MUSIC

Grade 6 General Music Overview

Music Literacy:  Students explore the basic elements of music (beat, rhythm, melody, harmony, pitch, timbre, tempo, dynamics, form) to gain an understanding and appreciation of this universal language. We will accomplish this through listening, singing, playing instruments, conducting, and creating. 

The Music of America:  An exploration of the patriotic classics and folk songs that tell stories about our country and its people.

The Human Voice:  Understanding and using your own unique instrument.

What’s Opera, Doc?  A fun exploration of this timeless musical art form featuring classics including Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” Puccini’s “La Boheme,” and Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville.”  

Folkapalooza!  A review of the instruments, artists, and  songs that are an essential part of American culture and history.  

Flashback Friday:  A celebration of the music and pop culture of the 1950's through today. 

Project:  "The Soundtrack Of My Life"

Grade 7 General Music Overview

Prodigies and Virtuosos:  An exploration of phenomenal musicians that represent various genres and eras including Yo Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, Shirley Temple, and more.  This introductory unit includes songs that students learn and perform as an ensemble.  

The Roots of American Popular Music  (Part 1)

Featuring the music of West Africa, spirituals, folk, blues, and jazz.  Through listening, singing, composing, and playing, students will become familiar with significant artists (with an emphasis on musical prodigies), styles, and pieces of music that have helped to define America's musical culture.  Students will also become aware of the connections to important events in our history through various activities and projects.  

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:  We’ll  explore the life and music of the greatest musical genius of all time, classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  This unit will feature various pieces from his 600 compositions, with an emphasis on his operas, symphonies, and Requiem.  Students will select a creative final project option to pay tribute to this timeless composer.  (Q4 only) 

There is a special emphasis on performing (singing and/or playing an instrument) in a group, small ensemble, or solo.

     Grade 8 General Music Overview

The History of American Popular Music  (Part 2)
Featuring Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Country & Western, Early Rock & Roll, the British Invasion, Motown, Classic Rock, and selected genres/popular music from the 1960's - present.  Through listening, singing, creating, and playing, students will become familiar with significant artists, recordings, and events that have helped to define America's musical culture.  Students will also become aware of the connections to important events in our history through various activities. 

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Students will explore the history and significance of this famous American institution and create a tribute to a legendary musician or band that has been inducted.  

There is a special feature on inductees who have created defining moments in music history.

Students are encouraged to perform (sing or play an instrument) the music connected to their selected inductee.