Hopewell Middle School CHORUSES

 

Use what talents you possess:  the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there but the very best.     Henry Van Dyke

General Music

Course Description:

Students will develop their musical skills and their understanding of musical elements, based on National Standards through a study of creating, performing and producing music.  Students will study notation, composition, improvisation, instruments and voices, as well as music of a variety of styles and time periods.

Course Text: 

Silver Burdett           Making Music, grades 6, 7 & 8

Grading Procedures:

Students will be graded over a nine-week period

with the following criteria:    

25%           Class participation

                 25%           Classwork/Worksheets

                 25%           Performance Assessments and/or projects

                 25%           Tests/Quizzes

Expectations:  Classroom Procedures 

Enter with purpose:  books under your chair/prepare for class

Check the board for assignments; agenda for the day.

Sit in your assigned seat each day.

Begin work as you are seated.

Pay attention and follow directions when they are given.

Provision for Improving Grades:

According to Fulton County Board of Education Procedure, students who have low (75 or below average) or failing cumulative grades may ask the teacher for opportunities to improve their grades.  This provision is for students who have demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance and who have completed all work to date including homework.

Absence Make-up Procedures:

When students miss class, it is the student’s responsibility to pick up any missed assignment and/or make-up work from the teacher.  The following guidelines will be used in assigning alternate work:

Class work:  Daily work can be made up through homework assignments.

Tests/Quizzes: Students should arrange a time with the teacher before or after school to make-up the test or quiz.

Discipline Guidelines: 

Students are held responsible for all rules in the Fulton county student handbook. In addition, because music is a focused, disciplined endeavor, students should follow daily procedures and observe the following codes and rules of conduct:

     Code of Conduct:

1.  Students are to be prepared for class.

2.  Students are to show respect for others and for materials.

                 3.  Students are not to conduct personal grooming during class.

4.  Students are to use their voices appropriately.

     Rules of Conduct:

1.  Students are to receive permission before speaking in class.

2.  Students are to receive permission before leaving their seat.

3.  Students are to follow instructions the first time they are          

      given.

4.  Students are not to bring any food, snacks or drink to class.    

     (water allowed)

5.  Students are to participate fully without disrupting others

     during instruction.

Disciplinary action begins with a verbal warning and may also include a misconduct report, notification of parents, detention, referral to the office, and or limitations of participation in class.

 

Teacher/Parent Communication:

E-mail is the preferred means of communication and every effort will be made to respond to e-mails within 24 hours. 

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Syllabus

Reminder:  You may come in any day before school to practice your keyboard skills or play for a grade.

 

 

  A very good website to check out as you learn about music history is. . .

www.essentialsofmusic.com

There is information about each of the time periods as well as the composers of each era.  It is a great site to visit as you review for tests and quizzes.

Study tips for the 7th Grade Music History test . . .

¨ Know the dates for each of the six time periods

¨ Know at least one major composer (better to know two) from the Baroque time period and beyond

¨ Know the definition of the terms monophonic, homophonic and polyphonic

¨ Know at least one major characteristic of the style of each time period . . .(i.e., Baroque music was full of ornamentation and had long melody lines)

¨ Recognize and remember the music from class (For example:  Do you remember the piece “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Aaron Copland that you heard in class this week?  . . .with the listening map?  Do you remember the aria “Queen of the Night” by Mozart from the opera, The Magic Flute?  How about the Surprise Symphony by Haydn?  Or, Beethoven’s 5th Symphony?  If not, stop by the chorus room before going to homeroom!)

¨ Know the terms Nationalism, Symphonic Poem and Program music

¨ Do you remember what a sackbut is?

¨ What do the terms monophonic, monks, monastery, Italy, Pope Gregory, and chant describe/have in common?

¨ Which musical period has the widest range of styles in one period?

¨ Any questions?  You could send me an email . . .