Music

Head of Subject:  Mrs. Love

Outline of Course

Practically based course with the emphasis on composing, listening and performing (in half-termly modules)

Content:

Term 1: The Elements:   A study of the elements of music through performing and composing tasks.

Term 2: Graphic Score:  Associating sound with patterns and using graphic notation as an aid to composition.

Term 3: African Music: An exploration of rhythm through African drumming patterns and chants to rhythms.

Term 4: Rhythm and Words: Development of rhythmic notation and setting of words

Term 5: Sibelius: learning how to use this music technology software through an arrangement of Pachelbel's Canon. Writing melodies to fit a bass line.

Activities:

• Class activities using and developing vocal/body sounds and instrumental work
• Class performance, vocal and instrumental
• Group activities developing performance and composing through given stimuli
• Improvisational work
• Listening activities which provide stimuli for composing and development of musical understanding
• Music technology - learning Sibelius

Skills:

Term 1 and 2

• To use sounds and conventions to achieve a variety of styles.
• To control sounds used by the voice.
• To start creatively composing and notating music.

Term 3 and 4

• To develop notatiopnal skills into correct rhythms
• To develop ensemble performing
• To listen and develop understanding of music from different places, applying knowledge to their work
• To develop an aural understanding of rhythm and polyrhythm

Term 5:

• Ability to use notation package "Sibelius"

Homework activities: Homework will be set to evaluate learning towards the end of practical topics.  These topics will be set approximately every term.  In these written assignments students will reflect upon their composition skills, group work skills, progression of technical skill.  This will enable them to set clear personal targets for the next topic.  There will also be a termly listening activity to encourage and develop appraising skills. This will be via VLE

Assessment:

Assessment is done termly, marked using success

Parental contribution:

• Parental encouragement is important in the development of the students’ instrumental skills.
• The encouragement to listen to a wide variety of musical styles will develop students’ musical understanding.
• All instrumentalists should be encouraged to participate within a band/group or orchestra, within school.