Music Curriculum Review - PDF Free Download

Williamsville Central School District Music Curriculum Review February 23, 2016 Betsy Gengo, Dodge/Heim Elementary Schools Nancy Gutillo, Transit Middle School Brett Ransom, North High School Amie Vredenburg, Mill Middle School Michael Russo, Instructional Specialist

Questions for Curriculum Review How is the intended curriculum implemented in appropriate classrooms? How does the curriculum assist students to meet or exceed the N.Y. State Learning Standards as articulated by the Williamsville Central School District content and performance standards? As you have had the opportunity to reflect on your curriculum evaluations, what do you see as the strengths and goals for improvement to further increase student achievement and develop character? Describe your next steps.

District Mission Statement The mission of the Williamsville Central School District, a community characterized by diversity, high expectations and support for learning, is to empower all students To develop their unique potential and character, To assume responsibilities of citizenship and leadership and To thrive in a challenging and rapidly changing global community through the commitment of our quality staff, working in partnership with students, parents and community, and utilizing visionary programs in a nurturing environment of mutual respect and dignity.

Music Department Mission Statement The mission of the music program is to develop in K-12 students an appreciation, understanding and talent for music in order that they might progress on to a career in music, continue with music throughout their life as an avocation, and to support music and the arts as adults.

New York State Standards for the Arts 1. Creating, Performing, and Participating in The Arts 2. Knowing and Using Arts Materials and Resources 3. Responding To and Analyzing Works of Art 4. Understanding the Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of the Arts

Common Core Alignment built-in

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) - Signed into law December 10, 2015

NYSED Program Requirements for Music Students in grades K 6 are to receive instruction in music. Students in grades 7 8 students are to receive one half unit of music. Students in grades 9 12 students are to earn one unit in the Arts. Music courses are one way to earn this credit.

Program Overview The program provides each student with the opportunity to participate at his or her own level of interest as a listener, performer, and composer.

Program Areas of Study Classroom Chorus Orchestra Band

Classroom Music Curriculum Grades K - 4 Grades 5 & 7 Grades 9-12

Grades K 4 Curriculum revised in 2009 The K-4 Classroom Music program provides for a foundation of the basics of music. These include pitch, rhythm, instruments, history, musical literacy, expressive qualities, listening and audience and performance behavior.

Grades 5 & 7 Classroom Music - Overview of units Grade 5 Grade 7 Singing Singing Rhythm and Notation Rhythm and Notation World Drumming World Drumming Music History Music History Musical Language Blues Current Events

Keyboarding Unit Notation - incorporate technology Performance - song choices utilizing current popular repertoire (technology) Assessment - performance based Musicality (7th Grade)

Grades 9-12 Music Theory (revised 2011) AP Music Theory Musical Language, Scales and Key Signatures, Intervals and Triads, Cadences, Non-Chord Tones & Phrase Structure, Part Writing & Roman Numeral Analysis and Dictation. Jazz Improvisation (2008) Aural skills, historical knowledge, analysis, theory, artistry and creativity.

Music In Our Lives I & II (Revision I - 2005, II - 2012) Music In Our Lives Overview Rock History Music Theory Electronic Keyboards Listening Evaluations Current Events Music In Our Lives Level 2 Overview Rock History Music Analysis African Drums

Program Strengths Cross-curricular Performance and presentation opportunity Differentiated instruction Use of technology Integrated writing and reflection

Opportunities for Improvement Program gaps 6th grade students who do not take BOC have an instructional gap of 1 to 1.5 years Lack of classroom music in Grade 8

Choral Curriculum Written in 2013 Standards-Based

Format Curriculum defines choral instruction for grades 3 through 12 Subdivided by grade level to align with the building configurations 3-4 5-8 9-12 Domains include repertoire, vocal technique, musicianship, and music theory

Grades 3-12 Musicianship Sample The Student will: Demonstrate pitch matching while singing a variety of repertoire Self-assess and adjust vowel formation to unify tone quality and adjust personal volume level as to not hear individual voices Employ an expansive dynamic palate within their individual and group sound Maintain a steady tempo through self-assessment Bring life to the text through facial and body language Demonstrate appropriate performance/rehearsal conduct and audience etiquette NYS Learning Standards 1c, 1e, 2i, 3c, 3e, 4c

Program Strengths Curricular program Students are becoming well rounded choral musicians Students are able to approach music in a variety of ways: reading, moving, singing, listening, analyzing, and playing instruments Vocal lessons taught at the high school level Cross-curricular Students use the text to further develop literacy, language, and speech skills Students use the music to further develop math, kinesthetic development, historical content

