8th Grade Music

Course of Study

This course explores the evolution of popular music styles from the 19th century to the present.  Students will learn about the history of popular song and its relationship to culture. 

Musical forms covered may include: Roots Music, Ragtime, Blues, Spirituals/Gospel, Tin Pan Alley, Jazz, Swing, Country, Bluegrass, Latin, Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop,  Rock and Roll, punk, funk and hip-hop. 

Students will be introduced to these styles through reading, videos, and extensive listening. 

 Students will record and arrange music from each unit using technology.  Students will research and present information on a musician of their chosing. 

Essential Questions:

• How do music and history influence each other?

• How does culture affect music?

• How do people communicate ideas and emotion through sound?

Materials

• wired earbuds/headphones (for keyboards)

• pencil

Grading

 Grading will be based on attendance, participation in discussion and class activities, and assignments. 

All coursework will be assigned through Google Classroom. 

Final grade is calculated by dividing total points by total points possible.  (example: 320 points earned/370 points possible = 86%)

Make-Up Work

It is the student’s responsibility to make-up work when they are absent.  Missing grades will be recorded as a zero until work is made up.  Students will be penalized a point a week on the grade of late assignments.  For example, if an assignment is turned in 3 weeks late, 3 points will be deducted from the grade.  Students will be responsible for making up work regardless of the reason they miss class.  Special arrangements will be made for students who are absent for an extended time due to illness.

Classroom Expectations/Consequences

Students are expected to:

• Come prepared to learn (be on time, have all materials)

• Be respectful of others

• Be a positive contributor to the class

• Be an attentive listener when music is playing or someone is speaking

Consequences:

1. Teacher Redirection

2. Removal from Activity

3. Parent Contact

4. Guidance Referral

5. Administrative Referral