Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Vocal Health Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester One Student will demonstrate proper care of voice Why is it important to take care of your voice? What symptoms for an improperly cared for voice? posture, diaphragm, breath support, placement, tone, head voice, chest voice Performance Tasks: Identify and describe parts of student s Voice. Correct care of voice. Demonstrate and/or describe proper care of voice. The student will be able to identify the proper vocal techniques. Other : SCR regarding care of Voice : Implementing best teaching strategies and allowing for the use of critical thinking skills, self-directed instruction and invention, while allowing opportunities for collaboration and information literacy, the teacher will sequentially teach the following musical concepts: 1. Proper care of voice. 2. Elements of vocal maintenance and care 3. Review common sense precautions: volume, health and preservation of voice: screaming, yelling, etc. : The Choral Warm-Up Choral Collection by Sally K. Albrecht The Complete Choral Warm-Up Book by Jay Althouse Page 1 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Posture Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester One Performance with enhanced techniques. Sing with correct posture Why is good posture and body position important? How does correct posture and breathing affect performance? Posture, position, Performance Tasks: Students will demonstrate proper posture while singing correctly Students will have correct posture without assistance. Implementing best teaching strategies and allowing for the use of critical thinking skills, self-directed instruction and invention, while allowing opportunities for collaboration and information literacy, the teacher will sequentially teach the following musical concepts: 1. Correct posture of body. : The Choral Warm-Up Choral Collection by Sally K. Albrecht The Complete Choral Warm-Up Book by Jay Althouse Page 2 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Tone Production Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester One Perform using enhanced musical techniques: Sing with correct posture, maintaining consistent tone quality (From the standards document): What are the components of good vocal tone? Tone, tone quality, breath support, blend, balance, diction, pronunciation Performance Tasks: Student will demonstrate a quality, effective tone. Student will produce a quality, effective tone. Implementing best teaching strategies and allowing for the use of critical thinking skills, self-directed instruction and invention, while allowing opportunities for collaboration and information literacy, the teacher will sequentially teach the following musical concepts: 1. Initial sound creation 2. Introduction to basics of pronunciation and dictation 3. Initial creation of sounds using long tones and various simple rhythms The Choral Warm-Up Choral Collection by Sally K. Albrecht The Complete Choral Warm-Up Book by Jay Althouse Page 3 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Music Terms and Symbols Enduring Concept: Theory of Music Timeline: Trimester One Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Identify notation of level.5 compositions (From the standards document) Why is it important to learn musical symbols and terms? How do musical symbols help one analyze a performance or develop as a musician? How does a working knowledge of musical symbols and terms assist in composing original musical ideas? Staff, Treble Clef, Bass Clef, Bar Line, Double Bar Line, Time Signature 4/4 and 2/4 and Common Time, Breath Mark, Key Signature, Slur, Tie, Repeat Measure, Fermata, Rehearsal Number/Letter, Measure, Sharp, Flat, Natural, Solo, Soli, Tutti, Composer, Concert pitch, 1 st and 2 nd ending, Phrase, Duet, Trio, Harmony, Melody, Round, Composition, Articulation, Tongue, Ledger Line, Conductor, Canon, Fugue, Coda, Solfege, Staccato, Legato, Marcato, Vibrato Performance Tasks: Selected Theory Exercises from the Sight Singer Students apply knowledge of music terms and symbols. Identify and demonstrate notes. Implementing best teaching strategies and allowing for the use of critical thinking skills, self-directed instruction and invention, while allowing opportunities for collaboration and information literacy, the teacher will sequentially teach the following musical concepts: 1. Music terms and symbols as they occur in the course of instruction. 2. Correct application of music terms and symbols : The Choral Warm-Up Choral Collection by Sally K. Albrecht The Complete Choral Warm-Up Book by Jay Althouse The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Page 4 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Rhythm Enduring Concept: Theory of Music Timeline: Trimester One Identification of rhythmic patterns in musical examples: Identify and demonstrate rhythms within musical examples in 2/4 and 4/4 meter time signatures (From the standards document): Why is it important to read and perform correct rhythms? How are rhythmic patterns used in creating original musical works? Whole, Half, Quarter, Note, Rest, Tempo, Speed, Counting, Rhythm, Pulse, Beat Student successfully counts, claps, and sings rhythms utilizing whole, half, quarter notes and rests. Performance Tasks: Selected Theory Exercises from The Sight Singer Student can identify and demonstrate rhythms within musical examples. Implementing best teaching strategies and allowing for the use of critical thinking skills, self-directed instruction and invention, while allowing opportunities for collaboration and information literacy, the teacher will sequentially teach the following musical concepts: 1. Simple rhythms (clapping, tapping, counting and playing on Voice) in 4/4 time. 2. Written and reading