NEW: Due to LWSD Server upgrade, students who have shortcuts to dropboxes or shared datafiles, will have to create new shortcuts.

To create a new shortcut:

1.  Click on this link to the new path \\lwsd\fs\.
   
2.   Open your individual “student folder” (right click any place inside), select  “New”, “Shortcut”, type in new path –i.e. \\lwsd\fs\students\dropboxes or SharedData\building name - click the “Next” button , type in a name for the new shortcut, click “Finish”.

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EHS MUSIC DEPARTMENT

2008-2009

 

Music Theory Class Definitions

This class is for students with no prior musical experience or students with a strong music background. Emphasis is placed on understanding the symbols and rules of the music language. Software will be used to enhance ones ability to understand and write music compositions. Up to date software will help students create and edit their own compositions in the ready-to-publish standards. Components covered will be: basic music notations, theory, and ear training. Musical compositions for various genres such as voice, band, orchestra, piano, guitar, etc., will be covered for those wishing to pursue those avenues.

Students who pass Final Test with grade A may take AP Music Theory class at Eastlake HS in the following school year with no pre-requisite examination.

 

Every Class, with some exceptions will follow this sequence:

1. Dictation (Rhythmic, melodic and harmonic);
2. Written Theory and exercises;
3. Work with Music Theory, music notation, music arranging and composing software.

Materials

• Alfred’s Essentials in Music Theory workbooks 1-3 (student should purchase them at EHS Student bookstore $6.50 each);
• Three-ring binder containing lined notebook paper, pencils, and erasers;

Grading:

• Projects, compositions – 30%
• Performance, presentation - 30%
• Written Tests – 15%
• Unit exercises - 10%
• Daily participation, sensitive items, forms, etc. – 15%
• Extra credit (individual or group arrangements/compositions, Concert Critiques) – 10-30%

Grading Scale:

A (90-100);
B+ (87-89);
B (83-86);
B- (80-82);
C+ (77-79);
C (73-76);
C- (70-72);
D (60-69); 
F  (0-59).

Skill Tests (varying points): Proficiencies are designated technical skills in working with Sibelius 5 Music Notation program, and MusicTheory.net on-line trainer, and piano exercises that will be tested individually. A due date will be given for a specific skill to be developed. Students are encouraged to take Proficiency test a day or two in advance of deadline. If they are not satisfied with the grade they receive, they then have an opportunity to practice more and take 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.

Worksheet/Test/Quiz (varying points):  An objective form of measuring the knowledge of each student, no matter what the skill level and is always completed in pencil.   Students can work ahead and get help when needed/scheduled.  Worksheets have specific due dates which correspond to the test taking schedule.  Late work is unacceptable unless the student is absent for the entire school day when assignment is due.

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

Individual/Small group Time (I.S.T.):  In this time with students, the teacher has an opportunity to help individuals and/or groups of students in developing specific skills, refining Music Theory knowledge, etc.  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 knowledge development.

Extra Credit:  Students may earn credit for going beyond their expected work load.  To receive extra credit student have to prepare an arrangement of already existing or student composed song/composition for any kind of voices/instruments using Sibelius or Band-in-the-Box software. 10-50 pts are available for the arrangement with the Band-in-the-Box; 20-100 pts – for using Sibelius.
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.

  

For more information,

Please contact Mr. Spichak:

E-Mail:  aspichak@lwsd.org

(425) 836-6600 ext. 314