Knight Theme (begins with rhythm, then adds harmony, then adds melody)

Oblivion M83 Waking Up (begins with harmony, then adds rhythm, then adds melody)

James Bond Theme (begins with rhythm and harmony, then adds melody)

Students will work to complete steps 1,2, and 3 of the creative process in creating their own incidental music. We will revisit the procedure for composing with chord notes and passing notes for our incidental music project. Students will apply this knowledge when creating their melody, harmony or rhythmic support part for their group. They will be given time to compose and rehearse together.

During our second class of the week, students will continue on step three of the creative process to complete the first section of their composition and practise it together.

Homework: complete the first section of your incidental music and perform it expressively.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

March 31, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: This week our goals are to continue to demonstrate an understanding of the elements of music through listening and performance, and become familiar with the sound of the blues.

During the first class of the week, students will discuss what they know about the blues, and listen to an example of a blues song:
"Gimme One Reason"
"I Can't Quit You, Baby"

They will watch 2 videos on youtube which introduce the Blues:
What Is The Blues
Nothing But the Blues part 1
After listening to a variety of blues songs, and looking at lyric examples such as "Flood Water Blues":

It’s been snowin’ forty days and nights, lakes and rivers begin to freeze.

It’s been snowin’ forty days and nights, rivers and lakes begin to freeze.
Some places through my old hometown, water ‘s up above my knees.

Storm begin risin’, and the sun begin sinking down.
Storm begin risin’, the sun begin sinking down.
I says, “Mother and Dad, pack your trunk. We ain’t safe here in this town.

When it lightnin’ my mind gets frightened, my nerves begin weakenin’ down.
When it lightnin’ my mind gets frightened, my nerves begin weakenin’ down.
And the shack where we was livin’ begin movin’ ‘round.

Women and children were screamin’, sayin’, “Mama why must we go?”
Women and children were screamin’, sayin’, “Lord, where must we go?”
“The floodwater have broke the levees and we ain’t safe here no more.”

And begin cloud as dark as midnight, keep raining all the time.
I say, “Oh, I wonder why the sun don’t ever shine?”

And the way it keeps rainin’ its drivin’ me out my mind.

Students will learn about the structure of the blues verse, (3 sentences which are in AAB form, sad/depressing topics, first person, all lines rhyme, each of the 3 sentences must last for 16 beats.)

Students will be given time to write their own blues lyric verse and practise chanting it for homework..

During the second class of the week, students will perform their lyrics and learn about the melody of the blues which uses the blues scale. Students will receive a blues scale sheet and compare the blues scale to the other scales they have learned. They will practise playing patterns using the blues scale notes. If time permits, students will review "Tempest" and play song 91 which uses a blues scale.

Homework: complete your blues lyric composing and practise chanting it in time, practise patterns using the blues scale, practise Tempest.

Grade 8 Goals:Students will be working on improving the tempo of "The Last Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge" and will begin working in groups on their Incidental Music project which demonstrates an understanding of how the elements of music communicate mood.

During the first class of the week, students will rehearse the band arrangement of "The Last Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge" focusing on increasing tempo. They will view the Incidental Music Videos one more time and form composing groups of 2-5 players. Student groups will discuss and agree upon the message, mood and musical elements they will use. They will receive a composing guide booklet and success criteria.

During the second class of the week, students will continue working in groups on their Incidental Music Project. Using the first 2-3 steps of the creative process as outlined in their booklets, students will get roles and decide upon a chord progression for their piece. They will begin to create their individual parts.

Homework: practise "Last Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge", begin composing for your Incidental Music Project.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

March 24, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: Grade 7 students will be demonstrating their performance skills and understanding of how the elements of music (pitches, rhythms, tone colours, dynamics, metre, tempo, tonality, and form) communicate with the listener. They will be tested on their understanding by performing a section of "Tempest" for a mark.

During the first class of the week, students will complete any remaining pentatonic performances. They will learn about musical form by listening to pieces such as Sabre Dance (ABA), Happy (ABABCBCB), All of Me (ABABCB) and and apply their knowledge to "Tempest". They will rehearse all measures of "Tempest" focusing on using the elements to communicate with the listener.

Students will discuss the success criteria for the performance test next class on measures 63 to the end. (Tests will be performed in mixed instrument groups.)