simple rhythms in 4/4 time. : The Choral Warm-Up Choral Collection by Sally K. Albrecht The Complete Choral Warm-Up Book by Jay Althouse The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Page 5 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Performance Etiquette Enduring Concept: Aesthetic Valuation of Music Timeline: Trimester One Determination of strengths and weaknesses in musical performances according to specific criteria What criteria are important in evaluating a performance? How are these criteria applied to the listening experience? How has recorded music affected people s expectations of quality? How does the quality of a live performance differ from that of a recording? Has the use of technology improved the quality of musical experience? Can music be a positive or a negative influence on human behavior? Why? Etiquette, applause, appropriate, performance attire Students will demonstrate appropriate etiquette during performance, as an audience member or as a performer. Students will identify criteria used in evaluating musical performances. Students will employ basic specific music terminology related to elements of performance and evaluation to discuss a musical performance. Students can identify criteria used in evaluating musical performances. Implementing best teaching strategies and allowing for the use of critical thinking skills, self-directed instruction and invention, while allowing opportunities for collaboration and information literacy, the teacher will sequentially teach the following musical concepts: 1. Appropriate behavior while participating as a performer and audience member. 2. Establishment of criteria used when evaluating a musical performance. : Assorted literature, school behavior expectations. Essential Repertoire edited by Crocker Page 6 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Composition Timeline: Trimester One Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Create melodic and rhythmic patterns Are there rules in composing? Why is a piece of music like a piece of artwork? How could the process of composition be described or explained? treble clef, bass clef, staff, stem, notehead, notate Students will successfully complete a four measure composition following teacher s parameters Enduring Concept: Creation of Music and Theory of Music Students can notate a combination of simple melodic and/or rhythmic patterns with structured parameters. Implementing best teaching strategies and allowing for the use of critical thinking skills, self-directed instruction and invention, while allowing opportunities for collaboration and information literacy, the teacher will sequentially teach the following musical concepts: 1. Structured parameters of written music. 2. Notation of written music. : ; Page 7 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Music Terms and Symbols Enduring Concept: Theory of Music Timeline: Trimester Two Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Analysis of a beginning level composition or performance using musical elements. (From the standards document) How is music like a language? How will your knowledge of new symbols and terms affect your performance as a musician? How do musical symbols help one analyze a performance and develop as a musician? Eighth Note, Dotted Note, Pick up note, Accent, Tempo, Andante, Moderato, Allegro, Dynamics, Piano, Forte, Mezzo Piano, Mezzo Forte, Crescendo, Decrescendo, Accidental, Natural, Multi-measure rest, Improvisation, Interval, Chord, Divisi, Half Step, Whole Step, Major Scale, Arpeggio, Sight reading, Theme and Variation Performance Tasks: Selected Theory Exercises from The Sight Singer Students apply knowledge of music terms and symbols. Student demonstrates knowledge of music symbols and terms as found in a beginning level composition. Student can describe using music vocabulary when analyzing a musical example. Implementing best teaching strategies and allowing for the use of critical thinking skills, self-directed instruction and invention, while allowing opportunities for collaboration and information literacy, the teacher will sequentially teach the following musical concepts: 1. Music terms and symbols as they occur in the course of instruction. 2. Correct application of music terms and symbols to performance on voice. The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Page 8 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Rhythm and Tempo Enduring Concept: Theory of Music Timeline: Trimester Two Identification of rhythmic patterns in musical examples. (From the standards document): How do meter changes shape music? Why is it important to read and play correct rhythms? Why is it important to understand musical notation? How does tempo affect the feeling of a piece of music? Why is it important to follow the composer s written tempo? Meter, pick up notes, ¾ time signature, sixteenth notes, eighth rest, tempo, andante, moderato, allegro Student successfully counts, claps, and sings rhythms utilizing whole, half, quarter notes and rests plus eighth notes, dotted half notes. Student performs and reads in 3/4 meter. Student can identify and demonstrate rhythms within musical examples that incorporate eighth notes, dotted half notes, 3/4 time signature, and pick up notes. Performance Tasks: Selected Theory Exercises from The Sight Singer Implementing best teaching strategies and allowing for the use of critical thinking skills, self-directed instruction and invention, while allowing opportunities for collaboration and information literacy, the teacher will sequentially teach the following musical concepts: 1. Rhythms (clapping, tapping, counting and singing) in 4/4 and 3/4 time. 2. Written and reading rhythms in 4/4 and 3/4 time. The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Page 9 