October 10, 2011

Grade 7: During this week, students will explore the fourth and final instrument, and receive feedback on their efforts. Some students will be invited to try additional instruments such as saxophone, drums, baritone horn, tuba, french horn, percussion, and oboe. Students will be required to attend an after school or before school meeting to explore these instruments; dates and times will be announced in advance.

Final instrument selection will take place next week. Information will be sent home indicating final instrument assignments, and details about Instrument Rental Night Oct. 25th at 7:00 p.m..

Homework: students will complete their 4th self evaluation and will study for a written test on their favourite instrument next week.

Journal Question 4: Now that you have tried at least 4 instruments, which one do you believe you will be most successful at playing? Support your answer by describing a variety of tasks at which you were successful in class.

Grade 8: This is practise week 5 in term 1. Students should be practising twice this week outside of class.

During class this week, all quizzes on measures 1-60 Alpha Squadron will be completed. Students will receive feedback on their "Bits and Pieces" written assignment, and learn to play their compositions. They will also listen to "Gentle Winds" and work on legato phrasing, reading/playing 3/4 metre, and breath control. To play along with the recording, copy the following web address into your header bar:

www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/mp3player.jsp?song_url=http://rockstar.jwpepper.com/mp3/10070378.mp3&song_title=GENTLE%20WINDS&filename=B_10070378

Homework: Students should practise all measures of "Alpha Squadron" and their goal section of "Gentle Winds" using a variety of practise techniques from "40 Fabulous Ways to Practise". Journal Question 4: What were your practise goals for this week? Describe how you practised and which of the "40 Fabulous Ways to Practise" helped you most in achieving your goal?