9MUS - MUSIC
NGĀ TOI - THE ARTS
9MUS Semester 1 Video 2020.mp4Te toi whakairo, ka ihiihi, ka wehiwehi, ka aweawe te ao katoa.
The arts are powerful forms of expression that recognise, value, and contribute to the unique bicultural and multicultural character of Aotearoa New Zealand, enriching the lives of all New Zealanders. The arts have their own distinct languages that use both verbal and non-verbal conventions, mediated by selected processes and technologies. Through movement, sound, and image, the arts transform people’s creative ideas into expressive works that communicate layered meanings. - New Zealand Curriculum
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WHY STUDY MUSIC AT YEAR 9?
Music has a huge impact on our well-being. We have known for a long time how important music is - how important the creative expression of music is, how much music can add to our lives. Beyond that, studying and playing music has a huge impact on brain development, and is beneficial to all avenues of life. Music helps us with social relationships, physical health, mental wellbeing, academic study, and the list goes on. It is not a coincidence that many of this school’s top scholars have involvement in the musical life of the school and that our musicians are mature and thoughtful students who are kind and mindful of themselves and others. For many of our musicians, their musical journey began in Year 9 Music.
In the Year 9 Music course we aim to provide you with a solid foundation of Musical Literacy and Practical Musical Skills. For some of you this may be the only formal music education you engage with, and for others this will build on prior understanding. For all of you we aim to provide opportunities to explore creativity and develop confidence in performance situations.
What will I learn?
In line with current music education practice, Year 9 Music aims to develop and further encourage literacy in music through an interweaving of four strands:
Learning the language of music
Developing ideas in music
Communicating and interpreting meaning in music
Understanding music in context
You will be supported in developing creativity and confidence in sharing your creative work. You also will gain an appreciation of a wide range of musical contexts, explore different methods of creating music, and engage with conventions of Musical Literacy.
We also hope you will see Music as something that is open to everyone. You have the opportunity to develop your time management skills, your collaboration skills, your confidence, and creativity. Ultimately, we hope that your will learn a bit more about yourself as a musician or start to develop that as part of your identity.
What WILL I DO?
Year 9 Music is a 18 week rotating semester course which focuses on the following topics:
Music Theory - basic musical literacy including reading and writing music notation
Learning to play the ukulele - technique, group performance, musicianship
Composition - developing skills in digital music making and creativity
Collaborative group performance - opportunities to play in a group and explore other instruments
Elements of Music - vocabulary, musical analysis, and music history
Extension opportunities are offered for students with advanced skills in Music Theory on an individual basis.
wHAT will I NEED?
To be successful in this course, you should:
be prepared to work collaboratively
engage with ideas and music outside your comfort zone
be prepared to perform and present your work in front of your peers
be ready to manage yourself in a non-traditional classroom environment
We understand that the performance elements of music can be a source of anxiety and stress for some of you. We work hard to make our classrooms safe and positive environments for you to explore this. If you are at all concerned about the activities planned, please contact the HoD.
How is this course assessed?
Assessment
Formative and summative assessments take place throughout the year. You will be advised of due dates at the start of each term. The WC Learning Progression Frameworkwill be used for all summative assessments.
Assessment in the Junior School
This course is assessed using our WC Learning Progression Framework and provides an excellent foundation for students wishing to continue into Year 10 Music.
In Year 9 Music assessment is based on observation against the following musical fundamentals:
Musical Creativity, Practical skills, Musical group awareness, and Musical Literacy.
Music teachers:
Liam Boyle, Kathy Roy, Jack Boyes, Andrew Pennell
In general, all of our music teachers teach Year 9 Music. We believe it is important that all our teachers are involved in providing the solid foundation for our WC Music Programmes.
We hope you have a successful and interesting year. Please do not hesitate to ask questions!
Liam Boyle is in charge of Music – please feel free to contact him at: l.boyle@wc.school.nz
Further information about the Music Department, lessons, events, opportunities for musicians please visit the: