Grade 9 Instrumental Music – Course Outline

Course: Instrumental Music AMI-101

Teacher: Mrs. Barth

Suggested Prerequisites: 1-2 years experience in Band

Course Enhancement Fee: $10.00

Course Description::

          This programme is designed to develop students’ understanding, ability, and appreciation of music though practical skills and creative work. This music programme stresses creative thinking, individual and cooperative work habits, self-discipline and music excellence. 

            The expectations for music courses are organized into three distinct but related strands: Theory, Creation, and Analysis. The Dunbarton Music programme runs each of these strands concurrently. The evaluation procedure is broken down into more specific headings in each of these strands.

Course Expectations/Content:

            Students participating in this course will develop skills and understanding of concert band instruments & music through theory and performing. Topics of study will include: theory, ear training, history, sight reading, composition, playing solo & ensemble repertoire, and general technique of playing a concert band instrument as well as maintenance of the instrument.

Evaluation:

Term Work                  /70%

Final Evaluation           /30%

TERM WORK – 70%

FINAL EVALUATION – 30%

Expectations:

ð  Regular and Punctual attendance is mandatory

ð  Students must come to class prepared (i.e. with instrument, music, binder, pencil, and completed homework)

ð  Regular practice will be an essential requirement if students are to experience any real progress and maintain the pace set by the class as a whole

ð  Practice records/Journals must be completed weekly and handed in at the beginning of Mondays’ class

ð  All assignments must be completed and handed in on time

ð  It is YOUR responsibility to see the teacher regarding any missed work due to illness. If a student knows in advance that he/she will be absent on the day of an evaluation, he/she must arrange an alternative evaluation date with the teacher.

ð  Since this course often requires a workshop approach combined with class discussion, a student’s contribution to the class naturally requires their active presence and involvement

ð  Be respectful towards your surrounding environment (i.e. equipment, instruments, etc.)

ð  Follow the music room rules without exception

Equipment Required: 

ð  Method Book – Essential Elements Book Two

ð  Band Instrument (can borrow from school, but we strongly advise renting/buying your own if at all possible)

ð  Percussionists – own snare drum sticks (5A, acorn tip)

ð  3 ring binder, pencil, and eraser

Optional Equipment: 

ð  Own instrument

ð  Own mouthpiece

ð  Metronome

ð  Tuner

Practice Logs: 

             Students will complete a weekly practice log which will state, among other things, the number of hours spent practicing one’s instrument outside of class. A parent or guardian will also sign the log, verifying the week’s work. Students are expected to practice a minimum of 150 minutes per week.

             We have all heard the old maxim “practice makes perfect”. Well, not exactly. Perfect practice makes perfect. Practicing something incorrectly only ingrains mistakes or bad technique, and we all know how difficult it is to get out of a bad habit. Take the time to make your habits good ones!

Points to check when practicing: Posture, tone quality, air, embouchure, tonguing, rhythms, dynamics, tuning, articulations, even fingerings

*A good practice routine will work on all of the above at all times. Even if you are “just” practicing scales, make them musical!

Overall Grade Breakdown:

Class Mark 70%

Performance Exam 20 %

Theory Exam 10%

Class Mark Breakdown:

Application (performance) 43%

Knowledge & Understanding (theory) 25%

Thinking & Inquiry 15%

Communication 7%

Practice Records 10%