February 20, 2012

Grade 7: This is week 4 in term 2. Students are expected to practise twice this week outside of class.

During the first class of the week, we will take up journal question 2 which was assigned last week. Students will share responses and receive feedback to improve their journal content.

We will review measures 1-39 and begin measures 39-the end which should be perfected through home practise for next week.

During the second class of the week, students will review song 47, "Theme from William Tell" in Essential Elements 2000 and listen to the original by Gioachino Rossini, to analyze the musical elements used in this piece. They will receive a copy of the "William Tell" composing assignment which includes a synopsis of the legend, a list of scenes, and suggestions for composing music in ABA form (a piece with three sections where the middle section is different) based upon this story. We will use the the original theme from our books as the A section and will compose a B section.

Homework: select a scene and plan the B section for "William Tell" - decide upon how you will use the elements of music in your composition to communicate the action your chosen scene. Complete at least 4 measures.

Continue practising Star Wars measures 39 to the end.

Grade 8: This is week 4 in term 2. Students are expected to practise twice this week outside of class.

This week, our goals are to finish learning notes for Mission Impossible and begin our unit on Music in Media. During our first class, students will review Mission Impossible measures 21-41 and begin to learn the ending section. We will begin our study of music in media (film) by watching a short film clip and predicting what the music for the scene might sound like. After hearing the music which is actually used in the scene, student will discuss the message and impact of the music.

During the second class of the week, we will listen to a variety of movie theme songs. In groups, students will be asked to decide which of 8 films the music is from based upon how the musical elements are used, and the mood/feeling created.

Homework: Practise Mission Impossible measure 41- the end.