During the second class of the week, students will be performing their part for "Tempest" measures 63 to the end for a mark while other instrument parts are playing simultaneously.

Homework: prepare for the playing test on "Tempest".

Grade 8 Goals: Grade 8 students will be working toward perfecting their performance of "Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge" and beginning the Incidental Music Composing Project.

During the first class of the week, students will be working on improving their performance of "Voyage" by increasing the tempo, improving balance/blend, articulation and dynamics, and other expressive controls. They will play through the B section from measures 53 to 72 and then try to perform it with the D. S. al coda by repeating bars 13-42.

During the second class of the week, students will try playing the coda section of "Voyage" and put the entire piece together. They will begin the Incidental Music Composing Project.by watching 4 or 5 videos from youtube:

Sunrise
Underwater Fish Volcano
Wave
Horses
Apollo 11 Liftoff

They will consider how their instrument might be used in background music for one of these videos. Finally, they will form project groups based upon the video they choose and will receive a composing booklet which will guide them through the creative process.

Homework: Practise the B section and coda for "The Last Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge"

Monday, March 17, 2014

March 17, 2014

Happy St. Patrick's Day and welcome back from March Break!!

Grade 7 Goals: We will continue to work on understanding the elements of music through listening, performance and composition.

During our first class of the week, we will take up journal number 3 and discuss the use of elements in "Mars, The Bringer of War". We will play song 84 in the method book and then many students will be performing pentatonic compositions in small groups for a mark. All students should know measures 45 to the end of "The Tempest".

During our second class of the week, we will warm up with song 84 and then discuss the musical elements used in "The Tempest" (rhythms, dynamics, articulation, tone colours, tonality and tempo) communicate with the listener. We will learn measures 18-36, concentrating on articulation, rhythms and dynamics.

Homework: Learn The Tempest measures 18- the end.

Grade 8 Goals: We will continue to work on reading and playing accurately in 6/8 time and understanding how incidental music communicates with the listener.

During our first class of the week, students will complete any clapping tests in 6/8 time. We will review measures 37- the end of "The Last Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge" and work on measures 13-36. Balance of parts, blend and articulation will be emphasized.

During our second class of the week, students will listen to "The Last Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge". and then discuss how this music might be used as incidental music for a film or drama. We will watch a variety of film clips ("Bike Jump", "Giraffe", "Market")and discuss how the musical elements communicate a mood or message in preparation for a composing project based upon short film clips.

Homework: Learn all of "Last Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge".

Saturday, March 1, 2014

March 3, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: This week's goals are to demonstrate an understanding of musical elements (tonality and texture) through listening, composition and perfomance.

During the first class of the week, students will read definitions for texture and tonality in their Elements Guide, and listen/consider how these elements are used in Tempest.

They will review measures 45-60 of Tempest and learn measures 36-45 and 60-end. In groups of 2-3, they will rehearse their pentatonic compositions in preparation for marked performances next class.

During the second class of the week, students will perform their pentatonic compositions. They will listen to a variety of examples of texture and tonality:

Major tonality sounds happy or peaceful: Brandenburg Concerto 2, Fireworks, Morning,

Minor sounds sad or scary: Moonlight Sonata, Hungarian Rhapsody 2, Rachmananov Symphony in D Minor

Pentatonic Tonality: Chinese Pentatonic,

They will, begin their third journal question: If "Mars The Bringer of War" were the background music for a movie, what would the movie be about, and how do the elements (tonality, texture, dynamics, tempo, tone colours) match the action in the film?

Homework: practise Tempest 45-the end and complete journal question #3.

Grade 8 Goals: This week's goals are to improve our reading and playing skills using 6/8 metre.

During our first class of the week, students will be performing their 6/8 compositions to demonstrate an understanding of counting and performing in compound metre. The composition must include a combination of notes and rests of different lengths from their worksheet. They will apply their understanding of this metre to a section of "Voyage of Queen Annes' Revenge".

During the second class of the week, students will review measures 37-52 of "Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge" and begin measures 1-37.

Homework: practise measures 1-52 of "Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge".

Sunday, February 23, 2014

February 24, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: Students will review the elements of music covered so far and begin learning about the element of tonality, which refers to the scale used in composition. In particular, students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the pentatonic scale through listening, composition and performance.

