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: 

1. Collaborate in Musical Evaluation discussions

2. Write and analyze basic music theory elements through various platforms

How do performers find and locate music resources purposely and responsibly? 

Locating music purposefully and responsibly ensures a respectful engagement with diverse cultural expressions, preserving the integrity of musical traditions while promoting cultural awareness. By conscientiously selecting music, performers can tailor their repertoire to suit the occasion and audience, enhancing the overall impact of their performance. Additionally, responsible music selection contributes to a more inclusive and equitable artistic environment, reflecting a thoughtful consideration of the social and historical implications tied to musical choices.

In Unit 2, students will: 

1. Collaborate in Music Research discussions

2. Choose works suitable for their performance needs for various occasions that are ethically and responsibly sourced

What practice techniques work best for a musician and how do we evaluate music performance?

Practice skills are the cornerstone of a musician's journey, fostering technical mastery and artistic growth. Diligent practice hones precision, enabling musicians to execute complex passages flawlessly and expressively. Furthermore, cultivating effective practice habits cultivates resilience, confidence, and adaptability, empowering musicians to navigate challenges and evolve as performers.

In Unit 3, students will: 

1. Explore and utilize various practice techniques 

2. Combine their understanding of the first three units for their first solo performance with a new song of their choice

3. Evaluate musical performances and practice techniques

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: 

1. Pull their knowledge for an in class presentation based on the song and protest area of their choice

2. Consider and evaluate previous units by completing an ensemble performance of their choice. 

Given a specific prompt, what music would you choose based of personal experience and connection? 

Imagination is a powerful tool that allows us to create and explore new worlds, ideas, and experiences. But what happens when we are left alone with our thoughts and imagination? In this unit, we will delve into the fascinating realm of imagination, focusing on how it is connected to the experience of one's childhood thoughts, connections, and experiences. 

In Unit 5, students will: 

1. Pull their knowledge for a peer evaluation based on practice techniques and performance progression

2. Consider and evaluate previous units by completing an ensemble performance of their choice. 

How can we effectively work with artists in different spaces and times while continually working to compose and develop a final performance?

In this dynamic unit, students will immerse themselves in the world of collaborative music making in the digital realm, exploring innovative tools and techniques to work seamlessly with other musicians, refine group performances, maintain effective communication and development, and enhance their individual practice routines.

In Unit 6, students will: 

1. Work with technology or students to collaborate building an accompaniment

2. Consider and evaluate previous units by completing a group performance of their choice. 

How can we work with student compositions to expand our knowledge about theory and composition in group performances?

In this unit, students will engage in a dynamic exploration of composition collaboration and performance, working closely with student composers to bring their musical visions to life while applying theoretical concepts to optimize compositions for ensemble performance. Through a blend of hands-on workshops, rehearsal sessions, and collaborative projects, participants will develop essential skills in composition analysis, ensemble adaptation, and creative problem-solving.

In Unit 6, students will: 

1. Work with technology or students to collaborate building a composition

2. Consider and evaluate previous units by completing a group performance of their composition. 

What strategies work best when working with musicians in different classes/instrumentation that we are used to? 

In this unit, students will explore effective strategies for collaborating with musicians across different classes and instrumentation. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical exercises, they will examine how to adapt their communication and approach to accommodate diverse musical backgrounds and expertise levels. By delving into topics such as effective communication techniques, understanding musical roles, and fostering a collaborative mindset, students will learn how to navigate the complexities of interdisciplinary collaboration with confidence and skill. Through hands-on experiences and case studies, they will develop a nuanced understanding of how to harness the unique strengths of each musician to create cohesive and compelling musical performances.

In Unit 8, students will: 

1. Work with students in other classrooms to collaborate on a performance

2. Work to build communication in terms of recordings, practice, and performance space.  

What do we consider folk music, and how is it representative of the countries that it comes from? 

In this unit, students will delve into the rich tapestry of folk music, exploring its cultural significance and representation within different countries. Through a blend of historical exploration, musical analysis, and cultural examination, students will investigate the defining characteristics of folk music and how it reflects the unique identities and traditions of various nations. By studying traditional instruments, vocal styles, lyrical themes, and dance forms, students will gain insight into how folk music serves as a window into the social, historical, and geographical landscapes of its origin. Through listening activities, research projects, and creative assignments, students will deepen their understanding of the diverse expressions of folk music around the world and its enduring impact on global culture.

In Unit 9, students will: 

1. Work with students to research and collaborate on a performance representative of another countries folk music and history

Through all the things learned in the year of performance, what settings, instruments, and types of music would represent your best performance?

In this culminating unit, students will synthesize their learning from a year of performance exploration to curate and execute their ideal musical performance. Drawing on their experiences with various settings, instrumentation, and types of music, students will critically analyze the strengths and limitations of different performance contexts. Through reflective exercises and peer feedback, students will identify their strengths, preferences, and artistic goals, allowing them to strategically select settings and instrumentation that best showcase their abilities and artistic vision. By exploring diverse genres and musical styles, students will craft a program that reflects their unique artistic identity while challenging themselves to expand their repertoire and performance skills. Through rehearsal, refinement, and collaboration, students will work towards delivering their most compelling and memorable performance yet, culminating in a celebration of their growth and achievement as musicians.

In Unit 10, students will: 

1. Work with students to research and perform a final song that shows and represents growth as musicians and performers.