Choral Music Eighth Grade Curriculum Objectives

2011-2012

Music Skill Development (National Standards #1, 2, 3, 4, 5) Students develop musical skills through gradual mastery of concepts based on the elements of music: Rhythms, melody, harmony, timbre, form, expression, performance techniques and vocabulary.

1.   Student performs and communicates through music by producing healthy tone and using proper breathing and singing techniques.

2.   Student performs and communicates through music by responding to cues from the conductor, singing with expression, and reading/following 2 and 3-part choral octavos in an ensemble.

3.   Student shows understanding of music concepts and vocabulary by identifying from, rhythm, tempo, pitch, dynamics, style, pitch, and texture.

4.   Student shows understanding of music concepts and vocabulary by singing a major scale and arpeggio in tune, and sight-singing short melodic exercises in major going step-wise and jumps of a third, fourth and fifth.

5.   Student shows understanding of music concepts and vocabulary by sight-reading short melodic exercises using “takadimi” syllables including previously learned rhythms, and adding dotted-quarter, dotted-eighth notes with corresponding rests.

6.   Student demonstrates understanding of all music concepts by performing in all required choral concerts.

Reflection and Critique (National Standards #6, 7) Through reflection and critique students learn self, group and peer assessment using specific vocabulary.  Students also develop the ability to define and solve musical problems with insight, reason and technical proficiency.

1.   Student analyzes interprets, and responds to music by using appropriate musical vocabulary to describe, analyze, and critique aural examples of professional musicians.

2.   Student critiques and revises music by participating in verbal and written self-evaluation, individually and as an ensemble.

Making Connections (National Standards #8, 9) Students discover how music connects, shapes, and reflects cultures and history.

1.  Student makes connections between the arts and disciplines outside the arts by researching and presenting on musical careers, music in its cultural context, master composers, famous musicians, period of musical history, or critique of live performances.

Approach to Work (National Standards #1, 4, 7) Students develop a sense of work, practice and performance habits both individually and collaboratively,.

1.  Student develops effective, personal work habits by practicing independently, seeking help overcoming challenges, and completing any assignments outside of class.

2.  Student develops effective, personal work hbits by developing a sense of unity within the ensemble by learning to work as a team to maintain an environment of safety, confidence, mutual esteem and support.