The Performing Arts, Band

 

Subject Outline

The performing arts program at Grand Canyon School contributes to the schoolís MYP curriculum by offering an exceptional approach to learning where seeing, feeling, hearing, thinking and creating are combined into an effective form of musical communication.

The performing arts program will establish associations between subjects, cultures, and different areas of experience. MYP music allows students to develop the ability to express themselves and their ideas about the world they live in, working both independently, and as cooperative members of a group.  It provides students the opportunity to communicate their ideas, thoughts, and feelings in a genuine and involved fashion.  This program will also elevate an understanding of how societyís history, traditions, and beliefs have influenced the creation and importance of musical works.

The main topics of concentrate are Western classical and folk music, world music, jazz and popular music.  Throughout these topics, we examine how music has influenced society in the past, and how it influences society today.  Students will acquire a variety of skills encircling three main themes:  critical listening, composing, and performing.  Emphasis will be placed on the development of state standard-based skills in interpretation of notation and expressive markings; individual, large and small ensemble performance, music theory and composition, performance, and the cultural and historical differences in selected pieces of music.  Students will use a developmental workbook to reflect on their thinking, planning, performance and to evaluate their work.

The ultimate aim is to guide students to develop a sense of musical awareness, participation, and problem solving. 

 

Aims and Objectives

Aims

Participation in MYP art should enable students to:

  • acquire and develop the skills needed for the creation of performing art work
  • create performing art work
  • experience and develop curiosity, interest and enjoyment in their own creativity and that of others
  • explore through the processes of performing arts
  • use the language, concepts and principles of
  • communicate their thoughts and ideas through performing art
  • reflect on, appreciate and evaluate their work and the work of others
  • develop receptiveness to performing art forms across time, place and cultures, and perceive the significance of these art forms as an integral part of life

Objectives

A- Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the course students should be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical basis of the art studied

  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a variety of styles, developments and ideas which have shaped the arts across time and cultures

B- Application

At the end of this course students should be able to:

  • apply appropriate terminology to show aesthetic and critical awareness
  • plan and organize effectively to define and set goals, solve problems, negotiate and make decisions
  • experiment and explore through both spontaneous and structured activities
  • use music confidently as a form of expression and communication while demonstrating a range of technical skills
  • demonstrate an ability to find original and inventive solutions
  • apply skills specific to music to elaborate an idea, a theme or a composition to a point of realization
  • present work through formal or informal performance and exhibition

C-Evaluation and Reflection

At the end of the course students should be able to:

  • reflect upon and evaluate their work in order to set goals for future development

  • use group discussion and feedback to support and promote creative development

  • assess and appraise their work and that of others

  • show sensitivity to their own and different cultures

  • accept and incorporate views and feedback from others to further develop their artistic potential

  • show self-motivation in setting and meeting deadlines

  • show initiative, creativity and a willingness to take risks

  • support and encourage their peers towards a positive working environment

Course Outline

Levels I-III

Levels IV-V

Origins of Musical Instruments

The Classical Period

The Musical Instruments of Change

The Romantic Period

The Modern Band

Early 20th Century Music

The Power of Music

Late 20th Century Music

The Music of Change

Advanced Music Theory

Music in the Media (TV and Film)

Composition

Music in the Media (advertising and commerce

Critical Listening

Jazz and Improvisation

 

Basic Music Theory

 

Performance

 

Assessment Criteria

Criteria A

Knowledge and Understanding

Knowing and understanding the theoretical basis of the performing arts (2AM-E3)

Developing an understanding of themes and issues studied

 (2AM-E3)

Knowledge and use of terminology when discussing musical works (1AM-E8)

Understanding how historical developments and cultural perspectives have influenced the performing arts (3AM-E1)

Understanding how practitioners and artists have contributed to this art form (2AM-E3)

Criteria B

Application

Planning and organizing effectively set goals, negotiate, and make decisions

(1AM-E4, 3AM-E1)

Experimenting through both structured and spontaneous activities (1AM-E4)

Choose appropriate forms to express ideas, thoughts, and feelings in a creative manner (1AM-E4)

Demonstrate a range of techniques and skills (1AM-E4, 3AM-E1)

