Syllabus

WCS MUSIC EXPLORATIONS

Middle School

Mrs. Joyann Brake

This course is designed to explore the ways music enriches our lives.  It will combine elements of music appreciation, performance (singing and instruments), and creation of music and rhythm.  The goal is to give students an understanding and appreciation of music that they can carry with them throughout life.

Music Appreciation will occur by several methods:  Students will listen to a variety of music chosen by the teacher.  We will discuss genres, composers, and artists.  In addition, students will bring in their own music to share, describe, and discuss.  This may start with some popular music that they listen to regularly.  Next, they will bring in some of their parents’/ grandparents’ favorite music.  They will also be challenged to find music within a specific genre that we are studying. 

Performance will occur both in class and at school concerts.  We will regularly sing in class and do rhythm exercises.   Students will perform with, and for one another, in small groups.  They may also be asked to give reports on specific music styles, composers, or artists.  

Creation of music and rhythm will be an ongoing venture, in conjunction with specific styles of study.  The goal is to start simple, with basic rhythm exercises, and gradually progress toward improvisation in voice or instrument. 

Topics will come from, but are not limited to, the following –

Types of music

Definition of music  

Basic notation   

World cultural musical styles 

Musical forms

Performing (voice, percussion instruments, recorders)

Rhythm        

Pitch  

Elements of composition  

Careers in music

Famous performers/composers 

Conducting

Instruments    

Musical theater

Film scores  

Music videos 

Recording techniques

Curriculum:
Since this is a new class, I am very sure that curriculum will be added or changed as the year progresses!  Some basics that I am using as references are:  “Spotlight on Music” published by Macmillan/ McGraw-Hill; “Music Connection” published by Silver Burdett; “Music from the Inside Out” published by Alfred Publishing;  “World Music Drumming:  A Cross-Cultural Curriculum” published by Hal Leonard.  I will also be incorporating music-in-motion ideas from Orff-Schuelwerk technique.  The goal with these methods is to incorporate whole body movement in the learning of rhythm and music. 

 

Evaluation of achievement will be based on the following criteria –

Daily Participation:  60%

This includes attitude, effort, and participation in the group activities.  Weekly grades will posted in Powerschool.

Written Assignments: 20%

This includes the “What Do I Hear?” listening forms, and worksheets done in class.

Performances/ Quizzes/Projects:  20%

Students will perform in the Thanksgiving and Christmas programs first semester.  Their attendance is required.  However, if their absence is excusable (communication from parent is necessary), then they will instead write a report. 

Quizzes will follow every section of study.  For example, once our Bluegrass study is complete, they will have a quiz on what we learned.

Projects include group compositions, music history projects, and reports.