Music
 

 

 

 Faculty

Teaching Assignment(s)

Gae Ellyn Gentzsch

Concert Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra

Bill Pringle

Concert Band, Symphony Band

Terri Finger

Adaptive Music, Choir 7, Choir 8, Music Technology and Electronic Instruments, Rock Band 101


COURSE TITLE: General Music
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: One trimester

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is a basic general music course designed to provide each student with an increased knowledge of music and direct experiences with music. Students are challenged to perceive the relationships between all curricular areas and music. Students will be evaluated based upon their individual growth in skills, attitudes, and knowledge.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Listening skills (appreciative, discriminatory and comprehensive)
Musical notation (review and expansion)
Review of the elements of music--rhythm, melody, harmony, etc. (includes video)
Electronic piano/computer sequencing unit; Electronics unit, including hands-on experience with several different electronic instruments and effects processors

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:

Use thinking skills Use problem-solving techniques
Become better listeners Demonstrate creativity
Demonstrate self discipline and responsibility
Demonstrate competencies in all areas of study



COURSE TITLE:
Concert Band
PREREQUISITE: Previous study & ability to read music
LENGTH: Full year


COURSE DESCRIPTION: The student will participate in daily rehearsals and in weekly lessons preparing for concerts. Students are also provided with the opportunity to participate in solo and ensemble festivals and the jazz band. Selected members will participate in area honor bands. A variety of concert music from popular to the classical will be studied. An emphasis is placed on sight reading ability. Criteria is established for assignment to concert band or symphonic band. Movement from one band to the other is possible if the situation warrants.


AREAS OF STUDY:
Standard of Excellence Book I-III Intonation Tone quality
Rubank Advanced Methods Phrasing
Sight reading method book Performance techniques


STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Perform at level appropriate to their experience
Attend all scheduled events such as concerts and lessons
Improve skills through individual practice and challenges
Perform successfully on written and performance tests
Attendance at University and community musical events is encouraged



COURSE TITLE: Concert Orchestra
PREREQUISITE: Previous study and consent of instructor
LENGTH: Full year

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The orchestra meets daily, with concert orchestra composed almost entirely of 7th graders. Concert orchestra is a string orchestra which performs several required evening concerts throughout the year. The performance of fine quality, well-written literature played in an accurate and musical style is a trademark of the group. Students also receive weekly lessons which focus on developing their technique through the study of scales, etudes and solo pieces.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Tonal discrimination and increasing proficiency in attaining pitches
Rhythmic accuracy and recognizing note values
Development of musical expression
Pertinent info. regarding composers and musical styles performed in class & at lessons

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Assume responsibility for individual practice in preparation for lessons and class
Attend rehearsals and concerts
Demonstrate a considerate attitude toward other class members
Be responsible for their behavior
Display correct rehearsal techniques


COURSE TITLE: General Chorus
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: Full year, every other day


COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed primarily for the 8th grade student who was not enrolled in a 7th grade choral program and those who were enrolled but opt out of the more intense 8th Grade Mixed course. Emphasis will be placed upon basic music theory, beginning sight singing, and basic vocal technique. Music for this group will consist of light classical and some contemporary and folk music. The singing of three-part music will be a group goal. Choral performances are required for credit.


COURSE TITLE:
Rock Band 101
PREREQUISITE: General Music 7
LENGTH: One tri


COURSE DESCRIPTION: This elective will expand music reading ability, as well as keyboard and guitar playing skills. Students will continue to gain an under-standing of MIDI technology in music by using a computer with a sequenced program and a keyboard to make and record compositions.


AREAS OF STUDY:
Keyboard, Guitar, Electronics in music...and more?


STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Use thinking skills Demonstrate creativity
Use problem-solving techniques Cooperate in group activities
Demonstrate self-discipline Perform in class
Demonstrate competencies in all areas
Be responsible for their behavior and assigned work




COURSE TITLE:
Mixed Chorus
PREREQUISITE: Previous chorus experience or consent of instructor
LENGTH: Full year, every other day


COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed for those 8th grade students who were enrolled in a 7th grade choral program. Students not meeting this requirement may be admitted by instructor approval only. Emphasis will be placed upon advanced sight singing and vocal technique. Music for this group will consist primarily of classical concert pieces and some contemporary pieces. The goals for this group are participation in a regional choral festival and singing in four-part harmony. Choral performances are required for credit.


COURSE TITLE: Symphony Band
PREREQUISITE: Previous study & ability to read music
LENGTH: Full year

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The student will participate in daily rehearsals and in weekly lessons preparing for concerts. Students are also provided with the opportunity to participate in solo and ensemble festivals and the jazz band. Selected members will participate in area honor bands. A variety of concert music from popular to the classical will be studied. An emphasis is placed on sight-reading ability. Criteria is established for assignment to concert band or symphonic band. Movement from one band to the other is possible if the situation warrants.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Standard of Excellence Book I-III, Intonation ,Sight Reading
Phrasing, Tone Quality,
Interpretation and Styles, Performance Techniques
Rubank Intermediate and Advanced Methods

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Perform at a level appropriate to their experience
Attend all scheduled events such as concerts and lessons
Improve skills through individual practice and challenges
Perform successfully on written and performance tests
Attendance at university and community musical events is encouraged






COURSE TITLE:
Symphony Orchestra
PREREQUISITE: Previous study, consent of instructor
LENGTH: Full year

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The orchestra meets daily, with Symphony Orchestra composed almost entirely of eighth graders. The group plays several required evening concerts throughout the year. After the first concert, Symphony Orchestra will devote four days per week to a string orchestra rehearsal and one day in a full orchestra rehearsal. The performance of fine quality, well-written literature played in an accurate musical style is a trademark of the group. The students will also receive weekly lessons which focus on developing their technique through the study of scales, etudes, and solo pieces.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Tonal discrimination and increasing proficiency in attaining pitches
Rhythmic accuracy and recognizing note values
Development of musical expression
Pertinent information regarding composers and musical styles performed in class and at lessons

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Assume responsibility for individual practice in preparation for lessons/class
Attend rehearsals and concerts
Demonstrate a considerate attitude toward other class members
Be responsible for their behavior
Display correct rehearsal techniques