October 8, 2012

Grade 6
This week our goals are to continue to read and perform from a choral score, add to our music vocabulary, and use our voices to sing in tune in unison and in parts.
During the first class of the week, students will review musical terms related to reading music which were introduced last class and add them to their music vocabulary list. After a vocal warm-up to develop use of the head voice, breathing and tone production, students will review the first section of "Alleluia" and begin to learn part 2.
During the second class of the week, students will review parts one and two and will be assigned a vocal part for singing in unison and parts. Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to sing their part using the techniques covered in class.
Homework: Students should be working on their Great-Song Lists assignment which is due next class.


Grade 7
Our goals for this week are to begin instrument 4 and learn the assembly, tone production, holding position, rest position, playing position, and our 3-note song on this final instrument.  Dates for auditions on additional instruments such as alto sax, french horn, percussion, tuba and oboe will be announced.
Homework: Students should complete their Instrument Response Sheet for instrument 4.


Grade 8
This is week 3 in term one. Students should practise twice outside of class and record their practise on their tracking sheet. Our goals this week are to perform the A section of Sousa Times Twosa smoothly and confidently and incorporate balance, articulation and dynamics.
During the first class of the week, students will receive their tests and write their marks in their planners. Solo performances will continue from the method book and then all students will perform the A section of Sousa, focusing on staccato, tenuto and accent articulations. Students will reflect upon ways to improve their own playing, and to work as a team to perfect the group performance. The B section will be assigned for homework.
During the second class of the week, we will continue solos and will review the A section with improved articulation and speed.
Homework: Learn the B section of Sousa Times Twosa.