Music Class

Grade 6

Grade 6 General Music students study Fundamentals of Music. Students continue their study of music literacy (notation reading, writing, & creating), basic harmonic and rhythmic instruments, and voice. In addition, more complex harmonic structures and improvisation are introduced through performance on ukulele and djembe. Students perform in large and small groups, strengthening skills in collaboration, cooperative, and creativity. 

Grade 7 

Grade 7 General Music students study music from a multi-ethnic approach. Previously referred to as "World Music," this perspective embraces the many ethnicities and musical traditions that make up our communities. With Grade 6 music skills as a foundation, students are challenged to perform music that is organized in a way that differs from that with which we are familiar. Sometimes this will mean singing in another language, and other times learning pitches and rhythms that are not in our current vocabulary. 

Grade 8

Grade 8 General Music parallels the Grade 8 History course in it's study of American Music. Beginning just before the Civil War, students take a journey through time, narrated by music. Study of music history and music notation leads students through analysis of the origins, diversity, and development of American Music. Students study spirituals, jazz, Motown, rock 'n' roll, rock & metal music, pop, and rap genres. Students have opportunities to be creative and cater their learning to their own interests in music. Catering to the creative process of "performing," 8th graders learn the basic techniques, melodies, and harmonies (chords) on guitar. Partnering with our music history timeline, we learn play an African American spiritual, rock tune, and modern pop song across the year.