May 5, 2014

May 5, 2014

Grade 7 Goals: Our goals for this week are to demonstrate an understanding of all of the elements of the blues (improvising a blues solo and playing a blues harmony/walking bass) through group performance.

During the first class of the week, students will begin by listening to examples of blues solos:

Blues for Harry

Mario Perrett Saxophone Solo

They will receive and discuss the rubric for their final performance evaluation on the blues. In groups of 3-4, they will practise taking turns playing a 12 bar solo and a 12 bar harmony and/or walking bass part. Some students may be asked to perform for a mark.

During the second class of the week, students will be marked on their performances. While groups are performing, others will be expected to write an original verse of the blues which shows their understanding of the context of the blues; how the lyrics reflect the thoughts and feelings of an individual at a given moment in history. Work will be collected at the end of the period.

Homework: Prepare for final blues tests and concert.

Grade 8 Goals: 

Our goals for this week are to complete our incidental music unit - demonstrating an understanding of how the elements of music communicate with the listener, and how to use the creative process - by performing our compositions for film.

During the first class of the week, remaining incidental music groups will perform their group compositions, students will perform for the class and receive feedback on their compositions. 

Any students who have not performed "Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge" will be tested.

During the second class of the week, students will perform "Home", Wonderful 

World" and "Voyage of Queen Anne's Revenge" as a class once more. After reflecting upon their use of balance, dynamics, tempo, tone, phrasing and other musical elements, students will perform one last time aiming for their 'personal best' performance of each piece. 

Homework: Performers, please prepare for the concert.