Mr. Christopher Reid
creid@daltonschool.kr
School Year 2024-2025
Mr. Christopher Reid
creid@daltonschool.kr
School Year 2024-2025
The General Music course focuses on students expansion of their primary instrument in both solo and ensemble settings and focuses on the four main categories of:
Creating
Performing
Responding
Connecting
Discover the diverse dimensions of music in our General Music course. Dive into music theory, exploring melody, harmony, and rhythm. Embrace technology's role in modern music, and gain hands-on experience with innovative tools. Unleash your creativity through composition, blending historical context with contemporary techniques. Whether you're an enthusiast or aspiring musician, this course provides a rich exploration of music's essence and equips you to contribute to its evolving landscape.
August 15 to September 1st
How can a performer communicate and express themselves with fellow musicians?
In the first unit, students will explore musical language through theory and a multitude of genres. Understanding musical language is paramount as it empowers musicians to communicate, interpret, and convey emotions through their performances with precision and nuance. It serves as the universal bridge that unites artists and audiences, transcending cultural boundaries and enriching the shared experience of music.
In Unit 1, students will:
Collaborate in Musical Evaluation discussions
Write and analyze basic music theory elements through various platforms
Sept. 4th to Sept. 8th
What music technology is available and what platforms am I interested in learning about?
Music technology is a transformative force that revolutionizes how we create, share, and experience music. Its importance lies in its ability to democratize musical production, making it accessible to a broader range of artists. To locate valuable resources, aspiring musicians can tap into online platforms, forums, and educational websites that offer tutorials, software recommendations, and insights from experienced practitioners, enabling them to harness the power of music technology effectively.
In Unit 2, students will:
Collaborate in Music Research discussions
Choose technology suitable for their musical needs for various occasions that are ethically and responsibly sourced
Sept. 11th to Sept. 22nd
What types of compositional techniques are best suited for my level of musicianship?
In this engaging course module, students will dive into the fundamentals of composition, exploring melody, harmony, and structure. Armed with this foundation, they will then collaborate within small groups, selecting a music production tool to craft their own original song. Through hands-on exploration and creative teamwork, students will not only grasp essential compositional concepts but also gain practical experience in translating their musical ideas into fully realized compositions.
In Unit 3, students will:
Explore and utilize various compositional techniques
Combine their understanding of the first three units for their first group composition with a new song of their choice
Evaluate musical compositions and techniques
Sept. 25th to Oct. 31st
How has music been used as a protest tool throughout history?
Protest music stands as a powerful testament to the fusion of art and activism, resonating across history as a catalyst for change. From folk ballads during the Civil Rights Movement to punk anthems challenging societal norms, protest music has provided a sonic platform for marginalized voices to challenge oppression and ignite social awareness. This genre transcends borders, languages, and eras, showcasing music's unique ability to amplify dissent and mobilize movements. As a vivid reflection of societal struggles and triumphs, protest music continues to inspire collective action and shape the course of social and political evolution. How can we utilize this today and is it still important?
In Unit 4, students will:
Pull their knowledge for an in class presentation based on the song and protest area of their choice
Consider and evaluate previous units by completing an solo composition of their choice.
Nov. 1st to Dec. 15th
What does it take to effectively plan, organize, and stage a live production show?
Welcome to our engaging unit on Concert Production! Throughout this unit, we will journey through the intricacies of organizing and orchestrating live musical events that cater to diverse venues and ensemble sizes. Whether you're an aspiring concert producer, a versatile musician, or simply curious about the world of live music, we will explore the essential elements of designing and executing unforgettable concerts. From small, intimate settings to grand, open-air stages, you'll learn how to adapt your vision, logistics, and musical arrangements, ensuring that every performance is a harmonious and memorable experience for both the audience and the artists. Join us in this exploration of concert production, where versatility meets creativity to deliver extraordinary musical moments.
In Unit 6, students will:
Collaborate and plan a live concert event featuring multiple venues and logistical strategies
Jan. 22nd to Feb. 16th
How can we improve composition skills while building theoretical knowledge of music?
In this unit, students embark on an immersive journey into the art of musical composition, exploring diverse contexts and theories to deepen their understanding of how music shapes emotions and purpose. Through a blend of theoretical exploration and practical application, learners will delve into various musical contexts, ranging from classical to contemporary, to comprehend how composition techniques vary across genres and eras.
In Unit 7, students will:
Create multiple compositions varying in length and genre
Develop theory skills and reflect in strategies that composers use to portray emotion, and how that has changed throughout history
Feb. 17th to March 15th
How does musical composition affect what we feel emotionally during a visual presentation?
