EQ: How does the bow affect intonation, rhythm, and tone?

Monday:  Unit 3- Lesson 1, minor scale with dynamics, begin working on Dramatic Essay.

Tuesday:  Unit 3-Lesson 2, a minor scale with dynamic contrast, continue working on dynamics in Dramatic Essay.  Focus on making extreme changes in your dynamics via bow speed, weight, and placement.  Students will work on shifting to produce a better tone----THIS WILL BE GRADED EVENTUALLY.

Wednesday:  Unit 3-Lesson 3, listening log, a minor scale two octaves with dynamic contrast, complete an a minor scale map and label, and continue working on dynamics in Dramatic Essay. Students will begin working on Avatar--make sure you focus on articulation and intonation.

Thursday: Unit 3-Lesson 4, theory (Circle of Fifths), students will play the a minor scale two octaves with dynamic contrasts as a section for a grade.  They must move their body and breath while playing to convey emotion and expression---espressivo.

Friday:  Unit 3-Lesson 5 and students will play Dramatic Essay---the Andante section---for a grade.


Learning Goals:
1.  Students will learn how to breathe and play together unassisted
2.  Students will learn how to create extreme dynamic contrasts and apply it to their music
3.  Students will apply the Circle of Fifths to identify key signatures
4.  Students will perform Dramatic Essay with proper tone, shifting techniques, articulations, and dynamics.

Scales Test

Due to the weather if there is any 8th grade student that needs to take their scales test, they have until Tuesday morning.  Remember that no tests will be taken during class however students may record or come in on their own time (before school, during lunch, or afterschool) to complete this assignment.

This Just In....

All 8th grade tests have been postponed until after the break due to unavoidable schedule changes.  Make sure you practice over break because you will take all 6 scale tests when you come back on Tuesday, January 5th.

Happy Holidays from MC to YOU!!!  :)

Winter Concerts

Tis the season for many concerts:

Tuesday, December 8th 4th period Orchestra will perform at NCHS at 5pm for the annual NCHS Orchestra Dinner Theatre

Tuesday, December 8th Full Symphony will play on the Band Concert Night beginning at 7pm

Thursday, December 10th  6th Grade Ensemble, 7th Grade Orchestras, and 8th Grade Orchestra will perform at Awtrey at 7pm in the theatre.

Tuesday, December 15th Vivace Ensemble will perform with the Chorus beginning at 7pm.  The orchestra will not begin performing until 7:30pm although parents are encouraged to attend the Chorus performance at 7pm.

Falalalalaaa la la la laaaaaaaaa

:)

The B Flat Scale map is below with the fingerings. Please make sure you understand this scale by Friday because you may have to write or label a scale map. If you have any questions please see MC.

B Flat Scale Map w/ fingerings

Scale Video Lesson

The link for the scale video lesson is below. This video provides you with step-by-step instructions on how a scale is put together, which is what you will have to do with your theory warm-up on Thursday. If you still need additional help, please see MC.

Scale Video Lesson

EQ: How do rhythm, melody, and style work together to create diversity in music

Monday: Smart Music for B-flat Scale intro (pizzicato), F and B-flat fingering chart(classwork)......Men of Harlech March review within your small ensembles to prepare for assessment tomorrow--focus on articulation, dotted quarter rhythm, intonation, and bowing. Play Bells of Christmas and Variant for each other for a grade. Violas and Cellos from Group #2 will play the rhythmic motif in Journey for a grade also.

Tuesday: Smart Music for B-flat scale intro (ARCO), MC will give the answers to the F and B-flat fingering chart.......Men of Harlech March small ensemble test, Smart Music using 12/8 rhythms--translate into 4/4, how are they related and how do you count in compound meters? Break into sections: Group #1 will be in sectionals using their Deck the Halls Contract. Group #2 will be with MC sight-reading Deck the Halls....what are the steps?

Wednesday: Group #1 Deck the Halls Contract.....Group #2--B flat scale without smart music.....how is it different and what piece can you apply this scale to?........Journey of the Magi--focus on intonation, accidentals and articulation (viola and cello). Variant measures 49 to the end---focus on intonation between violin I and viola because you are tutti in octaves.

Thursday: Group #1 Deck the Halls Contract......Group #2 B-flat scale warm-up....Journey of the Magi from measure 38-68 with special emphasis on the violin parts. Do the viola or cello parts have the violin II harmony later in the piece? Focus on bowings and intonation. Variant review from yesterday and play from beginning to the end.

Friday: Group #2 will read articles and write critiques using specified criteria. Group #1 will work with MC on the Bells of Christmas and begin Charlie Brown.

Learning Goals

1. Understanding of the B Flat Scale
2. Knowledge of how to apply the B Flat Scale
3. Dotted Quarter Notes
4. Bells of Christmas(Jingle Bells and Silver Bells)
5. Charlie Brown Intro
6. Variant with dynamics and phrasings
7. Journey of the Magi with correct articulations and accurate intonation