January 14, 2013

Grade 6
Our goals for this are to demonstrate an understanding of music vocabulary covered during the past term and begin a new choral piece "Allelulia"
During our first class, we will have a test on music terms. If time permits, we will experiment with a variety of ways to express feelings through language by speaking with a variety of inflections in preparation for our new choral selections - two pieces titled "Alleluia" written in different historical periods and styles.
During our second class we will take up our tests and then listen to recordings of the original "Allelulia" composition by Mozart and Leonard Cohen.

Grade 7
This is practise week 8 in term 1. Students should practise twice outside of class.
Our goals for this week are demonstrate what we have learned this term by completing a "Question and Answer" composition for our instrument and perform it as a solo. The accuracy of the written work and the performance will be marked.
During our first class of the week, clarinet and sax players will receive their second reed. We will begin with a scale review and will learn the correct 7th note of the major scale.
Students will complete their composition using the rubric as a guide to the success criteria, and receive feedback on their writing. They will practise their composition in class and for homework.
During our second class of the week, students will perform their "Question and Answer" composition as a solo and will be marked on the performance. During performances, students will begin their journal writing by responding to the following question:
For two classmates who have performed their Question and Answer compositions, describe the following:
1. one compliment you would share about their writing/performance
2.one suggestion that you would give them about their writing/performance
3. how you think they used pattern in their composition (repetition, sequence, reverse, etc)

Homework: complete the writing of your Question and Answer composition and practise it.

Grade 8
This is practise week 14 in term 1. All students should practice twice outside of class.
Our goals for this week are to compose, practise and perform a polyphonic Peace Hymn in small groups which uses our understanding of harmony, chords and passing notes correctly. We will also begin a new band piece "Crusade" if time permits.
During our first class, students will complete all composing and review playing their melody focusing on rhythmic accuracy. When ready, will join members of their group to clap, finger and then play their trio together.
During our second class, students will have a short time to warm up and rehearse before performing their harmony compositions for the class. If time permits, students will receive and begin "Crusade".

Homework: practise Peace Hymn composition and Crusade.