Intermediate Music

     Singing is still an important part of Intermediate Music.  When playing any instrument, it is very beneficial to sing the melodic line to deepen ones understanding of the melodic direction and assist in reading the notes on the staff. Students who like to sing are encouraged to join Fox Singers, as most in class singing is to help learn the parts played on our instruments. 

    Finally we play the wind instruments! Students in Grades 7 and 8 learn about the various brass and woodwind instruments that make up our band, and are then given an opportunity to choose an instrument they would like to learn. Student's are assigned an instrument based on the detail they included in their selections form,  their level of ability on the recorder and general musical skills they've demonstrated in the years I have been their music teacher.  Students are not allowed to switch (any switches that do happen are on a case by case basis that will result in a benefit to the entire class and the individual student.) Students must practice 3-5 times a week adding up to a total of 40-80 minutes. Students who practice regularly become better players, just as students who read regularly become better readers.

Grade 7's have started instruments, and students should be taking them home 3-5 times a week to practice. Practicing at home allows for a feeling of safety in making those beginning sounds, and allows students to build quickly on what we learn in class. 

September/October Practice list:

• complete the 5 note scale worksheet (colouring in the fingering charts to create your own cheat sheet to follow while playing the scale).

• playing the 5 note scale on your instrument

November/December Practice List:

• playing the 5 note scale with good tone, well supported sound and correct pitches

• articulating different rhythmic patterns, going up the scale. 

Grade 8's have started instruments, and students should be taking them home 3-5 times a week to practice. Practicing at home allows increases their muscle memory, making it easier to play more challenging music with a wider range.

September/October Practice list:

• Playing the 5 note scale 

• Cardiff By the Sea (line 12 in method book)

November/December Practice List:

• playing the whole Bflat concert scale