October 1, 2012

Grade 6: 
Our goals for this week are to revisit the elements of greatness and agree upon a list of "greatness indicators" and begin to apply them to music we sing, hear and perform.

During our first class of the week, students will complete posters. Then students will discuss their choices for the "Indicators of Greatness" and come to consensus on a final list for use as we analyze music.  We will apply the list to some of the songs we listed as "great songs" using this list as our guide.

During our second class of the week, students will receive "My Great Song-list" and will be expected to complete it for homework. We will begin part of our first piece of vocal music, "Alleluia, I Will Sing", and learn how the elements are written/recorded by composers.

Homework: complete "My Great Song-list"

Grade 7:
This week's goals are to review the important facts about our second instrument and to learn about our potential on our third instrument.

During the first class of the week, we will take up our homework. Students who have completed homework will begin to learn about the assembly, playing position, rest position, tone production, and playing of 2 notes on their third  instrument.
During the second class of the week, we will learn a song using 3 notes, cleaning, care, dis-assembly and all other aspects of instrument three.

Homework: complete the responses for instrument 3 on your worksheet.


Grade 8:
This is week 3 in term 1.  Students should be practising twice this week and recording their practise on their Practise Record Sheet.

Our goals for this week are to demonstrate an understanding of the new material in "Sousa Times Twosa" by performing accurately.  The new symbols/concepts include: the overall form of the composition, the effect of accidentals and key signatures, first and second endings, and dotted quarter - eight rhythms. 

During our first class of the week, we will continue hearing solos and review the 16 measures assigned so far. Then we will focus on the new concepts that appear in the score. 
During the second class of the week students will have a quiz where they will demonstrate an understanding of these new concepts.

Homework: Study for the quiz. Be able to perform the entire A section of the piece using both endings.