Music 4-8 Home
Welcome to the Upper School Music Web Page! You'll find
information on the Music Classes that are offered here at Town School
for Boys for Grades 4-8. We're fortunate to be able to offer 2 General
Music Classes a week to our students in grades 4-6 in addition to
Music Electives in grades 4-8.
Handbell Choirs have always been
a tradition at our school and are a big part
of our performances.
Recorder Classes are offered to boys in grades
4. They are featured at our
performances throughout the year.
Theory/Composition classes are featured in
the 7th grade Elective. We are
currently using the composition software PrintMusic for our pieces. They
are
projected on a large screen and played through our sound system in the
theater as a part of our Concert repertoire.
Orff Ensemble is a small performing group of 8th graders
who meet for 1
double period a week and work on arrangements specifically written for
barred
( Orff) instruments. We use xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels and
percussion instruments. This group is featured throughout the school year
at
various performances.
Since so many of our students study an instrument outside
of school, it's not
unusual to see or hear one worked into a piece for performances. An all
school assembly featuring these solo performers occurs regularly here.
Technology is a large part of our Music program at Town
School. Laptops
arrive in 5th grade and this is when the software Music Ace 1 begins.
Music Ace 2 is offered in Grade 6.
Course:
General Music
Grades: 4-6
Meetings per week: 2 periods
The fourth grade music program emphasizes part-singing in
a traditional choral setting. The students have learned a variety of songs
in different tonalities and meters. Harmony began with the singing of
three part rounds and continued with the division of voices within a choral
piece. Students were given the opportunity to perform their pieces in
a live concert setting. Part of the training also included concert etiquette,
following a conductor, and quality and control of their vocal sound.
Rhythm is also emphasized in fourth grade. Students are
learning how to read rhythm patterns. They also take part in a variety
of rhythmic games, which strengthens this area of music.
Basic outline: Grades 5 – 6
These classes concentrate on basic musicianship; rhythmic
drills, part singing, theory, composition and history. Singing is a large
part of class. Each grade also functions as a chorus and performs at various
times of the year in a traditional concert setting. Musical theater is
sometimes included as a performing option.
Technology is a large part of grade 5 General Music beginning
in January when the laptops are distributed. Theory and composition are
the main focus within the music/technology area.
Grade 6 continues with this focus for their entire 1st semester.
Goals:
The students will be able to:
- sing in harmony
- read rhythm
- understand basic theory
- compose short melodies using technology
- demonstrate knowledge of various composers
- successfully perform at various events
Resources used:
- Gordon’s Music Learning Theory (rhythmic area)
- Music Ace (software)
- Music Ace 2 (software)
- Various 2 or 3 part song arrangements
- Lives of the Musicians by Krull/Hewitt
- The New Harvard Dictionary of Music by Randel
- Various videos on specific composers
- A grade level musical usually written by Donnelly/Strid
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Handbell Curriculum
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Course: Handbell Elective
Grades: 5-6
Meetings per week: 2 periods |
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Basic outline:
This ½ year course introduces students to a musical
venue that emphasizes teamwork and musicianship. Students will learn how
to perform as an ensemble and will be featured at various concert like
settings.
Rhythm reading will be heavily focused on as will note
reading, basic theory, and technique.
Part of the instruction will also include care and cleaning
of the bells.
Goals:
The students will be able to:
- understand the concept of ringing
- Follow a score
- Read rhythm
- Identify the notes required for their assigned positions
- Play as an ensemble
- Perform successfully at various occasions
- Employ the various skills and technique required---damping
etc.
Resources used:
- Learning How To Ring Series by Janet Van Valey &
Susan Berry
- Ready to Ring!#3 by Thompson/Callahan
- Clapper Classics by Thompson/Callahan
- Ready to Ring for Christmas by Thompson/Callahan
- Jeffers Handbell Supply,Inc. 1-800-JHS-BELL
- Gold Coast Music Co. (Delores Rhoads) 510-522-5000
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Music Theory Curriculum
Grade 7 Elective
Course: Music Theory
Grade: 7
Meetings per week: 1 double period
Basic outline:
This course is designed for students who study an instrument
and would like a greater understanding of how music works. Students will
complete 5 sequential text/workbooks in theory, harmony, and arranging.
Two performances by each student are also required for this course. These
performances are done in class for the other students to hear and generally
are pieces that they have been working on in their individual lessons.
Students will be featured as soloists in various concert
settings through the year.
Listening lessons begin each class. Composers are also
covered with biographies and worksheets.
Goals:
The students will be able to:
- understand music
- Play music
- Sing music
- Write music
Resources used:
- Master Theory Series by Charles Peters and Paul Yoder
- Book 1 Beginning Theory
- Book 2 Intermediate Theory
- Book 3 Advanced Theory
- Book 4 Elementary Harmony and Arranging
- Book 5 Intermediate Harmony and Arranging
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Orff Ensemble
Curriculum
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Grade 8 Music Elective
Course: Orff Ensemble
Grade: 8
Meetings per week: 1 double period
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Basic outline:
This elective for grade 8 will feature the learning and
performing of various Orff arrangements.
The Orff approach is a layered one that employs the use
of barred instruments such as xylophones and glockenspiels. Each player
learns different short musical motifs and when played together—a
“whole” is created.
Percussion instruments and rhythms will also be incorporated
into this class. Improvisation and composition are covered as well.
The students in this elective will perform at various functions
throughout the year: Holiday Concert, assemblies etc.
Goals:
The students will:
- learn various arrangements of Orff compositions.
- Play as an ensemble
- Compose in the style of Orff
- Improvise on pentatonic scales
- Learn proper technique
Resources used:
- Orff-Schulwerk Music for Children Volumes 1-5 Orff/Keetman
- Hot Marimba by Walt Hampton
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