COURSE: Piano
ROOM: E1.1
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Piano is designed to introduce students to the
following: basic instrumental music techniques such as tone production,
articulation, pitch discrimination; melodic and rhythmic concepts and patterns;
practice skills and habits; solo, ensemble, and full group rehearsals; a
variety of keyboard repertoire; opportunities for private instruction and
experiences in performing.
COURSE
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/STANDARDS: Students should satisfy the
following music standards: Play piano
pieces accurately and independently, alone and in duets, with good posture,
proper fingering, and musically.
Perform with expression and technical accuracy a repertoire of piano
literature with a level of difficulty of 1 on a scale of 1 to 6. Perform music representing diverse genres
and cultures, with expression appropriate for the work. Play by ear simple melodies. Improvise melodies. Compose music within specified
guidelines. Read whole, half, quarter,
eighth, sixteenth, and dotted notes and rests in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, and alla
breve meter signatures. Listen to,
analyze and describe specific events in live and recorded music using appropriate
terminology. Understand relationship
between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts. Understand music in relation to history and
culture.
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE: This course will examine musical concepts following
the sequence presented in a vide variety of lesson books at the Beginning
Level. At the conclusion of each
nine-weeks, students will perform individually from the lesson book during
class time. Lessons to be performed
will be announced well in advance of the graded session. The rate of progress through the lesson book
depends upon having at least ninety percent of the class prepared to play the
materials accurately. Students who are
able to play beyond the cut-off lesson will be in a bonus category. Students who are unable to play at the level
of difficulty required will be given the opportunity to earn bonus points by
learning additional materials on their ability level. These materials will be agreed upon with the instructor.
In addition to the lesson books, students
will play a variety of piano arrangements that challenge their abilities. PARTICIPATION IN CLASSROOM REHEARSALS IS A
REQUIREMENT FOR THIS CLASS.
This course involves written work that
usually can be completed in class and is usually completed cooperatively for a
participation grade. Students should
always complete the work and make every effort to understand the concepts. Each concept will be presented several times
in different class sessions. At the
conclusion of each quarter, students will complete a written exam
individually. AFNORTH International
Middle/High School’s CSP (Continuous School Progress) goal is, “All students will improve their written
communication skills across the curriculum.”
The 6+1 trait is the model selected to improve school-wide writing
in all subject areas. The 6+1 Trait
writing framework is a powerful way to learn and use a common language to refer
to characteristics of writing as well as establish a common vision of what “strong”
writing looks like. Teachers and
students will use the 6+1 Trait model to identify areas of strength and
weakness as they continue to strive towards continued writing improvement. Success of all students requires that the
6+1 Trait become a consistent and integral component of each course taught at
AFNORTH International Middle/High School.
In this course students will practice the 6+1 Trait when analyzing and
evaluating different performance groups, styles and historical periods in
music. These activities will be
assessed as part of the classroom written work grade.
Quarter Participation
in rehearsals 40%
Classroom
written work and activities 10%
Performances 20%
Written
examinations 20%
Self-management 10%
Semester 1st Quarter Grade 40%
2nd
Quarter Grade 40%
Semester
Exam 20%
CLASSROOM
EXPECTATIONS/CONSEQUENCES: (1) All equipment in the
band room that is not assigned to you is off-limits. (2) All inappropriate physical activity should stop before
reaching the band room door. (3) Show
respect for other students and their possessions. (4) Practice appropriate rehearsal manners so that you can enjoy
but not disrupt. Students who require
correcting lose points on self-management and participation in rehearsals. Repeated failure to follow classroom rules
results in parent/sponsor coordination.
Continued misbehavior results in disciplinary referrals to
administration.
TEXTBOOK AND STUDY
MATERIALS: Supplemental piano arrangements in a variety
of musical styles will be handed out periodically. These are practice copies of the music and may be marked on. It
is not necessary to return this music.
Written music theory exercises from various sources will be used. These materials are normally kept on file
and not returned. A review sheet
containing every concept covered in class will be distributed prior to quarter
and semester exams. All materials
should be kept neatly in a folder that will be provided by the teacher.
SUPPLIES: Always bring a pen or pencil to class. A
folder with plastic inserts is strongly recommended to keep up with
sheet music.
PRACTICE: Students who demonstrate difficulty with the
assigned materials will be required to maintain a practice log in cooperation
with the parent/sponsor.
VIDEOS: Instructional music videos
and movies of high music content are accompanied by a study guide or
questionnaire which is part of the classroom written work grade. Cooperative work is allowed, but each
student must turn in a completed copy of the assignment.
PIANOS: Students using school pianos are responsible for
maintaining them properly. They are not to be abused or mismanaged in any way.