Ms. Rennick

Week of November 28 - December 2, 2011

Beginning Music Theory -  Class is continuing to learn about different FORMS composers use in creating music.  Forms are outlines, or formulas that the writer uses to plan out the music.  Previously, we studied the Blues, Binary, and Ternary forms.  This week, we study the Canon, the March, Theme & Variations, Concerto, Rondo, Ostinato, and Ragtime.

Orchestra - Both classes are working on the music for the concert next Tuesday.  There are 2 after-school rehearsals scheduled with the 8th graders that will be performing with us; Thursday, December 1, from 3:30-5:30 in the orchestra room; and Monday, December 5, from 3:30-5:30 on stage for the final rehearsal.  All students are responsible to find their own transportation home from the rehearsals.  Students - Practice, Practice, Practice.

Week of November 14-18, 2011

Beginning Music Theory - Class members will review the 10 decisions composers make when creating music.  We will also cover the standard BLUES lyrics pattern (form) in order to create our own blues.  Students will perform their blues on Thursday and Friday - possibly to be recorded on CD.

Orchestra Classes - are covering the symbols commonly found in music.  Composers use a type of "shorthand" to indicate HOW they want the music to be played.  Each day, we will cover 5 (Monday -Thursday) and quiz them on Friday.  Students are also preparing for the concert on Tuesday, December 6.

Week of November 7-11, 2011

Beginning Music Theory classes - will begin to put the "puzzle" pieces together this week.  There are a number of things that composers have to decide when creating music, and we will cover these elements in 2-3 class sessions.  Puzzle pieces include - Time Signature/meter, Tempo, Key signature, Tonality, Dynamics, Melody, Harmony, Texture, Timbre, and Form.  Several of these, we have already gone over.  The rest will be covered this week and next.

Orchestra Classes - are continuing to work on rhythms, will get back to scales, and will also dig deeper into the concert music.  Class members will focus on markings and symbols composers use to tell the performer HOW the music is to be played as much as the notes and rhythms.  Students should be practicing the concert music at home, and only 7 students out of 55 take home their instruments on a regular basis.