This class is a one-semester class designed for students who want to develop music-making skills through the segue of rock and pop music. No prior experience is required although the music is arranged to accommodate many different levels of ability.
The students learn how to play the keyboard, guitar, bass guitar and/or drumset/percussion. Students may explore an interest in singing with the group.
Students learn how to play an instrument in a band setting with music arranged for each student's skill ability.
Music selection is an intentionally guided process by the teacher to increase musical skills and enjoyment. Students also suggest music for the band. Two performances are required: one performance during the school day for friends and one performance in the evening for family and public guests.
What technique and skills do I need to learn to perform at high school level in Rock band?
What defines a good performance?
How do musicians collaborate and what techniques allow them to work well together?
What do people listen to music?
What is a rhythm and a melody?
How is rock/pop band music structured ?
How do I play songs in a band when I do not read traditional notation - How to play by ear and through Tablature.. Charts.
What are other resources that I may use to learn how to play on my own?
Essential Questions:
What are the elements of music?
How these musical elements organized?
Major Concepts:
Pitch, rhythm , melody tempo, dynamics and tone
Musical form such as verse, chorus, bridge, intro and twelve-bar
Musical scales, keys, minor and major chords, flats and sharps
Major Content:
Listening and responding
Practice - Refine - Perform
Unit Assessments:
Identify and explain the key musical elements in a piece of music
Perform a piece of music with the correct use of the elements of music inherent in the song
Major Texts:
Sheet music
Playlist songs
Skills development notebooks
Essential Questions:
How and when are people's musical tastes developed?
What are the influences for change?
How do we connect with other band students in choosing songs to play in a group with diverse interests and cultures?
Major Concepts:
Listening and communicating
Connecting and being open-minded
Major Content:
Research an article on how musical tastes are acquired, developed and changed
The freedom of choice and how our personal circumstances in America differ from many other countries
Conversations on rock music and the culture of the protest song, the blues, and political activism
Does the music people listen to relate to how they dress, their attitudes, life and language
Choose a well-balanced repertoire of music for this class using respect and fairness protocols
Unit Assessments:
Participation in group discussions
Ability to work well with others
Research and suggest songs to teach others
Ability to adapt to different styles of music
Knowledge and understanding of how musical tastes are developed and may change
Major Texts:
How Are People's Musical Taste Developed?
Bright Star Musical (on-line)
Essential Questions:
What is the rehearsal process?
What skills does a person need to be a great musician and play in a band?
How do individuals in a musical group show responsibility and demonstrate great team work?
Major Concepts:
Rehearsal protocols
Habits of mind
Major Content:
Following each other's musical knowledge cues using the "practice, refine, performance" process
Listening, Practice and Refine while applying several "Habits of the Mind " skills
Unit Assessments:
Recording and live performance
Daily check list of each students understanding of the rehearsal process and The "Habits of the Mind " skills
The students compare bands who do and do not seem to connect well in playing music together in the real world
Major Texts:
Blue Book music selections for Rivendell Academy Musicians
Habits of the Mind: A Developmental Series book by Arthur Costa and Bena Kallick
Essential Questions:
How to find an instrument to play?
What is the process for keeping my instrument playing well?
What sound equipment will I need to start a band ?
Major Concepts:
Options for having an instrument of your own
How to protect and maintain guitars and drums
Sound equipment for a band
Major Content:
Seminar on buying/borrowing/renting instruments
Hands-on instrument maintenance
Hands-on PA training to set up for practice and performance
Unit Assessments:
Tuning and re-stringing a guitar
Setting up a drum set
Putting on new drum heads
How to run the PA
Knowledge of instrumental purchase options in the area
Major Texts:
Basic Guitar Repair and Maintenance Manual by Alfred Leonard
Drum Set Tuning and Repairs Saul Goodman