Robert Thirsk High School
Concert Band 15, 25, 35 – Course Outline
Mr. J. Abrams ()
Welcome to Concert Band! This J-Block class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:15 a.m. This class is a combination of band students at all levels performing many different styles within the classical genre in a Wind Band setting. You will continue to develop your technique and musicality as you perform as a group in a variety of situations. We will also delve into the theory and history of the repertoire we study so that you are able to perform it with a depth and breadth of understanding. I hope you find Concert Band to be a challenging, exciting, enjoyable, and rewarding class.
Focus on Outcomes and Competencies (100%)
Outcomes: The objectives of curriculum that are to be demonstrated at a passing grade, as per the RTHS Assessment Spectrum, in order to proceed to the next level of study.
Competencies: “…Characteristics of an individual, which underlie performance or behavior at work” [1]
The cumulative grade (100%) will consist of the students’ demonstration of content outcomes and the competencies through assessments that incorporate both of these elements.
Outcomes:
GENERAL OUTCOMES / WEIGHTS / SPECIFIC OUTCOMES#1: Apply personal practice strategies in a band setting / 30% / Demonstrate an understanding of and apply personal practice routines and personal rehearsal skills
Use practice routine and rehearsal skills to augment and extend elements as evidenced in the repertoire
Apply theoretical concepts from Instrumental Music 10, 20 to personal practice elements required for performance
#2: Rehearse and perform repertoire in an ensemble / 50% / Develop an understanding of, interpret and apply vocabulary unique to ensemble performing
Demonstrate an understanding of and apply knowledge of multiple genres
Demonstrate an understanding of and develop the individual’s role as an instrumentalist in a large ensemble
Respond appropriately to their role in the ensemble in a variety of situations through aural discrimination
Apply theoretical concepts from Instrumental Music 10, 20 to the performance of the repertoire
Develop and apply effective group warm-up techniques
Develop an understanding of and demonstrate an authentic performance practice, as they pertain to the repertoire being studied
Assess and solve performance concerns of repertoire as a section or ensemble
Analyze artistic viewpoints and apply musical interpretation for experimentation within the repertoire
Participate in and develop a safe and supportive environment for assessment and feedback
#3: Explore and apply elements of quality performance and performance etiquette / 20% / Develop an understanding of conductor’s gestures and respond appropriately
Apply musical concepts learned for various genres to the selected repertoire
Demonstrate the appropriate interpretive qualities that reflect the style of the music
Demonstrate an understanding of live performance and the variables associated with it
Demonstrate analytical and critical thinking through the assessment of a musical performance by a large ensemble
Competencies:
· Knowing how I learn
· Identifying & Solving Problems
· Identify and apply career and life skills through personal growth and well being
· Think critically
· Demonstrate global & cultural understanding
· Manage information
· Innovate/create
· Apply multiple literacies
· Demonstrate collaboration skills
· Create opportunities through play, imagination, reflection, negotiation and competition
Please refer to the posted rubrics for examples of exemplary standards in each of the course content headings.
Important Classroom Expectations
1. Participation and performance is of the utmost importance for students to succeed in this class.
2. Students must bring a PENCIL and their music to class every day.
3. Students and parents are expected to gain access to Edmodo as it will be a very important form of communication and assessment.
4. Students will need to use the SmartMusic program to complete course work and assessments.
5. Due to the year-long nature of the program and in order to provide students and parents with an accurate assessment, no numeric mark will be provided on the first reporting term.
6. As a successful student, your responsibility will be to demonstrate your commitment to your role as a:
• LEARNER
• Evolving your knowledge of self and advocating for who you are
• Showing and highlighting what you know in a variety of ways
• Demonstrating a consistent effort in academics and extra-curricular
• Optimizing use of focus time to enhance your learning
• LEADER
• Completing tasks and assessments
• Providing leadership to RTHS to strengthen the school community
• Contributing your ideas about tasks and assessments
CITIZEN
• Learning about course outcomes and competencies and grade 12 exit requirements
• Modeling positive citizenship
· Collaborating positively with others
“Life without music is unthinkable. Music without life is academic. That is why my contact with music is a total embrace.”
Leonard Bernstein
[1] www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/ppc-cpp/hrm-grh/comptcs-eng.htm; “Competencies”; modified Apr. 1, 2011