Syllabus for 2014

General Music Syllabus

Mr. Myers: Room 118

Objective: The arts have always served as the distinctive vehicle for discovering who we are. Providing ways of thinking as disciplined as science or math and as disparate as philosophy or literature, the arts are used by and have shaped every culture and individual on earth. They continue to infuse our lives on nearly all levels—generating a significant part of the creative and intellectual capital that drives our economy. The arts inform our lives with meaning every time we experience the joy of a well-remembered song, experience the flash of inspiration that comes with immersing ourselves in an artist’s sculpture, enjoying a sublime dance, learning from an exciting animation, or being moved by a captivating play.-(NCAS)

Our new National Core Arts Standards for music will emphasize four main concepts: creating, performing, responding, and connecting. These concepts will be evaluated using in class “cornerstone assesments”. These assessments may take the form of written, spoken, or project based grades. It is my goal to create a passion for music that will last long after you leave Nativity.

Technology acceptable use forms must be signed by ALL students prior to using school equipment! Students who misuse class time, and tech will be given separate assignments to do at home on their own time. In short, don’t waste class time taking “selfies” or surfing the Internet when you are supposed to be working. 

Class Structure: Each class will consist of exercises covering a variety of fundamental music elements including vocal and Instrumental performance, basic composition / improvisation, rhythmic movement, reading and writing music notation, Listening Skills, and finally demonstrating a basic knowledge of music history and culture. These skills will be broken into the 4 main groups: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. Within these groups will include

·      Singing Alone and With Others

·      Instrumental Performance

·      Composition and Improvisation

·      Movement

·      Reading and Notation

·      Listening Skills

·      Integration / Evaluation

·      Music History / Culture

Grading Break Down:

·      Written Test or Projects 30%

·      Performance 20%

·      Mass Participation 10%

·      Class Participation 40%

***Weights may change at any time to at teacher’s discretion***

It is imperative that all students participate fully in our mass celebrations here at Nativity. Mass participation is not an option! Students are expected to sing, respond, and act reverent and respectful at all times. This grade will determine 10% of your final grade. You will be graded as a class.

Grades: 1- does not meet grade level expectations

              2- struggles with some concepts

              3- comprehends all grade level material

  4- exceeds teacher expectations on class material, goes the next step in demonstrating knowledge of a specific group of concepts.

All grades will be able to be viewed online. Test will only be given once. Extra credit may be assigned to students who need/request it.

***** YOU MUST PARTICIPATE TO PASS ******

Final Thoughts: Music should be fun, if you are not enjoying yourself it is because you’re trying not to! My goal is to create and grow students understanding and interest in music. Music is a vital part of our culture, if we do not understand it we are missing out on what it means to be human.