WELCOME

TO THE

CVMS MUSIC DEPARTMENT

2020-2021

We look forward to a productive and enjoyable year of music learning!

Who are the Music teachers at Cummer Valley?

Mrs. Hugh-Tomsic and Mr. Wang

What extra-curricular activities can I participate in?

To Be Announced

What materials do I need for Music classes?

Students are encouraged to bring in their own device for classroom instruction. Writing utensils and a binder with paper will be needed.

Students are not to share personal items with others.

MUSIC MARTIAL ARTS - A major component of classroom work will be based on the Music Marital Arts. Students will work on various skill developing performance tasks that will build over the course of the year. They can earn belt colours that progresses from white and work up to Black Belt.

This system is designed so that each student can move through our curriculum at their own pace and work to master the particular skill set that they need as a strong musical foundation toward acquiring other skills.

PRACTICE ROUTINES

One of the biggest questions asked by parents usually deals with practice. "What should my child practise and how can I help in this process?" Here are a few helpful reminders. It is important to nurture this process early on and to encourage your child to take the time to maximize performance time on their instrument at home and school. Please note the music room will be open at specified during the week. Times will be posted in your music classroom. Take note of when sign-out is allowed and ensure proper sign-out procedures are followed at all times. Renting an instrument is also strongly encouraged. Information regarding rentals is available upon request.

Here are some things your child should be practicing regularly . (20 minutes at a time/3 times a week)

1) Long Tones (Band)/Warm up - Students play one note at a time sustained with good posture. (3 mins)

2) Scale Patterns- Perform a full/partial scale using a variety of rhythms. (5 mins)

3) Try new selections* by first clapping the rhythms then play bar by bar. Speed up when secure. (10-15 mins)

4) Method Book- Perform and review familiar melodies. (5 mins)

5) Review any material covered in class. (5 mins)

*The selections on the back of this sheet is part of the practice goals.

Note Reading/Theory Knowledge - Students are expected to be able to read music in the clef which their instrument reads. For some belt levels, students will be assessed over their note reading ability. Students are encouraged to visit musictheory.net as a way to practice and review note names.

Performance - Specific dates will be given over the year so the student can work toward their learning goals in a consistent manner. When they are ready, they are to take the initiative to meet with their teacher to demonstrate the skill they have been practicing. If mastery has been achieved of the belt level, the teacher will approve and sign the checklist to indicate that the student can proceed to the next level.