Music
Tim Placher - tplacher@psd202.org
John Fleming - JFLEMING@psd202.org
7th Grade Music Contract | 8th Grade Music Contract
Music is an essential and important part of our culture and the world. All children should have the opportunity to understand and appreciate music. The following are the goals of general music:
• To develop interest and tools in music so that students can further pursue musical interests.
• To develop critical and creative thinking skills that are essential to higher learning.
• To develop skills that students can use continually while listening, performing or composing music.
• To understand the importance, expression and meaning of music in all cultures and all time periods.
The following is an outline of the course. It concentrates on the elements of all music. Students explore music through listening, performing and composing.
Grading Scale
A
|
90-100% |
B
|
80-89% |
C
|
70-79% |
D
|
60-69% |
F
|
0-59% |
7th Grade Music Units
Unit 1: Rhythm
Students learn to read and identify rhythms. Students perform these rhythms on percussion instruments. At the end of the unit students compose and perform their own rhythms in 4/4.
Unit 2: Melody
Students learn about scales and staff names. Students read and Perform music on keyboards, xylophones and resonator bells. Students also learn the keys on the piano. At the end of the unit students compose melodies based on scales and the treble clef. They perform their pieces on keyboards and xylophones. There will also be an exam on the treble and bass clefs at the end of the unit.
Unit 3: Composers
Every Friday students learn about a composer and listen to their music. Students analyze the music and relate it to the composer's life. At the end of the quarter students will pick a composer and do a Garbage Bag Presentation. In other words collect drawings and objects that represent that person's life. This bag will serve as their tool for the oral presentation.
Journals:
A small spiral will be used as a daily journal. This journal will be used while listening to a musical example.
8th Grade Music Units
Unit 1: World Music
The students learn about different cultures and how music is important to their way of living. During this unit they learn the classifications of instruments and how to play. The cultures studied are Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Unit 2: Jazz
In this unit the students will learn about many different jazz composers, players, and singers. We will compare different styles such as be-bop and swing. They will listen to music and analyze the different instruments and melodies that belong to different time periods.
Unit 3: Musical Theater
At the end of the quarter the students learn about the different types of theater and how they are similar, but yet different. They watch a musical that we discuss. Their final project is a CD jacket full of information about a musical of their choice.
Unit 4: Guitar
Students learn 8 notes on the first three strings, and a few simple chords. Students perform simple songs on the guitar for the class at the end of the unit.
Expectations
- Respect and consideration are expected for the teacher and other class members
- No unauthorized food or gum is allowed
- Be in your seat before the bell rings. Class is dismissed by the teacher not the bell.
- No missing assignments. Most assignments are in class projects; therefore they must be turned in on time.
- Do not touch the equipment, i.e. instruments, keyboards, piano and bulletin boards without permission.
- Have all materials with you everyday. Materials include a pocket folder with clasps and paper (for taking notes), a small spiral (journals), two pencils and a pen. Materials can be stored in the back of the room.
Consequences
The following is a list of sequential consequences that will occur if the student chooses to disregard the expectations. These consequences are at the discretion of the music teacher.
- 1st Offense: Warning
- 2nd Offense: 2nd Warning
- 3rd Offense: After School Detention (2:40 - 3:30 p.m.) Discussion with choir director and possible seat change.
- 4th Offense and All Other Defenses: Sent to Dean of Students. Parent Conference
Projects and Tests
The following is a list of 7th grade projects and exams:
- 10% Importance of Music
- 20% Rhythm Composition and Performance
- 10% Mid Term Classroom Participation
- 10% Treble and Bass Clef Exam
- 20% Melody Composition and Performance
- 10% Music History Worksheets
- 10% Composer Bags
- 10% Final Classroom Participation
The following is a list of
8th grade projects and exams:
- 10% Why Teach Music
- 10% World Music Projects
- 10% Journals
- 20% Participation
- 10% World Music Packet
- 10% CD Jacket- Musical Theatre Unit
- 10% Guitar Quizes
- 10% Guitar Test
- 10% Guitar Performance Test