Union High School

Advanced Placement Music Theory

2013-2014

Instructor Contact Information

M. Abbate

Room A103

908-851-3001 ext. 5385

Class website –

Parents/guardians, please feel free to contact me via email at any time

Course Objectives

1. Students will have knowledge of basic musical terms and theoretical concepts

2. Students will have an understanding of and ability to construct, vocalize, and aurally perceive major, minor, chromatic, whole tone, and modal scales.

3. Students will have an ability to aurally perceive, construct, and analyze major, minor, augmented, and diminished intervals and triads.

4. Students will have an ability to aurally perceive, construct, and vocalize scales, intervals, triads, rhythms, melodies, and arpeggiated harmonies.

5. Students will be able to sing simple conjunct and disjunct diatonic melodies at sight.

6. Students will be able to construct and analyze compositions in four part texture.

7. Students will be able to analyze harmonic structure, utilizing Roman numerals and figured bass in a given amount of time.

8. Students will be able to identify basic form and cadences.

9. Students will be able to realize a figured bass according to the rules of the 18th century chorale style using selections from the following: key, modes, diatonic triads, seventh chords, inversions, nonharmonic tones, secondary dominant and dominant 7th chords.

Required Texts and Other Supplies

- Textbook – Music in Theory and Practice

- Three-ring binder

- Pencil

Assignments and Grading Policy

Daily Assignments and Participation: 30% of grade

This includes daily “Do Now” assignments, written classwork, group drills and reviews, sight singing exercises, and dictation

Homework: 35% of grade

All homework will be checked and graded. Late or incomplete assignments will not be accepted.

Tests/Quizzes: 35% of grade

Quizzes may be announced or unannounced, on current work.

Tests – a minimum of 3 major tests will be given per marking period. Summer packet consists of 4 chapters of review and will constitute 4 test grades for marking period 1.

Notebook – students must keep a neat and accurate notebook. Notebooks may be checked from time to time announced or unannounced, for a grade.

GOOD ATTENDANCE, PUNCTUALITY, CITIZENSHIP AND EFFORT ARE REQUIREMENTS IN EVERY COURSE AND ACTIVITY.

*There will be opportunity to earn extra credit points

**Students are encouraged to schedule time for extra help

KEEP THIS GUIDE AS A REGULAR PART OF YOUR NOTEBOOK AND DISCUSS IT WITH YOUR PARENTS. ONE COPY OF THIS GUIDE MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED. A SECOND COPY WILL BE MADE FOR YOUR NOTEBOOK.

***Parents/Guardians: I find email communication to be the most efficient way to keep you notified of any concerns regarding your student’s progress or classroom behavior. If you would like to give your consent to receive updates via email, please provide an email address below.

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Student Name (Printed)Student Signature Date

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Parent/Guardian Name (Printed)Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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Parent/Guardian email address

Class Rules and Procedures:

  • Come to class on time. You must be INSIDE the room when the bell rings
  • Cell phones and other electronic devices are prohibited unless use is explicitly directed by the instructor for class activities
  • Please raise your hand to be acknowledged; do not speak while I am speaking.
  • There is absolutely NO food, drink or gum chewing permitted in this classroom, with the exception of water.
  • Begin “Do Now” work as soon as you are seated. This will be a short assignment posted on the board at the beginning of class. You will have no more than 5 minutes to complete the exercise and all work will be graded.
  • Remain seated unless you are given permission to get up or are instructed to move to the Smartboard or the risers.
  • Do not write or carve on the tables (or other school property). This will be regarded as vandalism.
  • Come to class prepared every daywith binder, textbook, folder, pencil and highlighter (as applicable to your class) as well as completed assignments.
  • Be respectful; disrespectful behavior or bullying will not be tolerated.
  • Follow directions immediately; we have a lot to accomplish and will need the cooperation of every person in the class to complete our tasks; any action or behavior that impedes the learning of other students will not be tolerated
  • The classroom computer and teacher’s desk are off limits to students

Consequences

  • Any initial violation of class rules will be given a warning.
  • An additional violation will result in detention. Detention is held after school only. Please make special arrangements if needed; keep in mind that after-school activities do not constitute an excuse to miss detention. A pass will be given if needed.
  • Students will be given 2 chances to come to detention; upon second absence, parent/guardian will be called, and a pink slip will be filed with the main office.
  • Any serious infraction will result in immediate phone call to parent/guardian and a pink slip.

NON-ATTENDANCE IN CLASS WILL RESULT IN AN IMMEDIATE CUT SLIP; NO WARNING OR EXCEPTIONS

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Student Name (Printed)Student Signature Date

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Parent/Guardian Name (Printed)Parent/Guardian Signature Date

A copy will be made for you to keep as part of your notebook