During the first class of the week, students will complete testing on "Big Raven" and begin to learn song 84. Then they will view the video "Howard Goodall on Penatonic Music" Chinese Pentatonic, and Chopin's Etude 10, op. 5, which introduces the 5-tone pentatonic scale. They will write out this scale on a new scale chart.

During the second class of the week, students will review songs 72 and 74, and learn song 84 which uses a pentatonic scale. They will begin learning to improvise simple pentatonic patterns which repeat called "ostinati" and will be assigned a composing activity using the pentatonic scale. Students should know measures 45-60 of Tempest.

Homework: practise the pentatonic scale, song 84 and Tempest.

Grade 8 Goals: Students will be working on learning to read, play and compose using rhythms in 6/8 time. (6/8 time means that every measure will contain 6 eighth notes or the equivalent instead of the typical 4 quarter notes)

During our first class of the week, students will receive written feedback/marks on their "Home" assignments. They will listen to a variety of musical examples which use a new type of metre, to gain an understanding of the "feeling" of compound metre. Using a variety of strategies, they will learn how to clap, count and notate patterns in 6/8 time. Students will receive a worksheet which they will need to complete for homework, and a copy of a new band piece, "The Last Voyage of Queen Annes' Revenge" which uses this metre..

During the second class of the week, students will take up the worksheet and check their understanding of the work covered. Students will learn a section of the new band piece, and will begin a 6/8 composing assignment.

Homework: Finish worksheet. Begin composing assignment and practise "Last Voyage".

Senior Band - please listen to the following recordings:

Whispering Winds

Last Voyage of Queen Annes' Revenge

Saturday, February 15, 2014

February 17, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: Our goals for this week are to continue learning about the elements of music through listening and performance. We will review metre, tempo, dynamics and rhythms; we will add tone colours and pitches this week.

During our first class of the week, students will listen to examples of tone colours and pitches in pieces such as Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Pines of Rome - Appian Way, Canon, Spring, and popular musical examples as well.

They will begin journal entry 2: Edvard Grieg wrote a piece of music called "In the Hall of the Mountain King". In this legend, the hero named Peer Gynt, escapes from ugly trolls who want him to marry the troll kings daughter. How does Grieg use musical elements (pitches, tone colours/timbres, rhythms, dynamics, tempo and metre) to create suspense as Peer Gynt escapes from the trolls?

Some students will be tested on "Big Raven". The success criteria include the ability to perform using: correct posture and embouchure
an appropriate-steady tempo
accurate and in-tune pitches
accurate rhythms
a beautiful tone
accurate dynamics
appropriate use of breath control
correct articulations

During our second class of the week, students will review songs 72 and 74 and continue testing if needed. They will hear a recording of their new piece, "The Tempest" and begin measures 45 - 60.

Homework: Prepare for a performance test on Big Raven, complete journal 2, and begin learning Tempest at measure 45.

Grade 8 Goals: Our goal for this week are to continue to demonstrate an understanding of how the elements of music are used in incidental music create mood and convey information to the viewer.

For those students who have music this week: During our first class of the week, students will complete any remaining testing on "Home". Earth written assignments will be handed back and we will discuss them together in class. In groups, students will listen to a variety of movie themes and determine which movie title they believe it matches. They will be asked to support their answers with information about the musical elements, the emotional effect on the viewer, and how it relates to the plot of the film.

During our second class of the week, students will begin learning about 6/8 time and how music which is composed in this meter is performed.

Homework: begin to write counting under notes and learning a small section of "The Last Voyage of Queen Annes' Revenge"

Saturday, February 8, 2014

February 10, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: Our goals for this week are to continue to understand the elements of music through listening and performance. We will focus on rhythm and tempo this week.

During our first class of the week, we will listen to a variety of pieces including: "Say Something", "Les Toreadors", "Swan Lake", That Aint Classy, Clarity to help us identify the elements of rhythm (patterns of short and/or long sounds and silences) and tempo (the speed of the beat). Students will be asked to complete the following entry in their music journal: "The music I listen to usually has ________ dynamics, _________ metre, a _________tempo, _________short rhythms. I prefer this type of music because . . . " We will then apply that understanding to our music beginning with a brief review of songs 62-64.