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Performance Etiquette Enduring Concept: Aesthetic Valuation of Music Timeline: Trimester Two Determination of strengths and weaknesses in musical performances according to specific criteria. Description of music s role in the human experience and ways music is used and enjoyed in society. Why is it important to observe the conductor, sing, and listen all at the same time? Etiquette, applause, appropriate, performance attire Students will demonstrate appropriate etiquette during performance, as an audience member or as a performer. ; Assorted literature, school behavior expectations Essential Repertoire edited by Crocker Student will identify criteria used in evaluating musical performances. Student will discuss potential influence of music on emotions and behavior. : Unit: Dynamics Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester Two Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Perform music in unison and two parts accurately and expressively How would music be different if there were no changes in dynamics? piano, mezzo piano, mezzo forte, forte, crescendo, decrescendo Student successfully sings passages with the correct dynamics Student demonstrates knowledge of dynamics through performance. marked in the music Student will perform dynamics correctly while maintaining good tone Students will respond to the conductor for phrasing and dynamics quality. Performance Tasks: Assorted literature : Essential Repertoire edited Crocker Page 10 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Improvisation and Composition Enduring Concept: Creation of Music Timeline: Trimester Two Create melodic and rhythmic patterns with structured parameters. Improvisation, Improvise patterns. Notate simple compositions. chord, call and response, arpeggio, How are patterns used in creating original musical works? scale, How does improvising music help a musician to create and express ideas? chord, When should a musician improvise? What are the elements of a good improvisation? Are there rules in composing? Why is a piece of music like a piece of artwork? How could the process of composition be described or explained? Students will improvise Call and Response patterns using the notes of the major scale. Students will be able to improvise a two measure phrase using the notes of the major scale : treble clef, bass clef, staff, stem, notehead, notate Students will create melodic and rhythmic patterns with structured parameters. Students will demonstrate preparatory improvisations rhythmically and melodically. : Unit: Key Signatures and Scales Enduring Concept: Theory of music and Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester Two Demonstrate understanding of major scale Why is it important to play scales? Major, whole step, half step, interval, pattern, solfege Students will sing one major scale in key and range appropriate to their voice. The Choral Warm-Up Choral Collection by Sally K. Albrecht The Complete Choral Warm-Up Book by Jay Althouse The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Students will successfully sing a major scale in key and range appropriate to their voice. : Page 11 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Music Terms and Symbols Enduring Concept: Theory of Music Timeline: Trimester Three Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Analysis of a beginning level composition or performance using musical elements Describe the many purposes of a dot in musical notation. Why is it important to know how musical symbols and terms are used in music? Why is it important to be an informed listener through the knowledge of musical terms and symbols? Intonation, balance, blend, ritardando, syncopation, sharp, accidental, staccato, da capo, al fine, chromatic, enharmonic Students perform assorted literature implementing the culmination of musical terms and symbols from throughout the year. Assorted literature Student will analyze articulation, dynamics, and tempo during performances. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 12 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Rhythm and Tempo Enduring Concept: Theory of Music Timeline: Trimester Three Identification of rhythmic patterns in musical examples: (From the standards document): Do tempo and mood have a close connection? How does syncopation change how music feels to the listener or performer? Dotted quarter note, single eighth note, maestoso, ritardando, syncopation Student successfully counts, claps, and sings rhythms utilizing dotted quarter note and single eighth note. Student performs patterns that include syncopation Performance Tasks: Assorted literature Assorted literature Student will identify and demonstrate rhythms within musical examples that incorporate dotted quarter notes, single eighth notes and syncopation. Student demonstrates knowledge of rhythm and tempo through performance. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 13 of 36
