Embedded Files
Course Description
Course Description
This course explores the basics of music composition using digital tools and workspaces. Students will complete composition projects of increasing complexity as they learn to think critically about music through the lens of the seven elements of music. Students will complete the course with a digital portfolio of their work.
Contact
Contact
kajohnson@natomasunified.org
(916) 668 - 0473
Office Hours
Office Hours
M, T, Th, F || 2:00 - 3:00pm
Please come to office hours prepared to discuss what you need to work on.
What will we learn?
What will we learn?
7 Elements of Music
Students will use the elements of music as a framework to analyze musical compositions and to complete their own compositions.
Digital Composition
Students will learn to work within a Digital Audio Workspace, developing foundational skills for composition in a variety of forms.
Music Theory & Skills
Students will learn how to read and write in standard musical notation and apply elements of basic music theory in their compositions, as well as develop aural and keyboard skills.
Materials
Materials
Computer (Provided)
iRig Keys Pro Midi Controller (Provided)
Grading Practices
Grading Practices
Summative
Purpose: to assess student achievement of content standards
Examples: Performances, projects and exams.
Missed or late summatives may be made up to the quarter drop dead date.
Summative assessments where students do not demonstrate mastery may be reattempted to do so up to the drop dead date*.
*Exception: Performance grades may NOT be made up.
Formative
Purpose: determining students’ progress towards mastery of learning targets.
Examples: Classwork, performance workshops, presentations, essays, and exit tickets.
Late formative assignments may be submitted by the Sunday midnight of the week they were due*. Assignments marked as "0" can no longer be made up.
*Distance learning extension to second Sunday following due date.
Academic Responsibility
Purpose: to demonstrate student's level of participation in class, adherence to deadlines.
Process: Weekly participation grades will reflect student's level of active engagement in class activities.
Late academic responsibility assignments may be submitted by the Sunday midnight of the week they were due*. Assignments marked as "0" can no longer be made up.
*Distance learning extension to second Sunday following due date.
Retaking Summatives
Retaking Summatives
To re-attempt a summative students must demonstrate they have studied/practiced to improve upon the previous attempt. For most assessments, this will mean completing a Summative Corrections form and submitting for teacher review. For some performance tasks, this will mean attending office hours and working with the teacher on the related skills. After demonstrating adequate review work, the student may retake the assessment.
Participation Rubric
Participation Rubric
3
Takes initiative; actively engaged in class activities consistently
2
Participation in class activities occasionally requires prompting; frequently half-hearted.
1
Minimum effort; seldom responds or engages in activities
Attendance
Attendance
Students are expected to log into Zoom and Nearpod on time for class with their cameras on for the duration of the Do Now. Student presence and engagement are required at all times throughout the class. Students who are not responsive and/or consistently not engaging in class activities may be marked as non-participatory for the day's attendance.
Distance-Learning Behavioral Response
Distance-Learning Behavioral Response
In this class, we work with the goal of creating an ensemble. An ensemble is a group of performers, using their individual strengths cooperatively and responsibly for the betterment of a group, wherein the group becomes just as important as the individual. Our ensemble’s goal is to respect and value one another’s offerings, and to use our strengths to create the best theatrical work we can make.
While not anticipated, students whose behavior is not conducive towards achievement of this goal will receive tiered corrective action from the instructor:
1 - Private chat message reminder of Zoom rules/class norms
2 - Private chat or general class verbal reminder
3 - Student moved to breakout room for private teacher conference and parent contact
4 - Administrative referral, possible removal from Zoom call
Severe infractions of school policies or Ed Code may result in immediate referral and/or removal from Zoom call.
Google Classroom & Submitting Work
Google Classroom & Submitting Work
Google Classroom (GC) will be the primary location for all assignments and classroom announcements.
Daily announcements will be posted to the top of the stream daily before class.
Assignments and classwork will be best found under the "Classwork" heading, organized by week.
Assignment categories will be indicated with an emoji in front of the assignment title, as seen in the accompanying image.
All assignments must be turned in correctly in Google Classroom, usually with student work attached, to receive credit. Assignments submitted improperly will be returned and marked as "Missing."
Assignments marked as done/turned in blank or without being completed will receive a 0 and be ineligible for makeup.
Google Docs
Document must be attached as Student Work to the GC assignment.
Soundtrap
Student must ensure teacher is a collaborator on the project, save the project, and add the project link as Student Work on the assignment.
Noteflight
Save work before submitting. Noteflight score MUST be attached as student work. If the Noteflight "Turn In" button is not working, the link to the score must be added as Student Work. PDFs of completed scores must also be included when directed to do so.
Flipgrid
Video must be recorded and submitted in Flipgrid, then the assignment marked as done in Classroom. Students may download and save their video as a backup on moderated posts where they will be unable to see their submissions.
**Any changes or updates to this syllabus will be provided in writing (e.g. a return to on-campus classes).**
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