Music - Eighth
8-9 BAND
Grade 8: (608)
Grade 9: Level 2 and Honors (639/640)
(Year) 1.00 credits
The D-Y 8-9 Band is open to students who possess competency on a wind or percussion instrument. While no prerequisite is required for entrance, it is assumed that registrants will have studied an instrument for several years prior to enrollment.
The D-Y 8-9 Band prepares and performs traditional, popular and show music as well as contemporary symphonic band literature. There are typically three concerts, January Formal, March concert, and May Pops Concert. Students also perform at Senior Last Assembly and Graduation.
Concepts emphasized include intonation, harmonic blend, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and technical competence. Attitudes emphasized include positive team effort, respect for student leadership, acceptance of constructive criticism, tolerance for and consideration of other students, a desire for artistic improvement, pride of the organization and positive self-esteem. Proper posture, embouchure and hand position are stressed. An emphasis will be placed on technical improvement, tonal improvement and dynamic control.
Teaching methods include rehearsal, sectional drill, mini-lecture, audio and video, printed handouts, class discussions, student presentations and guest conductors. Rehearsals and concerts are required of students and will be assessed as part of the term grade.
Grade 8 STRING ORCHESTRA
Grade 8 (591)
(Year)
Grade 8 String Orchestra is a performing organization for students who have achieved some facility on the violin, viola, cello or double bass. These students typically will have studied a string instrument in elementary and middle school. Some of these students also will have studied privately.
Music of various historical periods and musical styles will be rehearsed and performed. Lighter, popular music also will be included. The concepts of harmony and blend in ensemble playing are emphasized as are the attitudes of appreciation for the genius of great composers and the creativity of new composers. Technical improvement and artistic interpretation are encouraged through home practice.
Course activities include rehearsals, concerts, participation in festivals and preparation for solo auditions. Students will listen to recordings and video of other orchestras and string ensembles.
Teaching methods include rehearsal, sectional drill, mini-lecture, audio and video, printed handouts, engaging class discussions, student presentations and guest conductors. Students must perform scales, arpeggios and rhythm studies each semester. Rehearsals and concerts are required of students and will be assessed as part of the term grade.
8-9 CHORUS
Grade 8 (610)
Grade 9: Level 2 and Honors (606/607)
(Year) 1.00 credits
8-9 Chorus is open to students who enjoy singing and want to sing in a large group ensemble. No audition or prior choral experience is necessary. Students must be willing to rehearse after school and evenings on occasion and be available to participate in evening concerts.
The 8-9 Chorus studies and rehearses music from various historical periods and musical styles. This includes classical, show and popular music. The concepts of tone quality, pitch discrimination, harmony and rhythm are emphasized.
Rehearsals, concerts and competitions are some of the chorus' activities. Teaching methods include direct instruction, rehearsal, sectional drill and listening and analyzing. Students are expected to study and learn the music issued. Students must prepare and perform sight singing and rhythmic examples and proper vocalizing techniques. Quartet parts are assigned to selected students to prepare for festival auditions.
8th GRADE SMALL GROUP INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS (617)
Grade 8
(Quarter)
The small group instrumental lessons are open to 8th grade band students to take for a one term elective. Students will have the opportunity to continue to learn the fundamentals of their instrument while playing and working on band music, lesson books, and other fun supplemental music. While there is not an expectation for performance with this course, it is a possibility depending on instrumentation.
BEGINNING GUITAR (563)
Grade 8
(Quarter)
Grades 9-12: Level 2 (574)
(Semester) .50 credits
Have you always wanted to learn how to play guitar? You’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time with this course! Beginning Guitar is designed for the beginner as well as the intermediate player and will explore the basic fundamentals of how to play guitar. Students will learn guitar skills such as basic chords, strumming rhythms, finger-picking, and power chords. Students will learn these guitar concepts by playing songs in the styles of blues, rock, heavy metal, folk, and classical. Students will also explore the history of the guitar, different types of guitars, their social importance, and some basic music theory including composition and songwriting. With practice, students will eventually be able to play many familiar songs of their choice.
This course is open to all students regardless of musical background. No previous knowledge of guitar is necessary. Guitars will be provided for each student.
INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (621)
Grade 8
(Quarter)
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (564)
Grades 9-12: Level 2
(Semester) .50
Students interested in exploring the technical side of music including, but not limited to: recording practices, mixing and sampling, synthetic creation and composition, editing, and production would benefit from this course. Music technology is an ever evolving field and develops itself further every day. Students will learn how to create their own music using a Digital Audio Workstation. Basic music theory knowledge is helpful, but not required.
ROCK AND POP MUSIC – FROM THE BLUES TO WOODSTOCK
Grade 8 (571)
(Quarter)
Grades 9-12: Level 2 (566)
(Semester) .50
Just exactly how did Rock and Pop music begin? Come discover the wonder that is this popular genre of music. Students will explore the development of rock and pop music from its beginnings in the blues, to the end of the 1960’s with the Woodstock Festival. Students will learn about different musicians and how they developed styles such as Rhythm and Blues, Mo-Town, Rock and Roll, The British Invasion, Surfer Music, Psychedelic Rock, and Pop Rock. Students will also examine social, political, cultural and economic issues and how they relate to the history of rock and pop music.
THEATER 1
Grade 8 (600)
Grades 9-12: Level 2 (602)
(Semester) .50 credits
This course is designed to introduce students with little or no experience to the world of theater! Throughout the course we will study the basic components of theater such as the genres and purposes of productions, collaborative efforts and responsibilities of theater personnel, improv, acting, and technical theater. We will deepen our understanding of theatre using dramatic exercises and games, watching and responding to pieces of theatre (including a formal play review), journaling, and in class performances. These in class performances may be formal or informal, or through improvisational exercises, and require full participation from students. The majority of your grade is based on your daily participation in the course.
MOVEMENT FOR THE STAGE
Grade 8 (615)
(Quarter)
Movement for the stage is designed to introduce students to a variety of techniques the enhance theatrical performances. Units covered include dance for musical theater, Laban Movement Analysis, mime, stage combat, Droznin physical actor training and more! Students will get in touch with their kinesthetic abilities, learn famous choreography, and create original dance and movement pieces. Students are expected to come to class in clothing appropriate for movement. Grading is based on daily participation and formal in class performances.
