Week of: October 18, 2010

Grade 7: This week students in grade 7 will be deciding upon their first and second choice instruments. Final instruments will be assigned during music class based upon student preference, playing ability, instrument availability, and balance. Once assigned, students are expected to purchase materials for their instrument so that they can begin more intense study. All mouthpiece and reed orders must be in by Thursday, October 21, 2010. Students may go to local music retailers such as Long and McQuade, St. Johns Music or Harknett Music to purchase mouthpieces and reeds or rent instruments.

During the second class of the week, we will begin learning about beat and rhythm, and begin to read and perform simple patterns in 4/4 time.

Homework: Complete instrument choice form and materials order form. Bring in form by Thursday to purchase materials through the school. Complete composing with rhythm worksheet and study for a test on your chosen instrument which includes: names of the parts, how to assemble and disassemble it, how to clean it, which hand holds the weight, the letter names and fingerings of the three notes we have learned, how to form your lips to make a sound, what is delicate about it, etc.

Grade 8: This is practise week 5 in term 1. Students are expected to practise 2 times outside of music class this week.

During our first class of the week, students will receive a trip form (trip to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 4, 2010). Journal #5 will be discussed and practise record sheets will be checked. Students may participate in the chromatic scale race and then all students will work on the final A1 section of Chorale Elegant.

During our second class of the week, we will be brainstorming words about war. Students will consider how they will use the elements of music to compose 4 measure musical patterns based upon these words and then select the best melody to contribute to the class composition. Patterns will be written using graphic notation.

Homework: Trip forms due. Practise all of Chorale Elegant with phrasing and dynamics in preparation for a performance test next week. Journal question #6: Create a word web which includes your thoughts, feelings, impressions, images and beliefs about war.