November 5, 2012

Grade 6:
Our goals for this week are to continue our solo performances and discuss how we might act like "soloists" when singing in a group to improve our performance of "Alleluia".
During our first class of the week, we will review terms covered in class and do a rhythm and pitch reading warm-up. After singing Alleluia, we will discuss ways to improve our performance and apply those ideas to our performance.
We will begin a new choral selection during our second class.

Grade 7:
This week's goals are to develop an understanding of pitch through listening, writing and performance.
We will begin our first class by completing our group compositions which include a steady tempo, an written form in which all players perform their rhythm at once on their 2-4 different timbres. Students will receive a
During the second class of the week, students will learn about pitch notation on the staff and will complete a theory sheet for practise naming notes on the treble and bass staves. They will receive Staff Songs sheets 1 and 2 and begin reading and playing melodies using the 4 practise steps:
     Clap and say the rhythm
     Say the pitch letter names aloud in time
     Say the pitch letter names aloud in time while fingering
     Play the song

Homework: Students should be able to play songs 1-3 on Staff Songs 3 by next class. Those students who have achieved a 75 or higher on their written test, have returned their signed Instrument Assignment Forms and demonstrated an understanding of 3 notes for staff songs 1, and the sign out procedures may take instruments home.

Grade 8: This is week 8 in term 1. Students should have 16 signatures for practise outside of class by the end of this week. Our goals for this week are to complete our war compositions and reflect on our work to complete the creative process, and begin our exploration of Music for Peace.
During our first class, students will complete and perform their group compositions and then reflect on their work using the War Reflections sheet. This will be collected.
During our second class, we will create a word web for peace. Then we will play the hymn "Abide With Me" and discuss whether it is an example of music for peace; we will analyze the elements used in the composition. Students will also receive copies of two new songs: "Tempest" and "Jingle Bell Rock".

Homework: Students should decode their score, and learn at least 8 measures of section of "Tempest" and "Jingle Bell Rock"..