September 12, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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