We will focus on our performance goals during our second class of the week: complete "Big Raven" and learn songs 72 and 74 in the method book. Students will receive a practise record sheet for term 2.

Homework: Learn all of "Big Raven" and songs 72 and 74 in the method book. Complete journal entry 1.

Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for the week are to demonstrate an understanding of how the elements of music create mood through language and musical performance.

During our first class of the week, students will share their "Earth" incidental music selections with classmates and discuss their choices. The written assignments will be collected and marked. We will focus on performing with expression to create emotion in "Home" and

"Wonderful World" in preparation for a playing test next class.

During the second class of the week, students will be asked to demonstrate their playing skills by performing sections from "Home" and/or "Wonderful World".

Homework: Prepare for a playing test on Home and "Wonderful World".

Sunday, February 2, 2014

February 3, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: This week's goals are to identify some of the elements of music through listening and use these elements in performance.

During our first class of the week, students will receive a copy of the Musical Elements Web which identifies and defines all of the elements of music. They will focus on understanding two of these elements: dynamics and metre, as we listen to "Elephants" and The Second Waltz" (three beats in every bar - triple metre), "The Washington Post March and Radetzky March (2 beats in every bar - duple metre). We will work on incorporating these elements in "Big Raven" measures 27-36 and 52-60, and songs 62-64.

During our second class of the week, we will review songs in duple and triple metre from our method book and "Big Raven". Students will be asked to prepare a listening journal which will be used throughout the term.

Homework: Learn measures 27-36 or more of "Big Raven" and at least one triple and one duple metre song from the method book.

Grade 8 Goals: This week's goals are to demonstrate an understanding of how the elements of music are used to communicate a message or intensify an emotional response.

During our first class of the week, we will revisit our discussion on how the elements of music affect mood as we watch a scene from "Up". Then we will watch "Earth, The One Video You Must See" without it's background music and consider what the message of the video might be. Students will receive a worksheet in which they are asked to answer questions about the video and select appropriate background music based upon the message/mood they wish to share. With the remaining time, students will review "Home" measures 23-the end and then finish learning the beginning 23 measures.

All students are expected to be able to play all of "Wonderful World" and "Home" at a slow tempo. Students will be tested on these pieces next week.

For those grade 8 classes which have at second music class this week, we will complete our study of "Wonderful World and "Home".

Homework: Learn all of "Wonderful World" and "Home" for a playing test next week. Complete the worksheet "Earth" for your second class next week.

Friday, January 24, 2014

January 27, 201

January 27, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: This week's goals are to demonstrate an understanding of our part for "Big Raven" through discussion and performance.

During our first class of the week, students will receive a fingering chart for their instrument. Some students will perform song 39 as a duet. We will warm up with the major and minor scales, and then review all notes and symbols on their "Big Raven" score. We will "show-and-tell" the part we practised in pairs or instrument teams, and receive feedback. Measures 27-36 will be assigned for homework.

During the second class of the week, students will clap, say, finger and play measures 27-36 or more of "Big Raven" in preparation for our first Junior Band rehearsal on Friday at lunch. All grade 7s are welcome! Students may want to listen to or play along with the following recordings:

The Tempest

http://www.alfred.com/Products/The-Tempest--00-BD9561.aspx

Big Raven

http://www.jwpepper.com/Big-Raven/10068520.item#.UuFDkRAo7Mp

Homework:: know measures 27-36 or more of "Big Raven"

Grade 8 Goals: This week we will be to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the elements of music and it's message. We will continue work on improving out performance of Wonderful World and the first 40 bars of "Home".

During our first class of the week, students will review the use of time and key signature in "Wonderful World" and learn the related scale (concert E flat major) in the method book. Then we will work on measures 1-40 of Home. Students will focus on the challenging rhythmic elements in these measures.

During our second class of the week, we will review the work done in our first class. We will watch a short video clip about the Vietnam War and discuss/predict what the message and mood might be. We will then discuss what elements of music might be used. Finally we will listen to the actual music which was selected and consider it's effectiveness. If time permits, students will receive the worksheet "Earth" which should be completed for homework.

Homwork: practise Wonderful World, Home 1-40, complete "Earth"

Sunday, January 19, 2014

January 20, 2014

Grade 7 Goals:We will continue to work on performing independently on our instrument in more than one part, using the notes of the Concert Bb Major and Concert G Minor scales.