Year One Beginning Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Performance Practices Enduring Concept: Aesthetic Valuation of Music Timeline: Trimester Three Determination of strengths and weaknesses in musical performances according to specific criteria. Description of music s role in the human experience and ways music is used and enjoyed in society. What are ways music is used in the ritual of society? Does an individual s preference for a musical work or performance make it good or bad? What is the correlation between liking a work and the importance of work? Precision, Interpretation, Aesthetic, Evaluation, preference, assessment, technique, criteria Apply elements of performance in observational and evaluative ways using appropriate music terminology, ; Essential Repertoire edited by Emily Crocker Students can relate and discuss how different aesthetic qualities communicate in specific musical works. Students can employ basic specific music terminology related to elements of performance and evaluation to discuss a music performance. : Unit: Key Signatures and Scales Enduring Concept: Theory of music and Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester Three Demonstrate understanding of major scale How are whole steps and half steps different? Why do two notes that sound the same have different names? Chromatic Scale, enharmonic, whole steps, half steps Students will sing three major scales in key and range appropriate to their instrument. Students will sing a chromatic scale one octave. Students will successfully sing three major scales in key and range appropriate to their instrument. Students will successfully sing the chromatic scale one octave. : Page 14 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Intonation Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester One Perform music accurately and expressively When can right notes sound wrong? Why is teamwork important in singing in tune? Intonation, sharp, flat, in tune, accuracy, pitch, timbre Performance Tasks: Identify discrepancies in pitch The student will be able to identify intonation discrepancies and know the proper action to adjust for intonation. : Essential Repertoire edited by Emily Crocker Student can incorporate all musical symbols, tempo indications, expressive indications, and technical indications while maintaining consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend, and phrasing. : Unit: Music Terms and Symbols Enduring Concept: Theory of Music, Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester One Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Perform music accurately and expressively. Analysis of musical elements. Why is it important to analyze compositions based on the use of musical elements? Intonation, Balance, Blend, Largo, Ritardando, Maestoso, Syncopation, Adagio, Tenuto, Interval, Staccato, Transposition, Courtesy Accidental, Key Change, Tempo Change, Minor, Major, Melodic Minor, Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, Da Capo, al Fine, Performance Tasks: Selected Theory Exercise from the Sight Singer Students apply knowledge of music terms and symbols. : The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Student will describe using dynamic and tempo markings when analyzing a musical example. Student will incorporate all musical symbols and expressive indications in performing a piece of music. : Page 15 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Rhythm and tempo Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester One Perform music in three or more parts accurately and expressively (From the standards document): Why is it important to read and sing correct rhythms? How are rhythmic patterns used in creating original musical works? What makes a conductor s cues important? Dotted quarter note, eighth rest, largo, adagio, ritardando, syncopation Student successfully counts, claps, and sings rhythms utilizing dotted quarter notes, single eighth notes and rests, and syncopated rhythms. Performance Tasks: Selected Theory Exercise pages from The Sight Singer The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Student will incorporate all musical symbols and expressive indications in performing a piece of music. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 16 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Sight reading Enduring Concept: Expression of Music, Aesthetic valuation of music Timeline: Trimester one, two, and three Perform music accurately and expressively at the minimal difficulty level of one at first reading: individually and as an ensemble member. Analysis, through compare and contrast, of music performances and compositions using detailed criteria and vocabulary. What criteria are important in evaluating a performance? Why sight read? How does sight reading create a literate and independent musician? How does sight reading enhance personal enjoyment of a person s musical abilities? How are personal choices in music enhanced by an informed depth of knowledge? Sight read, balance, clap/tap/count, sing, phrasing, key change, meter change, road map, rehearsal markings, director cues Students will sight read observing all musical symbols, tempo and expressive indications. They will observe technical indications and maintain consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend and phrasing while sight reading. ; The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Students will sight read observing all musical symbols. Tempo indications, expressive indications, and technical indications. Students will maintain consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend and phrasing while sight reading. Student will apply prescribed criteria for evaluating musical performances and compositions. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 17 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Composition Enduring Concept: Creation of Music Timeline: Trimester one Students will create 4-8 measures of music melodically and rhythmically. What is the difference between arranging and composing? How do composers go about creating and composing musical works? How does a working knowledge of standard musical notation assist in preserving musical ideas? How does composition demonstrate one s understanding of the elements of music? Orchestrate, transpose Students notate a combination of melodic and rhythmic patterns of 4 to 8 measures. : Notate a combination of melodic and rhythmic patterns of 4-8 measures. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 18 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Key Signatures and Scales Enduring Concept: Theory of music, Expression of Music. Aesthetic Valuation of Timeline: Trimester One Music Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Demonstrate understanding of modalities and analysis of individual experiences in music How does performance in minor modalities differ from performance in major modalities? How does the demonstration of a minor scale performance lead to advancement? How does music in different modalities affect different people in different ways? How are music and literature linked in history and culture? Modality, Major, Minor, Interval, Whole, Half, Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Blues, Students will sing major and minor scales. Students can describe the cultural significance of major and minor modalities. Students can sing major and minor scales. Students can perform music literature in major and minor keys. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 19 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Intonation Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester Two Perform music accurately and expressively When can right notes sound wrong? Why is teamwork important in playing in tune? Intonation, adjust, sharp, flat, in tune, accuracy, pitch, timbre Performance Tasks: Identify discrepancies in pitch and adjust accordingly. : Essential Repertoire edited by Emily Crocker Student can incorporate all musical symbols, tempo indications, expressive indications, and technical indications while maintaining consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend, and phrasing. Student will sing a melodic line with one additional harmonic or melodic line. : Unit: Music Terms and Symbols Enduring Concept: Theory of Music, Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester Two Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Perform music accurately and expressively, Analysis of musical elements. Why is it important to analyze compositions based on the use of musical elements? Call and response, enharmonic, coda, sixteenth notes, allegretto, rallentando, cut time, alla breve Performance Tasks: Selected Theory Exercise The Sight Singer Students apply knowledge of music terms and symbols. : The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Student will describe using dynamic, and tempo markings when analyzing a musical example. Student will incorporate all musical symbols and expressive indications in performing a piece of music. : Page 20 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Rhythm and tempo Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester Two Perform music in three or more parts accurately and expressively. Identification and rhythmic demonstration of meter signatures in music. (From the standards document): Why is it important to read and sing correct rhythms? How can the use of varied rhythms alter the function of music? How are music and math similar? Sixteenth note, dotted eighth/sixteenth notes, eighth/sixteenth note combinations. Allegretto, rallentando, Student successfully counts, claps, and sings rhythms utilizing sixteenth notes, dotted eighth/sixteenth notes, eighth/sixteenth note combinations Performance Tasks: Selected Theory Exercise pages from The Sight Singer The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder, Student will incorporate all musical symbols and expressive indications in performing a piece of music. Student will demonstrate rhythms within musical examples that incorporate 8 th and 16 th rhythms and corresponding rests. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 21 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Sight reading Enduring Concept: Expression of Music, Aesthetic valuation of music Timeline: Trimester one, two, and three Perform music accurately and expressively at the minimal difficulty level of one at first reading: individually and as an ensemble member. Analysis, through compare and contrast, of music performances and compositions using detailed criteria and vocabulary. What criteria are important in evaluating a performance? Why sight read? How does sight reading create a literate and independent musician? How does sight reading enhance personal enjoyment of s person s musical abilities? How are personal choices in music enhanced by an informed depth of knowledge? Sight read, balance, clap/tap/count, sizzle, sing, phrasing, key change, meter change, road map, rehearsal markings, director cues Students will sight read observing all musical symbols, tempo and expressive indications. They will observe technical indications and maintain consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend and phrasing while sight reading. ;, The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Students will sight read observing all musical symbols. tempo indications, expressive indications, and technical indications. Students will maintain consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend and phrasing while sight reading. Student will apply prescribed criteria for evaluating musical performances and compositions. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 22 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Composition and Improvisation Enduring Concept: Creation of Music and Theory of Music Timeline: Trimester two Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Create 4 to 8 measures of music melodically and rhythmically. Improvise short melodic phrases. What other disciplines use improvisation and how? What distinguishes one composer s works from another? Transpose, call and response, improvise, Students notate a combination of melodic and rhythmic patterns of 4 to 8 measures Students will improvise melodies of 4 to 8 measures Students will notate a combination of melodic and rhythmic patterns of 4 to 8 measures. Students will improvise melodies of 4 to 8 measures. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Unit: Key Signatures and Scales Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester Two Demonstrate understanding of modalities Why is it important to learn to play in multiple key signatures? major scale Students will sing a major scale Students can sing at least 3 Major Scales and 2 minor scales : Page 23 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Time Signatures Enduring Concept: Theory of Music Timeline: Trimester Two Identification and rhythmic demonstration of multiple, changing meter signatures in music. Why does a composer write in cut time? How is 2/2 different from 2/4 time? Cut time, alla breve, 2/2, unit beat Students will demonstrate understanding of rhythms in cut time. : Students can demonstrate rhythms within musical examples that incorporate eighth rhythms and corresponding rests in cut time meter signatures. : Unit: Intonation Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester Three Perform music accurately and expressively When can right notes sound wrong? Why is teamwork important when singing in tune? What makes one performance more effective than another? How do the scientific principles of acoustics relate to music? Intonation, adjust, sharp, flat, in tune, accuracy, pitch, timbre Performance Tasks: Identify discrepancies in pitch and adjust accordingly. Essential Repertoire Edited by Emily Crocker Student can incorporate all musical symbols, tempo indications, expressive indications, and technical indications while maintaining consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend, and phrasing. Student will sing a melodic line with one additional harmonic or melodic line. : Page 24 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Music Terms and Symbols Enduring Concept: Theory of Music, Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester Three Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Perform music accurately and expressively, Analysis of musical elements. Why is it important to analyze compositions based on the use of musical elements? What makes a conductor s cues important? Cresc., dim. for diminuendo, triplet, lento Performance Tasks: Selected Theory Exercise from The Sight Singer Students apply knowledge of music terms and symbols. The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Student will describe using articulation, dynamic, and tempo markings when analyzing a musical example. Student will incorporate all musical symbols and expressive indications in performing a piece of music. Respond to conductor s cues of tempo, phrasing, and expression. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 25 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Rhythm and tempo Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester Three Perform music in three or more parts accurately and expressively (From the standards document): Why is it important to read and sing correct rhythms? How can the use of varied rhythms alter the function of music? How are music and math similar? What does rhythm communicate? Cut time: dotted quarter/eighth note, lento, triplet eighth notes Student successfully counts, claps, and sings plays rhythms utilizing dotted quarter/eighth notes in cut time and triplet eighth notes in common time. Student will incorporate all musical symbols and expressive indications in performing a piece of music. Student will demonstrate rhythms within musical examples that incorporate dotted quarter/eighth note rhythms, triplet rhythms and corresponding rests. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 26 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Sight reading Enduring Concept: Expression of Music, Aesthetic valuation of music Timeline: Trimester one, two, and three Perform music accurately and expressively at the minimal difficulty level of one at first reading: individually and as an ensemble member. Analysis, through compare and contrast, of music performances and compositions using detailed criteria and vocabulary. What criteria are important in evaluating a performance? Why sight read? How does sight reading create a literate and independent musician? How does sight reading enhance personal enjoyment of a person s musical abilities? How are personal choices in music enhanced by an informed depth of knowledge? Sight read, balance, clap/tap/count, sing, phrasing, key change, meter change, road map, rehearsal markings, director cues Students will sight read observing all musical symbols, tempo and expressive indications. They will observe technical indications and maintain consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend and phrasing while sight reading. ; The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Essential Repertoire by Emily Crocker Students will sight read observing all musical symbols. tempo indications, expressive indications, and technical indications. Students will maintain consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend and phrasing while sight reading. Student will apply prescribed criteria for evaluating musical performances and compositions. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 27 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Composition and Improvisation Enduring Concept: Creation of Music, Theory of Music, Aesthetic Valuation of Music Timeline: Trimester three Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Notation of Level One simple compositions using the appropriate clef. Create 4 to 8 measures of music melodically and rhythmically. Improvise short melodic phrases. Articulation and analysis of individual experiences in music. What other disciplines use improvisation and how? What distinguishes one composer s works from another? Transpose, call and response, improvise, Students notate a combination of melodic and rhythmic patterns of 4 to 8 measures Students will improvise melodies of 4 to 8 measures Essential Musicianship b Crocker and Leavitt Students will successfully complete four measure composition and improvisation exercises. Student can articulate personal selection criteria. : Unit: Key Signatures and Scales Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester Three Demonstrate understanding of modalities Why do minor keys exist? In what instances do you prefer a certain modality and why? minor, major Students will sing a minor scale : Students can sing at least 3 major and 2 minor scales : Page 28 of 36
