September 24, 2012

Grade 6:
This week's goals are to continue our study of the elements of music by identifying the elements through listening and performance.  We will listen and analyze the elements in some of our favourite songs and explore ways to use them in music we sing or play.

During our first class of the week, we will complete our Elements of Music sheets. We will brainstorm a list of our favourite, "great" songs and listen to some, analyzing the elements of music. We will discuss and agree upon a list of "indicators" of greatness. Students will receive "Elements of Greatness" sheet to record their preferences.

During the second class, we will complete our musical elements posters. If time permits, we will begin planning/creating a composition which demonstrates our understanding of the elements of music.

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

During the second class of the week, we will learn a song using 3 notes, cleaning, care, disassembly and all other aspects of instrument 2.
Homework: Students should complete the second column of their Instrument Response Sheet.

Grade 8:
This is practise week 2 in term 1.  Students should be practising twice outside of class and recording their practise on their Practise Record. This week's goals are to continue our song performances and to continue our study of the Music of War and Peace.

During the first class we will finish viewing the presentation on war and peace, hear some solos, and decode our scores for "Sousa Times Twosa". We will listen to a recording of the piece and play through the entire piece, focusing on the 8 measures selected for practise.

During the second class of the week, we will continue our solo performances and review "Sousa", improving and expanding upon our previous performance.
Homework: Students should set a 16 measure goal for "Sousa" and be prepared to perform it in class.