Band 7 Plus
Course Title: Band 7 Plus
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Course Description
Band Plus 7 is a complement to Band 7 that provides students the option to play their instrument every day in school. Students enrolling in Band Plus 7 also take Band 7 on the opposite days.
The focus of Band Plus 7 is to provide students an opportunity to focus on their grade-level instrumental skills by using a larger repertoire of music. The band will learn a unique set of music and will have a separate presentation as part of the concerts. As the literature dictates, students may be asked to learn musical concepts before they normally would in their traditional class. Yet, it is not the goal to surpass their peers in terms of concepts learned, but rather to provide a broader opportunity to use and develop their skills.
The music performed may be up to a 2.5 on a 1-5 difficulty scale. The band generally performs three concerts per school year in order to showcase their learning.
Power Standards
- Student is able to apply developing knowledge of instrumental techniques and musical literacy, integrating skills into individual and ensemble performance.
- Student is able to reflect on, respond to, and evaluate music.
- Student is able to create music that demonstrates understanding.
Course Outline
Apply developing knowledge of instrumental techniques and musical literacy, integrating skills into individual and ensemble performance
| Guiding Questions |
Learning Objectives |
- What skills does it take to make a beautiful sound on your instrument?
- What does it mean to read music?
- How can musicians improve their ability to read music?
- How do you transfer the knowledge gained in the classroom into improved skill on your instrument?
- How do musicians interpret and mark their music to help them in performance?
- How do musicians work together successfully in an ensemble?
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- Produce a characteristic tone on instrument
- Demonstrate functional pitch and rhythmic literacy
- Perform in an ensemble with understanding of student’s changing musical roles
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Assessments: Playing quizzes and tests, informal observations, performances
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Reflect on, respond to, and evaluate music
| Guiding Questions |
Learning Objectives |
- What makes each piece of music unique?
- What specific vocabulary do musicians use?
- How do musicians interpret a composition?
- How can musicians give themselves constructive feedback?
- How do musicians provide constructive feedback to other musicians to help expand their understanding?
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- Analyze musical elements (such as pitch, rhythm, dynamics, form, and function).
- Evaluate their own performance, the ensemble’s performance, and the performance of others.
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Assessments: Listening examples, class discussions, vocabulary tests, verbal and written performance evaluation, self-reflection
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Create music that demonstrates understanding
| Guiding Questions |
Learning Objectives |
- How do composers communicate their thoughts to the performer using language of music?
- How do composers create new and unique music?
- How do performers improvise?
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- Communicate musical understanding through composition
- Show understanding of harmonies through improvisation
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| Assessments: Written musical composition projects, class and individual improvisation activities |
| Career and Life Skills |
| Social and Cross Cultural |
The student respects and contributes to the diverse learning community by:
- Honoring the ideas and opinions of others and
- Interacting effectively and appropriately with others
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Productivity and Accountability
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The student takes ownership of work and actions by:
- Completing assignments on time
- Arriving prepared and on time
- Managing time
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Initiative and Self Direction
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The student demonstrates independence by:
- Self-advocating for assistance or resources
- Persevering through rigorous/challenging tasks
- Utilizing feedback
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