Music Performance

How do the foundations of music help us understand, perform, and connect with the music we hear and create?

In this unit, students explore the fundamentals of music—pitch, rhythm, scales, key signatures, dynamics, and articulation. They learn to read and perform simple melodies in treble and bass clefs, develop rhythm and tempo skills through group singing and individual practice, and reflect on their own musical experiences and cultural connections. Through listening, singing, and music reading, students build a strong foundation for further musicianship.

In Unit 1, students will: 

1. Learn to read and perform simple melodies using treble and bass clefs

2. Develop their understanding of rhythm, tempo, and dynamics 

3. Reflect on their own musical experiences and explore the role of music in their lives

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

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.  

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 5, students will: 

1. Create multiple compositions varying in length and genre

2. Develop theory skills and reflect in strategies that composers use to portray emotion, and how that has changed throughout history 

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 7, 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. 

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 8, students will: 

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