Find original and inventive solutions to problems (1AM-E8)

Develop ideas to a point of realization (1AM-E8)

Presenting work through formal and informal performances

 (1AM-E4, 3AM-E1)

Criteria C

Reflection  and Evaluation

Using a development journal throughout the creative cycle

Evaluate, assess, appraise, and reflect upon the work to support and promote creative development

Using feedback and discussion on work to support creative development

(1AM-E4, 3AM-E1)

Criteria D

Artistic Awareness and Personal Engagement

Showing sensitivity to oneís own and different cultures (2AM-E3)

Inviting and accepting views from others (2AM-E3)

Showing self-motivation, initiative, and a willingness to take artistic risks

(1AM-E8)

Supporting and encouraging peers towards a positive working environment

(1AM-E8)

The Performing Arts, Band

2006-2007

Name of Course: Band, Level I-III

MYP Level I,II, and III

Teacher and contact information:

George Haughton           E-mail: georgeh@grandcanyonschool.org

                                    School phone: 928.638.2461 x 204

                                   

Frequency of class: Four periods a week

Course Description:

The MYP Middle School Band, which consists of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, (Levels I, II, and III) provides the opportunity to discover, learn, create, and perform on the band instrument of their choice.  These include woodwind, brass, guitar, keyboard, and percussion. The focus of Middle School Band is to combine seeing, feeling, hearing, thinking, and creating to develop an effective form of musical communication.  The aims and objectives of this course (in conjunction with the Arizona State Standards) include gaining a basic understanding of their instrument, elementary music theory, performance techniques, creating original music, using the language of music to communicate ideas, the study of international music and cultures, musical instrument origins, improvisation, and technology.  The course will also include reflections on the studentís own performance as well as their peers and professional musicians.

Topics:

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching will be done through demonstrations on various musical instruments, lecture, class discussion, listening to recordings, and watching both live and recorded performances.  Musical rehearsal will take up a major portion of class time.

Knowledge and Understanding will be assessed through written pieces of work, including quizzes, musical compositions, and entries in the developmental workbook.  Application and Performance evaluation will focus on finished compositions, the developmental workbook, classroom observation, and the final musical performance.  Reflection and Evaluation will be assessed through the developmental workbook.  And, Artistic Awareness and Personal Engagement will be evaluated through a finished musical composition and a final performance.

Resources

Include but not limited to:

Music folder

Concert music

Fingering charts

Instruments as needed/available

The Performing Arts, Band

2006-2007

Name of Course: Band, Level IV-V

MYP Level IV and V

Teacher and contact information:

George Haughton           E-mail: georgeh@grandcanyonschool.org

                                    School phone: 928.638.2461 x 204

                                   

Frequency of class: Four periods a week

 

Course Description:

The MYP High School Band, which consists of 9th and 10th grade students, (Levels IV and V) provides the opportunity to discover, learn, create, and perform on the band instrument of their choice.  These include woodwind, brass, guitar, keyboard, and percussion. The focus of High School Band is to combine seeing, feeling, hearing, thinking, and creating to develop an effective form of musical communication.  The aims and objectives of this course (in conjunction with the Arizona State Standards) include gaining an advanced understanding of their instrument, advanced music theory, performance techniques, creating original music, using the language of music to communicate ideas, the study of international music and cultures, the study of several western music periods, improvisation, and technology.  The course will also include reflections on the studentís own performance as well as their peers and professional musicians.

Topics:

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching will be done through demonstrations on various musical instruments, lecture, class discussion, listening to recordings, and watching both live and recorded performances.  Musical rehearsal will take up a major portion of class time.

Knowledge and Understanding will be assessed through written pieces of work, including quizzes, musical compositions, and entries in the developmental workbook.  Application and Performance evaluation will focus on finished compositions, the developmental workbook, classroom observation, and the final musical performance.  Reflection and Evaluation will be assessed through the developmental workbook.  And, Artistic Awareness and Personal Engagement will be evaluated through a finished musical composition and a final performance.

Resources

Include but not limited to:

Music folder

Concert music

Fingering charts

Instruments as needed/available

MYP curriculum Page

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