EHS MUSIC DEPARTMENT

2008-2009

Class Guitar Definitions

This class is for the beginning guitarist. In this class, the student will learn how to apply basic musical concepts, such as rhythm, harmony, and melody to the guitar. At the end of this class you will be able to read and play basic chord symbols and melodies.


Requirements:

• Student must provide his/her own acoustic guitar, set of strings and guitar picks. Electric guitar may be used if student has pocket size amplifier and headphones.
• Student has to have Hands-On-Training textbook (purchased at EHS Student bookstore)
  

Playing tests (varying points):
Playing tests are designated technical skills that will be tested individually. A due date will be given for a specific skill to be developed. To complete the test student has to have only his/her own guitar and textbook. Students are encouraged to play it a day or two prior the deadline. If they are not satisfied with the grade they receive, they then have an opportunity to practice more and play it again. Tests that are not passed by the final deadline receive a zero. The student has an unlimited amount of chances to pass this skill test before the due date. If a student passed the due date and had an excused absence (to be verified at EHS Attendance office), he/she has only 2 weeks to complete the test. If the student had unexcused absence, he/she still has a chance to complete the test within 2 weeks only since the due date and receive 60% of the maximum available for the test grade.

Worksheets/Written tests (varying points): An objective form of measuring the knowledge of each student, no matter what the skill level and is always completed in pencil. Worksheets are found in the back of student workbooks. Students may complete worksheets ahead of time. Written tests will be given on the specific dates. If the student passed the due date and had an excused absence (to be verified at EHS Attendance office), he/she has 2 weeks max. to complete the test.


Concert Critique (100 pts. each): During semester student has to attend at least two concerts of student’s choice: EHS, other schools, community or professional performers (solo or group) and complete two written Concert Critiques (use of Six Traits of Successful writing required). IMPORTANT: To receive full credit for the critique, student has to submit the proof of the concert attendance such as concert program or ticket (receipt/proof of purchase, etc.) that has to be stapled to the critique. No other formats such as cell phone pictures, T-shirts, hand stamps, flyers, announcements, e-mails from parents will be accepted. If no proof of attendance submitted, the critique is worth 60 % only. No substitution for Concert critique is available. Due date for:
Critique #1 – March 24, 2009
Critique #2 - May 28 (seniors), June 11 (sophomores & juniors)
To earn extra points students are encouraged to attend more than two concerts and write critiques on them.

Sensitive Items (S.I.) check: "Check-ups" will take place to evaluate students' daily preparedness for the class. Textbook, guitar and spare strings are the primary components to the S.I. Check.
Sensitive Items grading:
Guitar – 10 pts.
Textbook – 10 pts.
Spare strings – 5 pts.

Final Test: An objective form of measuring cumulative knowledge gained by a student in the term (18 weeks). All information that is covered on a final exam is information previously covered on tests, quizzes, lectures or review periods.

Project Presentation: A research product based on an approved (student chosen) topic. The student will complete this task in three portions: Summary, Product and Presentation. These three parts are combined to build the final project. Topics are based on sufficient data that is pre-approved by the instructor. Topics will not be changed after a final topic selection is made. More information will follow.


Individual Practice Time (I.P.T.): In this time with students, the teacher has an opportunity to help individuals and/or groups of students in developing specific skills. Student will earn this opportunity as their maturity and skill permit. Students are encouraged to peer-tutor and self-teach at their appropriate learning rate. Instructor will challenge students with skill and technique development.


Extra Credit: Students may earn credit for going beyond their expected work load. To receive extra credit student have to prepare a performance of 2-3 songs (10 minutes total) or write extra Concert critique. Extra credit opportunities are permitted to those who have completed all daily work standards of the class. Students earn the right to gain extra credit by completing all assignments and by attending class on a consistent basis. Extra credit will not be available if the minimum requirements are not met. Again, extra credit is determined by the teacher based upon prior standard achievements.

In-Class Warning "THIS WILL AFFECT YOUR GRADE": A verbal cue from the instructor notifying the student(s) that his/her being off task will directly affect his/her participation points for that day/week/semester/final grade.

Late Work Policy:
If a student passed the due date and had an excused absence (to be verified at EHS Attendance office), he/she has 2 weeks maximum to complete the test and receive full credit. If the student had unexcused absence, he/she still has a chance to complete the test and receive 60% of the maximum available for the test grade within 2 weeks after the due date.


Grading:

• Playing tests – 30%

• Written Tests – 15%

• Project Presentation – 20%

• Concert Critique - 15%

• Worksheets, sensitive items - 10%

• Daily participation – 10%

Extra credit (individual or group performances, extra Concert Critiques) – 10-30%

WebGrader: If the student notice missing or unsatisfactory grade for the completed assignment, he/she is encouraged to talk to Mr. Spichak within 1 month since the due date to resolve the issue.



Grading Scale:

A (90-100);

B+ (87-89);

B (83-86);

B- (80-82);

C+ (77-79);

C (73-76);

C- (70-72);

D+ (67-69);

D (60-66);

F (0-59).

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