April 30, 2012

Grade 7: This is week 13 in term 2.  Students should be practising twice this week outside of class.

During the first class of the week, students will hand in their final journal question for a mark.  We will complete our exploration of music in the pentatonic by performing our short compositions for the class. We will learn the blues scale.

During the second class of the week, students will begin our unit on THE BLUES by listening to a variety of pieces to determine whether they are in a blues style. Discussion will focus on why each selection is, or is not, the blues. A definition of the blues and an overview of the unit will be shared. If time permits, we will begin watching the youtube video "The Blues - Feel Like Going Home".

Homework:
Review the blues scale and begin improvising with it at home.


Grade 8: This is week 13 in term 2.  Students should be practising twice this week outside of class.


During the classes this week we will discuss the music and dance elements used in STOMP. We will review clapping durations and rhythms introduced last week.  Using some of the patterns they composed, students will use words and counting numbers to label the sound patterns and practise performing them for a partner. In groups, they will explore sound options around the room, describe them, and select one sound to use when performing their pattern(s).

During the second class of the week, students will work in small groups to organize and combine their 16 beat patterns into a pentatonic performance pieces.  They will perform their 3 part polyphonic composition for the class to demonstrate a steady beat, rhythmic accuracy and independence.


Homework: Practise performing your 16 beat pattern from your worksheet to perform with your group.