May 14, 2012


Grade 7: 
Congratulations to all grade 7 students who participated in our Arts Night performances! BRAVO!!
The goals for this week are to increase our knowledge of blues history and our ability to play in a blues style.  During the first class of the week students will receive their marked journal assignments and will be learning about the factors which contributed to the growth of the blues after the civil was and the abolition of slavery. We will review playing "Frere Jaques" in  traditional and blues styles, and add improvisation using the blues scale.
During the second class of the week, we will complete our history overview and learn about the other genres of music which were inspired by the blues.  Students will receive a research topic related to the blues and a handout to be completed for homework.  Each student's information will be added to a blues timeline.
Homework:
Complete your blues topic worksheet

Grade 8:
Congratulations to all grade 8 students who participated in our Arts Night performances! BRAVO!
The goals for this week are to develop the movement, drama and musical skills required to begin our STOMP compositions.  We will begin by exploring how movement and mime can help tell a story.  In a large group, students will learn how to compose a polyphonic rhythmic piece and perform it accurately.  Later, students will compose a polyphonic piece in their small STOMP groups, practise performing their parts, and then decide upon a type of "instrument" they will use for their final group performance.
Homework:
Practise counting and performing your polyphonic pattern.  Be sure that you have your "instrument" for next class.