Welcome to our captivating unit on Music Technology and Scoring for Soundtracks, where we'll delve into the art of creating cinematic musical landscapes through cutting-edge technology and composition. Whether you're a composer, sound designer, or simply curious about the magic behind the scenes, this unit will introduce you to digital audio workstations, virtual instruments, and the intricacies of scoring for visual storytelling. From translating emotions to enhancing visual experiences, we'll equip you with the skills to craft your cinematic soundscapes, blending creativity and technology to shape the future of audiovisual storytelling.
In Unit 7, students will:
Research and explore varieties of soundtracks
Work together to compose a soundtrack of their own to intrigue emotions of a given visual
March 16th to April 15th
How can we make more connections to music to display a visual representation of a live music production?
In this unit lesson, students will embark on a journey to unravel the multifaceted elements that compose an anthem and explore their profound impact on societies throughout history. Through a blend of historical analysis, cultural examination, and critical thinking exercises, students will delve into the core components of anthems, including melody, lyrics, rhythm, and symbolism. By examining diverse examples from different cultures and historical periods, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how anthems serve as powerful tools for expressing identity, fostering unity, and reflecting the values and aspirations of communities. Through engaging discussions and creative activities, students will not only dissect the elements of anthems but also reflect on their own connections to these powerful musical and lyrical compositions.
In Unit 8, students will:
Research and explore varieties of anthems
Work alone to compose an anthem of their own with research and presentation on their research
April 15th to May 15th
How does musical composition affect what we feel emotionally during a visual presentation?
In this unit, students will explore the fusion of music and visual art in live productions. They will examine techniques such as stage design, lighting, and multimedia integration to enhance the audience's experience. Through case studies and hands-on projects, students will learn how to create compelling visual representations that complement live music performances. By the end, they will grasp how these elements intertwine to create unforgettable live productions.
In Unit 9, students will:
Communicate and evaluate appropriate elements for songs being presented by a variety of ensemble types
Work together to produce and run a live concert from planning to presentation
May 15th to June 6th
How would learning new instruments help in your research and development as a composer?
In this unit, students will discover the transformative role of learning new instruments in the research and development process as composers. Through practical exploration and theoretical study, they will uncover how mastering diverse instruments expands their creative toolkit and deepens their understanding of musical composition. By delving into the unique timbres, techniques, and expressive capabilities of various instruments, students will gain invaluable insights into crafting rich and dynamic musical arrangements. Through hands-on practice and compositional exercises, students will cultivate their skills in orchestrating intricate musical textures and unlocking new avenues for artistic expression. By the end of the unit, students will emerge with a heightened proficiency in composition and a broader musical palette, poised to embark on more innovative and enriching creative endeavors.
In Unit 10, students will:
Play and learn varieties of instruments
Work together to perform as an ensemble and choose music to their current abilities
Students are expected to...
Respect each other's boundaries and space including all classroom materials
Engage in classroom discussion and evaluations promoting a safe and creative space for music engagement
Come prepared with all materials daily including a specified music folder, music, writing materials, and devices. (all music must be printed for performance and classroom use)
Enjoy the music making process!
All work is expected to be submitted on the day it is due. In the event a student does not submit a summative assessment on the day it is due, that student will…
Be given an opportunity to submit their work up to two weeks after the original due date/time without penalty.
Forfeit their opportunity to be reassessed.
Special considerations may be made for students with extended absences because of sickness, family problems, or family tragedy.
Extra credit assignments will not be provided.
When reassessment is offered, students must meet the following requirements:
complete the original task or assessment (summative) by the specified due date
complete all required assignments (formative assessments) leading up to the summative
complete the reassessment form provided by the teacher
complete a mini-conference with the teacher
The highest summative assessment score is what is entered into Powerschool.
There is a threshold to the reassessments to which students are entitled:
Summative Reassessment Threshold: You are able to reassess ONCE given you satisfy the requirements above. If there is a plan to reassess the same learning outcome, then no additional reassessment is necessary.
Formative Reassessment Threshold: You are provided with UNLIMITED formative reassessments as these types of assessments are solely meant for feedback and improving your skills and abilities in English.
** The following final measures of learning may not be reassessed: end-of-course or end-of-semester exams; culminating projects/performances/papers.
Students can expect the following from the teacher concerning the following:
GOOGLE CLASSROOM - All assignments will be posted in Google Classroom. If you are having trouble locating it, contact the teacher.
RUBRICS AND POLICIES - Once posted here they will not change. However, if a chance is necessary the teacher will inform students well in advance and will clearly mark the changes.