Course Syllabus

8th Grade Music Appreciation Syllabus

 8th Grade Music Appreciation

Mr. Jimmie L. Smith  

Contact Information: JimmieSmith@fcschools.net

 

Students will access course information by going to classroom.google.com.  Students will need their FCS google account username and password for access.

PARENTS:  To Request to be a Google Classroom Guardian, please contact me via email.

What will parents view as a Guardian? 

Google Classroom Guide for Parents



Dear Parents and Students,

 

It is my honor to welcome you to the 2019-2020 school year!  I am so very excited about this year as we will be learning a lot together this year. I look forward to working with you this school year.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns at any time. My door is always open, so don’t be a stranger. You may also receive the most current class info via SchoolMessenger, Canvas, and/or Google Classroom located on the school website.  I will try my best to update information there as often as possible. Again, I look forward to a fantastic year of learning and making wonderful music together.

 

Respectfully,



Mr. Jimmie L Smith  

Band/Music Teacher 

Franklinton Middle School

JimmieSmith@fcschools.net

(919)494-2971 ex.288

 

 

Course Objectives:

 

Unit One

  1. Discuss the ways in which culture has influenced music.
  2. Discuss the ways in which music has influenced culture.
  3. Compare and contrast the music of various cultures.
  4. Discussd how music has changed over time.
  5. Describe the history and contribution of popular music in musical cultures.
  6. Describe the characteristics of classical music.

 

Unit Two

  1. Interpret the sound and symbol systems of music
  2. Interpret standard musical notation for whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, and dotted note and rest durations in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, and ⅜ time signatures
  3. Interpret, through instrument and/or voice, standard notation symbols in two different clefs, using extended staves. 
  4. Use standard symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulation, and expression to notate musical ideas.
  5. Improvise rhythm patterns while coordinating your performance with other musicians in the class 

 

Unit Three

  1. Discuss the make up of the modern orchestra
  2. Identify the instruments that make up the string section of the orchestra
  3. Identify the instruments that make up the woodwind section of the orchestra
  4. Identify the instruments that make up the brass section of the orchestra
  5. Identify the instruments that make up the percussion section of the orchestra
  6. Understand the role each section plays in the orchestra
  7. Understand the role and responsibilities of the conductor and concertmaster of the orchestra



Classroom Rules

 

  • Be RESPECTFUL to teachers and fellow students.
  • Hold yourself and one another ACCOUNTABLE
  • MOTIVATE one another to success.
  • Use equipment in a SAFE and responsible way.
  • Strive for EXCELLENCE in EVERYTHING you attempt

 

Consequences:

 

1st offense = Warning

2nd offense = Phone call or e mail home

3rd offense =  Referral to administration



Course Materials:

 

Each student will need a 1-inch binder with notebook paper.  I will be distributing assignments and handouts throughout the semester that students will be expected to keep up with.  Additionally, students will need pencils and highlighters.

 

Graded Areas:

 

Participation:  You will be graded on your willingness to participate and contribute in classroom activities and discussions.

Projects:  You will be assigned projects either independently or with a partner to be presented to the class.

Assignments:  Classwork will be assigned daily.  Occasionally, homework will be assigned for additional practice outside the classroom

Tests/Quizzes:  As with any other class, tests and quizzes will be assigned to monitor student progress.