6th Grade music
6th grade music is available to students who want to increase their knowledge and technical performance in the musical art. Previous experience in any form of music not required, but it will provide great assistance during class lecture and discussion. This class will provide students the opportunity to experience the different styles of music through academic study, creation, collaboration, and performance. Students will typically stay on one instrument for the entire year. Their instrument may be chosen for them to aid the band as a whole. Students new to band may only select between flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone; while returning students may switch to more specialized instruments such as saxophone, french horn, or baritone. During the year-long course, the students will encounter various musical exercises, pieces, and solo works.
Return to in person instruction notice:
The health and safety of all students is our top priority at the John Swett Unified School District. As we readjust to in person instruction, we are constantly monitoring and updating our norms and procedures to align with the National Association for Music Education guidelines. To continue our pursuit of musical excellence, a variety of techniques and tools—such as physical distancing, bell covers, and air purifiers—will be used to ensure student safety. Thanks to the constant support and care from our school district, our students will be able to imagine, create, and perform works of art during these troubling times.Class objectives
Provide students with high quality performance opportunities.
Perform engaging and challenging repertoire.
Provide an environment for artistic development, as an individual and as an ensemble.
Provide opportunities to learn about music and performance; its development, construction and expression.
Increase awareness of how music is unique in its expressive and communicative nature, particularly non-verbal aspects. Our case studies are the works we perform.
Provide a place of belonging, a sense of unity, and a source of fellowship for students.
Engage artistic culture at the highest levels of complexity and competence. The ensemble contributes to the campus and general communities through artistic expression.
Develop and refine musicianship skills, i.e. dexterity, endurance, musicality, and other aural abilities.
Develop self-motivated and independent musicians.
Collaborate with peers to create works that are larger than an individual.
Compose and produce works of music in a variety of styles and means.
Grade breakdown
Daily Participation Grade – 20%
Obeying classroom rules and etiquette, explained below.
Participation in independent work, group work, etc.
Ask questions if you have any confusion.
Assignments – 20%
Can be assigned in the form of surveys, vocabulary, notation, history, short writings, and many other facets.
Most assignments will be due at the end of class or the beginning or the next class session.
Tests — 20%
Can be assigned in the form of vocabulary, musical notation, short writings, proficiency on a certain section of the music, or performance on an instrument.
Can be retaken at the teacher’s approval.
CANNOT be retaken if the student cheats.
Performances – 30% - Full of No Credit
There can be as many as 5 performances and as few as 1. Regardless, you MUST perform. After all, music is a performing art.
Performing is stressful especially for newcomers; however, it does get easier with time.
For those unable to perform, there is an alternative project for students. Please see me for more details.
Final — 10%
Throughout the semester you will create, edit, and polish a final portfolio of all your creations via a Google site.
While you are required to include specific material in your portfolio, you are allowed to format and make it aesthetically pleasing to your heart’s content.
A guide and grading rubric for what is needed in your portfolio will be provided soon.
Student work
Coming soon!