Year Two Intermediate Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Time Signatures Enduring Concept: Theory of Music Timeline: Trimester Three Identification and rhythmic demonstration of multiple, changing meter signatures in music. Compare characteristics 3/8 and 6/8 to ¾ and 2/4 time. 3/8 time, 6/8 time Students will sing from assorted literature selections and demonstrate understanding of rhythms in 3/8 and 6/8 time. Students can demonstrate rhythms within musical examples that incorporate eighth rhythms and corresponding rests in 3/8 and 6/8 time. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 29 of 36
Year Three Advanced Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Intonation, balance, blend Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester One, Two, Three Perform music in three or more parts accurately and expressively at the minimal level of 1 to 2 on the difficulty rating scale. Why is it important to hear balance between other parts in an ensemble? What qualifies a specific performance as exemplary? How does the instrumentation of music change the characteristic of the musical performance? Intonation, adjust, sharp, flat, in tune, accuracy, pitch, timbre, balance, blend, tone. Performance Tasks: The student demonstrates the ability to adjust pitch and balance during performance. The student will demonstrate the ability to adjust elements of music during ensemble performances. Students can respond to conductor s cues of balance and blend while playing. Students can maintain a consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, and blend. : Empl oy musical skil l s t hrough a variet y of means, incl uding singing, pl aying inst rument s, and purposef ulmovement Demonstrate the expressive elements of music including melody, harmony, rhythm, style, genre, texture, voicing/instrumentation, mood, tonality, and form through voice, musical instruments, and/or the use of electronic tools Demonst rat e t he processes ofdevelopment of musical literature from rehearsal to performance, exhibiting appropriate interpersonal and expressive skills, both individually and within ensembles Supplemented as needed Essential Repertoire edited by Emily Crocker Page 30 of 36
Year Three Advanced Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Music Terms and Symbols Enduring Concept: Theory of Music, Expression of Music, Aesthetic Valuation of Music Timeline: Trimester One, Two, Three Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Perform music accurately and expressively, Identification of musical elements. What determines the level of difficulty in a composition? Why is it important to analyze compositions based on the use of musical elements? How will evaluating performances help you become a better musician? simile, harmonic progression, tonic, dominant, subdominant, triplet, mode, genre, form, arrangement, melody, harmony, swing, trill, stagger, accelerando, largo, vivace, rallentando, ceasura, mordent, marcato accent, grace note, sforzando, forte piano, fortissimo, pianissimo, binary, ternary, rondo, mixed meter, instrumentation, 8va, a2, a tempo Students apply knowledge of musical terms and Student demonstrates knowledge of music symbols and terms through performance on symbols to performance. instrument. Student will describe using articulation, dynamic, and tempo markings when analyzing a musical example. Student will incorporate all musical symbols, expressive indications, tempo indications, and technical indications while maintaining consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend, and phrasing. Student will respond to conductor s cues of balance and blend while playing. Evaluate works with an advanced vocabulary. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills : Supplemented as needed Page 31 of 36
Year Three Advanced Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Rhythm and tempo Enduring Concept: Theory of Music Timeline: Trimester One, Two, Three Demonstration of rhythms in multiple and changing meter signatures (From the standards document): How does the meter affect the personality of a piece of music? accelerando, sixteenth rest, quarter note triplet, rallantando, largo, vivace, molto, poco a poco, subito, dolce Student successfully demonstrates rhythms using various tempo and dynamic markings. Supplemented as needed Student demonstrates rhythms within musical examples that incorporate combinations of dotted notes and corresponding rests in varying meters. Student demonstrates written rhythms using various tempo and dynamic markings. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 32 of 36