During our first class of the week, we will begin by completing our scale chart for the concert G minor scale and use this scale as a warm up. We will review songs 33, 34 and 39 as a whole class and hear performances of these songs by pairs of students in class. Practise record sheets will be collected.

Students will receive a 4 page music glossary and their copy of the band songs "Big Raven" and "Tempest". Students will analyze their part for "Big Raven" (decode) and add marking their score as needed to indicate new fingerings, difficult rhythms, new terms and symbols, etc. They will select a section of "Big Raven" for practise at home.

During the second class of the week, (many classes only meet once this week) students will work with their stand partner and instrument team to perform the selected section of "Big Raven" together. When ready, students will perform their section(s) together for the class and then all of the instruments will perform their parts together.

Homework: Begin 8 measures of "Big Raven"

Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for this week are to continue our introduction to music in media, focusing of how music adds mood and intensity. We will try to improve performance of "What A Wonderful World" by focusing on listening for balance and blend in the ensemble so that we can communicated mood effectively. We will begin "Home".

During the first class of the week, students will watch the remaining Incidental Music presentation which traces the history of background music in film. We will review "Wonderful World" and work on balance/blend and expressive qualities which communicate feeling. If time permits, we will listen to the original recording of "Home" by Philip Philips and a recording of the band arrangement they will be learning before performing "Home" measures 23-40.

During the second class of the week, we will focus on "Home" up to measure 40. If time permits, we will watch a move clip without sound and discuss the message of the movie, how music might be used to add intensity to the mood and then hear the director's choice. Discussion regarding the effectiveness will continue.

Homework: Practise "Home" measures 1-40.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

January 13, 2014

Grade 7: This week's goal is to continue to develop an ability to perform in parts. This will require that we develop an internal feeling of beat and count carefully as we perform individual parts.

During our first class of the week, we will review the scale warm-up on page 40 and revise our fingering chart to match the pitches of this major scale. We will review song 33 and try to perform both the A and B parts with slurs in class. We will review song 34 and perform it as a round or canon.

During the second class of the week, we will review our scale and songs 33 and 34. Some students will be spot-tested on these assigned pieces. We will learn new note concert B (low) which we will add to a new scale chart (for the concert B flat minor scale). We will learn song 39 Russian Folk Song Duet, and try song 56 if time permits.

Homework: practise both parts of song 33, 34, 39 and 56.

Grade 8: Our goals for this week are to learn measures 1-27 of Wonderful World and to begin developing an understanding of how the elements of music communicate with the listener to create mood.

During our first class, we will review measures 1-19 of Wonderful World and then begin measures 19-27 where the low instruments have the melody. If possible, we will read through the entire piece. Students should learn all notes for next week. Classes 8A and 8B will also continue their work on composing with hyperscore.

During the second class of the week, we will review the elements of music which created mood for our war and peace compositions and consider how composers might use these elements in film. We will watch a film clip without music, discuss what message the composer might want to communicate, and predict how the elements were used. We will then watch the movie clip again and discuss the music selected, the elements, and the message communicated by the film.

Homework: practise all of "Wonderful World"

Sunday, January 5, 2014

January 6, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: This week's goals are to print our Finale compositions and begin learning to play in more than one part.

During our first class of the week, woodwind players will receive a new reed and begin with a scale warm-up. They will review songs 19, 23 and 24, and then learn songs 33 and 34 which require students to play in parts.

During the second class of the week, students will go to the lab to complete the creating and printing of their Question and Answer compositions.

Homework: Learn to play songs 33 and 34 in Tradition of Excellence book 1.

Grade 8 Goals: This week's goals are to demonstrate our reading and playing skills by performing "Swingle Bells" for a test mark. Students will be marked on pitch accuracy, rhythmic accuracy and expressive elements. Those students who have completed their test will work on expanding their pitch range with the Concert Eb major scale.

During our first class of the week, woodwind students will receive a new (second) reed and have time to review "Swingle Bells" in preparation for their playing test. Those students who have completed their test will be working on expanding their playing range with the concert Eb major scale (pg 41 of the the Tradition of Excellence book).

During the second class of the week, students will perform their tests and/or scales in class.

Homework - learn the concert Eb major scale !