March 21, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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