September 19, 2011

Grade 7: To begin class this week, we will discuss journal question 1 assigned last week. This week grade 7 students will be completing their first instrument.

For homework after the first class of the week: complete the self-evaluation sheet about the instrument they learned to play.

During the second class of the week, students will begin their exploration of a second instrument, learning how to assemble it, hold it, make a sound, care for it, play a three note song and put it away.

For homework: complete journal question #2: In a simple T-chart, describe the differences between your first and second instruments.

All students are invited to attend our Senior Choir rehearsal on Tuesday at lunch. Membership forms will be handed out.

Grade 8: This week, students will begin class by considering why music is important, and read the handout "Why Music?". They will discuss their progress toward their learning goal for our first piece "Alpha Squadron" with a partner, and will work to clarify any new notes or symbols in their score using their fingering chart, music glossary and other resources. After a period of practise, we will perform the piece again, focusing on improving measures 29-45.

During the second class of the week, we will work on the introduction section of "Alpha Squadron" to improve rhythmic accuracy.

For homework: set a new performance goal for Alpha Squadron and practise toward that goal. Journal Question 2: Consider your playing of Alpha Squadron this week. Evaluate your performance based upon your practising goal. Did our classes change your performance? Explain. Describe how you would like to change/improve your performance in the coming week.

All grade 8 students are invited to attend our Senior Choir rehearsal on Tuesday at lunch, and Senior Band rehearsal on Thursday at lunch. Membership forms will be handed out.

September 12, 2011

Grade 7: This week grade 7 students are expected to begin bringing a binder to each class for their music notes and assignments. They will continue their exploration of the band instruments in the brass and woodwind families. They will learn how to assemble their first instrument, rest position, playing position, tone production/control, tonguing patterns, and how to play a simple 2 or 3 note melody. They will learn how to care for it and disassemble it after use.

Homework: Students will complete a self-evaluation of their performance on this first instrument. Students will answer Question 1 in their music journal: What you were most successful at when using your first instrument? What you would like to improve and what might you do to be more successful?

Grade 8: Grade 8: Students will receive a glossary, fingering chart and practise record sheet. This is practise week 1 in term one and students are expected to practise twice this week outside of class.

After reviewing the Bb major scale and a song of their choice from the method book, students will begin a new band piece - a march. They will work in instrument groups to set a performance goal for this new march - selecting a section for practise during class time and homework. As a group, they will plan strategies for success and then perform the selection at the end of each period.

Journal Reflection #1: Describe the steps, strategies and materials (charts) that helped you reach/approach your performance goal.

Homework: Practise the section of the march to accomplish your performance goal.

September 5 2011

Grade 7: This week students will receive their Music Program Handbook, a name tag for their music stands and a music interest survey to be completed for homework. We will discuss why music is important and it's uses in society. Students will begin to explore the band instruments: flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone.

Grade 8: This week students will be assigned their instrument for the year and have their assignment form signed for homework. They will review the scale and care of their instrument before selecting a song from the method book to learn and perform for the class. We will discuss why music is important and it's uses in society.

June 16, 2011

Grad Song link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SeLxRle5LE

Week of June 13, 2011

Grade 7: This is week 17 in term 2. There is no practising homework this week.

During the first class of the week, students will have the opportunity to complete their Big Raven tests if they were away. Then we will be going to the computer lab to experience composing with Finale music software. Students will learn how to set up their score and input notes and rests to compose an 8 bar melody.

During the second class of the week, students will learn how to cut and paste measures, add dynamic markings, articulation (staccatos, slurs, ties, accents), repeats and special bar lines. They will also change their solo piece into a duet by adding a second harmony.

Homework: Students should make up/complete any outstanding work.

Grade 8: This is week 17 in term 2. There is no practising homework this week.

During the first class of the week, students will have an opportunity to view the DVD recording of their Stomp performance. They will also see the performances of some other groups. Feedback will be offered to all groups.

During the second class of the week, students work in their Stomp groups to reflect on their performances in Stomp. They will respond to and share their answers to 14 questions about the process of creating a Stomp routine, and their final product. If time permits we will discuss the singing of an original graduation song.

Homework: Students should make up/complete any outstanding work.

June 6, 2011

Grade 7:

This is practise week 16 in term 2. Students should be practising twice this week outside of class.

During the first class of the week, students will complete Blues composing performances and have one final practise for their performance test on "Big Raven". The performance rubric will be shared with students and practise should focus on using expression in their performance.

They will receive theory sheets 18/19, 21/22, and 26/27 which review concepts covered in our music. (ties, slurs, repeats, endings, key signatures and accidentals). These should be begun for homework.

During the second class of the week, students will perform "Big Raven" for a mark, and we will take up the theory sheets.

Homework: complete theory sheets and prepare for Big Raven test.

Grade 8:

This is practise week 16 in term 2. Students should be practising for their STOMP performances. During the first class of the week, students will review and perfect all sections of their STOMP routine in preparation for the assessment next class. All questions in their booklets should be completed and handed in.

During the second class of the week, students will be performing their STOMP routines for each other and will be marked on their performances.

Homework: complete any outstanding work and turn in by the end of the week.

May 30, 2011

Grade 7: This is week 15 in term 2. Students are expected to practise twice outside of class.

During the first class of the week, students will review scales and song 45, "William Tell Theme". We will also review measures 36-the end of Big Raven. Our new song for the week is #91, "Day O". We will listen to a recording of this song on youtube and then learn about the new notes (clarinet low g and a) and the D. C. al fine.

During the second class, students will review all of "Big Raven" and "Day O". They will complete some written theory sheets and practise to for a playing test next week on "Big Raven".

Homework: finish theory sheets and practise song 91 and Big Raven for a test.

Grade 8: This is week 15 in term 2. Students are expected to practise twice outside of class.

During the first class of the week, students will complete the homophonic section of their routine. They will practise performing it with the other sections and complete questions 24-35 in their booklet. Students will work on creating success criteria for the final performance.

During the second class, students will have their final practise and prepare for the assessment next week.

Homework: practise your parts for STOMP and be prepared to perform for a mark next week.