In 8th Grade general music class students will study music of America, including early styles of the colonial days, tin pan alley, and Broadway, with the emphasis being on modern American Musical Theatre.
As part of their study, students will have the opportunity to participate in in-class performances and to watch the musicals "West Side Story" (the original movie version), and "Bye Bye Birdie" (a made for tv movie that closely follows the stage version). In addition, they will research a musical, giving them the opportunity to play casting director. As time allows, students may get to write and perform an original scene from a musical, see another musical, or learn about early pop music (1950's-1960's). Some of this will be dictated by my schedule at the high school.
Students will receive grades on assignments based on a point system. Their overall grade will be calculated by dividing the number of points they earn by the number of points available resulting in a percentage. This percentage then becomes the letter that will appear on the report card.
90% or higher will be recorded as "Outstanding" or "O"
70%-89% will be recorded as "Satisfactory" or "S"
69% or below will be recorded as "Unsatisfactory" or "U"
Ms. Reinecke makes every effort to input grades into the portal within 2 days of their completion as long as she is in the building. Students making up work at a later date, or when Ms. Reinecke is not in the building, should expect a delay in their grade being posted.
If you see a grade on the portal of "00" (double zero) or "000" (triple zero) this is an assignment that the student can still complete for credit, although a late deduction may be taken. The triple zero indicates absence when the assignment was due.
If you see a grade on the portal of "0" (single zero), it is final.
What do students need for class?
A folder to store any handouts. This can be kept in the classroom.
A pencil.
Sometimes: their computer.
An open attitude and willingness to try
Students who have any questions about work, assignments or class content should email me.
I am looking forward to sharing American Musical Theatre with the 8th grade students. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.