Year Three Advanced Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Sight reading Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester one, two, and three Perform music accurately and expressively at the minimal difficulty level of 1.5 at first reading: individually and as an ensemble member. Analysis, through compare and contrast, of music performances and compositions using detailed criteria and vocabulary. Why is the ability to sight read important? How does sight reading impact higher level performing opportunities? Which general criteria might be used to evaluate music from all cultures and genres? How are musical symbols related to punctuation? Sight read, balance, clap/tap/count, sizzle, sing, phrasing, key change, meter change, road map, rehearsal markings, director cues Students will sight read observing all musical symbols, tempo and expressive indications. They will observe technical indications and maintain consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend and phrasing while sight reading. Students will sight read, observing all musical symbols, tempo indications, expressive indications, and technical indications. Students can develop and describe criteria for evaluating musical performances and compositions. : Perform music with appropriate technique and level of expression at an appropriate level of difficulty in sight reading and prepared performance Demonstrate the processes of development of musical literature from rehearsal to performance, exhibiting appropriate interpersonal and expressive skills, both individually and within ensembles ; Supplemented as needed The Sight Singer by Audrey Snyder Page 33 of 36
Year Three Advanced Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Composition and Improvisation Timeline: Trimester one, two, three Grade Level Expectations (GLE) Create music using melodic sequences. Arrange a simple existing composition. Improvise over simple harmonic progressions. Transpose, call and response, improvise, Student successfully improvises over a 12 bar simple chord progression. Student will complete an arrangement of an existing composition. Student notates a melodic pattern of 12 measures. : Supplemented as needed Enduring Concept: Creation of Music What other disciplines use improvisation and how? What distinguishes one composer s works from another? Students will notate a melodic pattern of 12 measures. Student will create a new arrangement of an existing instrumental composition. Student will improvise a 12 bar solo instrumentally. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Unit: Key Signatures and Scales Enduring Concept: Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester One, Two, Three Demonstrate contrasting modalities through performance How do modalities shape musical expression? major, minor Students can sing at least 4 major and 3 minor scales and understand relationships between major and minor. Students can perform music literature that contains contrasting modes. Supplemented as needed Students can sing at least 4 major and 3 minor scales and understand relationships between major and minor. Students can perform music literature that contains contrasting modes. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 34 of 36
Year Three Advanced Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Aesthetic Valuation Enduring Concept: Aesthetic Valuation of Music Timeline: Trimester One, Two, Three Articulation of music s role in cultural tradition in history and society What happens to popular music over time? How is music an integral aspect of various activities and traditions? How are personal listening choices strong indicators of cultural and ethnic backgrounds? How has technology changed our expectations of performances and the availability of music? Society, culture, ethnic, aesthetic, popular music, genre, Student describes various ways music is used and enjoyed in different societal backgrounds and cultural traditions. Supplemented as needed Youtube.com Mp3 files Student will describe various ways music is used and enjoyed in different societal backgrounds and cultural traditions. : Unit: Time Signatures Enduring Concept: Theory of Music Timeline: Trimester One, Two, Three Identification and rhythmic demonstration of multiple, changing meter signatures in music. Compare characteristics of 3/8 and 6/8 to ¾ and 2/4 time? How is music evolutionary? cut time, 2/2, 3/8 time, 6/8 time, meter, mixed meter Students demonstrate written rhythms using various tempo and dynamic markings. Students demonstrate rhythms within musical examples that incorporate combinations of dotted notes and corresponding rests in various meters. Supplemented as needed Students can demonstrate written rhythms using various tempo and dynamic markings. Students can demonstrate rhythms within musical examples that incorporate combinations of dotted notes and corresponding rests in various meters. : Page 35 of 36
Year Three Advanced Choir Curriculum Guide Unit: Dynamics Enduring Concept: Theory of Music, Expression of Music Timeline: Trimester One, Two, Three Identification of musical elements in a level-two composition or performance. Perform music in four or more parts accurately and expressively. How would music be different if there were no dynamics? pianissimo, fortissimo, forte piano, sforzando, subito, Student incorporates all musical symbols, tempo indications, expressive indications, and technical indications while maintaining consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend, and phrasing. Student demonstrates the ability to adjust elements of music (pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, texture, form) during ensemble performance. Student describes using a minimum of four markings (articulation, dynamics, and tempo) when analyzing a musical example. Supplemented as needed Essential Repertoire edited by Emily Crocker Students can incorporate all musical symbols, tempo indications, expressive indications, and technical indications while maintaining consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, blend, and phrasing. Student can demonstrate the ability to adjust elements of music (pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, texture, form) during ensemble performance. Student can describe using a minimum of four markings (articulation, dynamics, and tempo) when analyzing a musical example. Key teaching and Learning Experiences that embed 21 st Century Skills Page 36 of 36