Opportunities for Improvement Students may be prevented from participating in chorus due to scheduling issues Vocal lessons at the middle school level

4-12 Instrumental Orchestra/Band Curriculum Written in 2013/2006 Standards-Based

Content Standards & Assessment Tools Specific content Performance standards NYSSMA target levels and evaluations Rubrics Individual and Ensemble (Used for APPR)

Curriculum aligns with the NYS Standards for the Arts and Common Core Learning Standards Casey Middle 5th Grade Band (begin at 12:00) Heim Middle 7th/8th Orchestra (begin at 24:25) South High Philharmonia Orchestra (begin at 4:14)

Striving Towards Excellence Ensemble rehearsals Group lessons Performance proficiencies, sight-reading, ear training, vocabulary, and composition Quality repertoire for various media: concert band, wind ensemble, string and full orchestra, solo, rock orchestra, jazz ensemble, musical pit ensembles, band and orchestra chamber ensembles, orchestral winds Use of music technology

Program Strengths Access to a wide variety of performance opportunities Creatively working with other academics across the curriculum Emphasis on self-discipline, positive interactions, accountability, & cooperation Exemplary performances by our students at all levels. Local, regional, state, and national recognition

A Dynamic Program Roughly 85% of district 4th graders play an instrument 40+% of the student body continue in band and orchestra at the middle and high school level, which is 20% higher than the national average Students involved in band and orchestra often comprise the top academic rankings. Additionally, music students are involved in athletics as well as other extra-curriculars; music students excel in time management and self discipline

Continued strength We have had steady enrollment in all our bands Gr. 4-12 and all ensembles perform exceedingly challenging music. Top Jazz Artists at all 3 High Schools every year working with students Guest Conductors and Artists working with bands and orchestras. Timothy Broege Gabe DiMartino Heavyweights Brass Band SUNY Fredonia Faculty Turtle Island String Quartet

Opportunities for Improvement More contact time (daily rehearsals at middle school level) New school instruments to replace old ones to meet instrumentation and essential balance issues in all ensembles Smaller lesson groups Improved Rehearsal/Classroom Space Anticipated music facility renovations / additions at all high schools Summer Jump Start for beginners

Theatre Performances All high schools perform an annual musical production. Transit Middle School also presents a musical production on a biannual basis. Student directors Stage crew Sound and Light Crew Pit orchestra And many more!

Summer Music Program An extension of the Music Curriculum: Ensembles Orchestra Gr. 5-8 Orchestra Gr. 9-12 Band Gr. 4-6 Band Gr. 7-9 Community Band Gr. 10 - adult Private Lessons for instruments, voice and piano Gr. 4-12 Jazz Improv lessons Music Composition Lessons

Character Education Honesty Respect Responsibility Compassion Self-discipline Perseverance Giving to others

Character Development Responsibility, Self-discipline, Perseverance and Leadership Large ensembles Chamber ensembles Instruments Home practice

Character Development Giving to Others, Compassion Peer tutoring Students perform throughout the community Students continue beyond the school program in select ensembles in the community Amherst Bee 12/10/15

Music Program Accomplishments

Student Participation in Music Performing Ensembles Elementary Level - 2,172 students Middle School Level - 2,471 students High School Level 1,144 students Approx. 70 Regular Performing Ensembles plus numerous out of school ensembles at all three levels Total of 5,787 students which is 58% of the total district student population

50% 50% 56% 58%

Student Accomplishments This year, 21 students were selected to be members of All-State music ensembles. Additionally, the NYSSMA State Music Composition Competition was held and 2 of the 12 student winners were from Williamsville. Last year, one student was selected to be a member of All-Eastern and three were selected to be members of All-National Participating ensembles received a Gold or Gold with Distinction at NYSSMA Major Organization Evaluation Festivals Over 900 students participated in NYSSMA and ECMEA festivals this past year. Typically approximately 20% of students involved in the competitive honors groups in the county are made up of students from Williamsville.

Faculty Accomplishments Active performers and guest conductors Active and published composers and authors Active in county and state organizations Guest clinicians for county, state and national organizations 16 recipients of the BPO/ECMEA Award for Excellence in Music Education

Looking Forward...

Why? A painter paints pictures on canvas, but musicians paint their pictures on silence. ~Leopold Stokowski Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent. ~Victor Hugo Music rearranges your molecular structure. ~Carlos Santana