October 14, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: This week our goals are to assign an instrument to each student, complete a written and performance assessment on that instrument, and to be sure that students know their strengths and next steps as players.

During our first class of the week, students will consider their strengths and weaknesses on each of the instruments they have tried, and will complete the assignment process which considers their strengths, balance, and the instruments available. Once they are on their final instrument, they will perform the 3 note song for a mark and receive feedback. Students will receive a letter indicating their instrument which should be shared with parents. There will be a quick review for the written text next class. (Any students who have not been assigned an instrument should be coming for help before or after school.)

During the second class of the week, students will have a written test about the instrument to which they have been assigned. Some classes will finish viewing youtube videos of performers playing the flute and clarinet.
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Homework: study for the written test and complete a short reflective paragraph describing your strengths as a musician and the skills you would like to improve (assembly, tone, tonguing, fingering, breath control, air speed, buzz, care and cleaning, etc.)

Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for this week are to demonstrate an understanding of rhythmic accuracy by using proper counting as they clap or play in class.

During our first class of the week, students will review measures 1-17 of "Jupiter" and play through the remaining measures using their understanding of rhythm. They will make note of measures for practise at home. Some students will demonstrate their rhythmic accuracy by performing a section of "Jupiter", or clapping a group of measures from other sources.

During the second class of the week, students will replay all measures of "Jupiter" with a focus on improving the measures which were incorrect previously. Students who did not have a clapping or playing assessment will be marked during this class.

Homework: practise "Jupiter" and clapping worksheet