October 7, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: Our goals for this week are to complete our exploration of the basic band instruments by learning a simple melody on the flute, and prepare for a written test on the band instruments studied.

During the first class of the week, students will view examples of clarinet and flute performance on youtube and discuss how/where these instruments are commonly used. They learn to name the parts, assemble, produce a tone, tongue, hold in playing and rest positions, play three tones, clean and care for the flute. Information about the dates and after school auditions for saxophone, tuba, percussion (drums) and French horn will be shared. Students should complete the flute section of their instrument worksheet. Try-outs for special instruments will be held as follows for students showing potential on our first 4 instruments:

Tuba (must have a level 3 on trombone or an invitation)
     Wed. Oct. 9th at 8:30 a.m.

French Horn (must have a level 4 on trumpet)
     Wed. Oct.9th at 8:30 a.m.

Percussion (snare drum, bass drum, tympani, auxiliary percussion, xylophone) Only students who have previous drum or piano experience, or an invitation may attend.
     Thurs. Oct. 17th at 8:30 a.m. for 7A, 7B, 7E
     Thurs. Oct. 17th at 3:05 p.m. for 7C, 7D

Alto and Tenor Sax (must have a level 4 on clarinet)
     Wednesday Oct. 16th at 8:30 a.m. for 7A, 7B, 7E
     Wednesday Oct. 16th at 3:05 p.m. for 7C, 7D


Most classes do not have a second music period this week. Those who do have an additional class will begin to analyze which instruments were the easiest for them and will perform the three note song learned for a mark. A review of information covered this far will follow in preparation for the written test next week.

Homework: Begin to prepare for the written test on the instruments studied.

Grade 8 Goals: Our goals for this week are to improve our rhythmic accuracy and our understanding of musical elements by composing and performing an original 8-bar melody.

During our first class of the week, students will receive a rhythm worksheet and review how to count a variety of durations using proper counting "1+2+3+4+". They will work in pairs or groups to clap and count rhythms on their rhythm worksheet. During practise, many students will be asked to perform their "Bits and Pieces" composition, and will receive a mark for writing and performing.

Testing will continue during our second class of the week, and some students will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of rhythm and musical time by demonstrating accurate performance of rhythms from the worksheet.

Homework: Prepare all measures of "Alpha Squadron" for written or performance assessment. Prepare to perform rhythm from the worksheet provided and to be marked on the writing/performance of your "Bits and Pieces" composition.