Parent Information

Syllabus

South Carolina Music Standards:

Standard 1: The student will sing and perform on instruments a variety of music, alone and with others.

Standard 2: The student will improvise, compose, and arrange music within specific guidelines.

Standard 3: The student will read and notate music.

Standard 4: The student will listen to, describe, and evaluate music and music performances.

Standard 5: The student will examine and perform music from a variety of stylistic and historical periods and cultures.

Standard 6: The student will make connections between music and other arts disciplines, other content areas, and the world.

UNITS OF INSTRUCTION: Form, Beat, Rhythm, Meter, Dynamics, Timbre, Instruments of Orchestra, Improvising, Movement, Dance, Style, Composers, History, Theory, Tempo, Direction

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND RESOURCES/REQUIRED TEXT: Music classes are taught based on the Quaver Music Program. More information about the Quaver system can be found at quavermusic.com/info. Music classes are also supplemented by the "Share the Music" textbook by MacMillan and McGraw Hill. Plain Elementary also owns Orff instruments, African drums, a MIDI compatible keyboard and amplifier, and a sizable inventory of various kinds of rhythm instruments.

MAJOR ASSESSMENTS: Music is an essential part of a student's educational experience. It nurtures and enriches the quality of life. Music education provides experiences for creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Students in all music classes are assessed each week using different methods, depending on the objective that is being taught. The methods used to assess what each student is learning are teacher observation, individual student performance, a written response, a specific rubric, a checklist, and occasionally a test, written or oral. The results are recorded using a "Q", "M", "P", or "L".

GRADING SCALE: Students in grades K and one will receive a "M"-Meets Standards or a "P"- Progressing Towards Standards. Students in music classes in grades two through five receive a "Q"-Quality Achievement (90-100), "M"-Meets Standards (80-89), "P"-Progressing Towards Standards (70-79), or an "L"-Little or No Progression (60-69) on the report card.

RULES FOR BEHAVIOR: The rules for the Music classroom are posted in the music room, and each class is acquainted with them in their scheduled music classes during the first weeks of school.

Code of Conduct:

Do nothing to keep the teacher from teaching or others from learning.

Maintain a positive attitude

Be respectful of all members of the community.

Rules in the Classroom:

Come in quietly and sit down

Keep your hands and feet to yourself

Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak

Respect others

Bring your best singing voice

Have fun and enjoy music!

CONSEQUENCES: (in order of violating a rule)

Two warnings

Removal from activity, "Rest Area", student has the chance to return to class setting

Contact parents

Meeting with Parents and Administration

PROCEDURES: Students will explore the rules and procedures in class during the first days of school and will be allowed to ask questions. Procedures remain consistent throughout the year.

COMMUNICATION: A communication log is used to record the different ways and times I keep in contact with students and the parents of my students. I communicate with parents through phone calls, face to face conversations, and e-mails. Please feel free to contact me at any time.