Music Appreciation

The Music Appreciation (MA) program is currently set up for all students NOT in band or chorus. Students receive 50 minutes of class instruction every other day for the entire school year for a total of 90 classes. If the schedule allows, the three teachers rotate the students by quarter or semester, so the kids may have two or three music teachers in one year.

Grade 6 Curriculum: Elements of Music, Listening, and Performance

Units include: Creative listening; singing; basic ear-training; STOMP rhythm project; Introduction to the staff; basic piano (right hand only); the instruments of the symphony; parodies; history of patriotic songs; and a song/rap writing project.

Grade 7 Curriculum: A History of American Music

Units include: Sound Collage and music is all around you; the making of a Thunderstorm; Program music and John William; Music in the Media; Blues, Jazz, and Swing; An introduction to playing drumset; Early rock: Elvis, The Day the Music Died; Beach Boys, Motown, Beatles, and the Record Release Party Project.

Grade 8 Curriculum: Pop Music of the 60’s-80’s, American Musical Theater, Social Issues and Themes in Music

Units include: The Doors, Woodstock, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Birth of Rap, When MTV played music, How to Buy a Stereo, Radio Station Broadcast project, Beginning Theater Improv. (Who’s Line skits) stage blocking, and an overview of theater including Les Mis, Sweeney Todd. Social issues such as profanity and violence in today’s music, downloading music without paying are discussed. Student will also create their own rap videos.