December 2, 2013

Grade 7 Goals: This week's goals are to complete and perform our compositions using the creative process, and learn songs from Traditions of Excellence which use note "mi" of our scale (concert D).

During the first class of the week, students will begin with a warm up and will be introduced to the book "Traditions of Excellence". They will learn a new note and can then practise songs 7-12.  Time will be given to revise and edit their Question and Answer compositions and practise them in preparation for a composing and performing mark. Some students will be asked to perform their composition.

During the second class of the week, students will continue to perform for a mark. They will use the book to learn additional songs and notes at their own pace.

Homework: practise your composition to perform for a mark and songs 7-12 in the book.

Grade 8 Goals: This week's goals are to review rules for creating harmony by forming chords (harmonious sounding groups of notes) on every step of the scale. We will also work on the ending section of "Swingle Bells"

During our first class of the week, we will review the rules for forming chords. and will play  I, 4 and 5 chords using our chord sheet from last week. We will also learn to harmonize using other chords. We will review our hymn Abide With Me" using chord and non-chord notes. Finally, we will have spot tests on the first 39 bars of "Swingle Bells" and learn the final section of this song.

During the second class of the week, we will review all of "Swingle Bells" and spot test. We will form groups of 3 or 4 students, and plan the chords for original hymns using what we have learned about harmony and the following rules:
     1. each member of the group MUST use the same chord plan
     2. the hymn should be 8 or more bars long
     3. the hymn must begin on a 1 chord and end on a 1 chord
     4. the hymn must use mostly 1, 4 and 5 chords
     5. all measures must contain a harmonizing whole note

Homework: practise counting and clapping/playing all of "Swingle Bells"