October 28, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: Our goal for this week are to continue our study of beat and rhythm, and learn to identify pitch on the music staff used by our instrument.

During our first class of the week, students will continue/complete their rhythm compositions and then will learn about pitch notation on the staff. They will apply what they learn to their copy of Staff Songs 1/2. For homework they will receive a pitch worksheet, an Instrument Responsibility Sheet, and a practise record sheet.

Homework. students should have their responsibility sheet signed and complete the pitch worksheet.

During our second class of the week, students will review pitch and rhythm notation, and will begin reading and playing music from Staff Songs 1using the four practise steps:
     CLAP the rhythm
     SAY the letter names of the notes on the staff
     FINGER the notes in time
     PLAT the notes in time
They will reflect on their success and do focused practise on the difficult measures.

Homework: practise naming the notes on the staff at the following sites:

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/keyboard/speednotereading.html
http://courses.wcupa.edu/frichmon/usetech/musicalflashcards/tcnotes.html

Students who have:
     1. returned their Instrument Responsibility Sheet
     2. performed Try for Three successfully
     3. achieved at least a 75% on their written test 

may sign out an instrument for at home practise one night at a time. Their practise record sheet should be signed by a parent.


Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for his week are to use the creative process to successfully compose and perform war music which communicates a particular idea or message.

During the first class of the week, students will go over their homework and prepare to share their 2 melodies and 3 (or more) sound effects with others. A Success Criteria checklist will be handed out once students are in groups of 4-6 players. Students will share their war sounds/melodies with each other and begin selecting/planning their sound story composition.

Homework: practise performing melodies or finding additional sounds as required to complete the group's sound story.

During the second class of the week, students will again work with their groups to make decisions and create a graphic score which represents the sounds in their composition. Students will rehearse and prepare to present their composition for the class next time. If time permits, we will begin to read and perform a traditional march.

Homework: practise your part of the presentation.