Vaughan Secondary School & Music

Teacher: Ms L. Sommers                                                         Location: Music Room 120

Course Name:  Music Instrumental Repertoire- Grade 9           Course Code:  AMR 1O1-01

Prerequisite : None                                                                 Recommended Experience: Grade 8 Music

 

Course Overview

 

This is an open level course that emphasizes the performance of instrumental band repertoire at an intermediate level.  This course occurs outside of the regular school timetable from September to June and is intended to provide students with an extra performance challenge.   The technical skills of playing an instrument will be developed while sensitivity, listening and balance within the group remains a focus.  Students will experience large ensemble, small ensemble, and solo performance opportunities. They will be required to develop a thorough understanding of the language of music, including the elements, theory, and terminology.

 

Course Topics:

q       Introduction :           Review of Music Theory

Review of Instrumental Skills

q       Band Repertoire Study

q       Studies and Scales

q       Rhythm Studies

q       Independent Solo Preparation

q       Concert Performance

 

Instruments:

Students will be given the opportunity to borrow a school owned instrument at no cost after the student and parent have read, signed and agreed to the Instrument Contract.  Students are fully responsible for the care of their instrument under this contract and privileges will be revoked for improper treatment of any equipment.

 

Required School Supplies for every class:                Music Folder, 3 Ring Binder, Lined Paper, Pencil

 

School Provided Materials:                                                    Replacement Cost (if Lost or Damaged)

Method Books                                                                           $20.00 each

Instrument                                                                                $500-4000 (depending on instrument)

 

Clarinet, Saxophone and Oboe players will need to purchase reeds throughout the term at cost from the Music Department. The reeds are $2.00 each and may be purchased from Ms Sommers.

Assessment of Student Achievement

Category

Types of Assessment

Percentage

Creation

Attendance, Participation, Preparation for rehearsals and demonstration of musicianship in all band performances.   This includes bringing supplies and being prepared to play when rehearsal time begins.  Attendance at all concerts, music nights, festivals and competitions is mandatory.

Daily Observations

Playing Tests

Concert Performances
Dress Rehearsals

Performance Observation

60%

Theory  The study of theory involves learning the symbols, language, and conventions used in music.

Theory Assignments, and in class observation of knowledge

5%

Analysis and Musical Knowledge

Non-performance Projects

5%

Culminating Evaluation

Final Performance Exam

30%

 

 

 

Levels of Achievement:

Level 1 (50-59%)          Level 2 (60-69%)          Level 3 (70-79%) Provincial Standard     Level 4(80%+)

 

Reporting of Learning Skills:

Learning Skills that will be assessed:

Works Independently/ Teamwork / Organization / Work Habits and Homework / Initiative

These will be reported using the following categories: Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement

 

Department Policies:

Attendance/Test Policy

Students must inform the teacher, before a date of an evaluation of an anticipated absence. A student who is absent from an evaluation must bring appropriate documentation explaining that absence.  In both cases, an opportunity to write or play the evaluation might be given, but only on the return to school day or at the discretion of the teacher. 

 

Important Music Test Policy

It is the responsibility of the student to speak to the teacher on the first day they return from an excused absence with a note in hand, and prepared to complete the test or missed work immediately.  Failure to speak with me right away will result in a lost opportunity to complete the test and a zero mark.

 

Performance Attendance

Attendance at all performances, including assemblies and after school concerts, is mandatory and a crucial part of course curriculum and evaluation.  Unavoidable conflicts which cause the student to miss a performance must be explained in writing by the parent/guardian with as much advanced notice as is possible.  An opportunity to make-up the evaluation may be granted at the discretion of the teacher. 

 

Academic Honesty

Students caught cheating or plagiarizing on any assignment, homework or evaluation will receive, as a minimum penalty, a mark of zero on the assessment and risk suspension from school.   For more information regarding school policies, please see the Agenda Book.

 

Please note the following evaluation and attendance policies:

q       Each rehearsal will be evaluated and marked

q       Each late will result in a reduction in observable active participation from the final mark.

q       Each unexplained absence will result in a mark of zero for that rehearsal.

q       Absences without a note will be marked as zero.  Notes must be provided before the class or on the first return school day only, regardless if it is a rehearsal day.

q       Absences for sports and school trips will be dealt with on a situational basis, and will require a request for another opportunity to re-evaluate.

q       Requests to be excused from rehearsal will not be accepted directly before a rehearsal except in special circumstance. 

AMR1O1 will occur at the following time:

Wednesday                                                     3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

*days and times are subject to change with notice

Please sign and return to Ms. Sommers ASAP.

I understand the above mentioned requirements of this course.

 

Student Signature ____________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature_____________________________________________

Date_______________________________