................................. Winslow Music Department Curriculum
  
  High School Theory 9 - 12  
   
  Philosophy
Music is a basic and essential element to all learners. It defines culture, enhances the quality of life, and inspires the human spirit. With active and intelligent participation, students become lifelong learners and will understand the importance of music in their lives. 		 
     
 

" Music is a moral law. It gives a soul to the Universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, and a gaiety to life………."     Plato

  
     
   
     
 

Human cultures have rarely existed without some for of musical expression. We believe that the value in music exists in its potential for enhancing the quality of our lives by broadening the boundaries of our thinking and actions. Reaching young children with organized and sequential approach to the world of music ensures this cultural endowment. We further believe that early participation and learning in music cal be a curtail element in the personal development of children, since the sensory experiences which accompany musical learning develop freedom of expression, skills in conceptualization, right brain development, positive and accepting attitudes, and knowledge which can be applied and valued for a lifetime of musical participation and pleasure.

 
  Based upon these beliefs, we subscribe to the following goal in the teaching of music.
We strive to:		  
 
  1. Develop a musically literate and informed public. (A2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9) (B1,2,3,4,5) (C1,2,3,4)
  2. Provide skills and knowledge directly applicable to further specialized study and participation in music. (A1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9) (B1,2,3,4,5) (C1,2,3,4)
  3. Provide understanding and attitudes, which will allow children to perceive and respond to the aesthetic qualities of music. (A3,4,5,6,7,8,9) (B1,2,3,4,5) (C1,2,3,4)
  4. Provide experiences, which call into, play as many of the senses as possible. (A1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9) (B1,2,3,4,5) (C1,2,3,4)
  5. Provide experiences, which both clearly define and demonstrate the interrelationship and applications of the elements of music, regardless of the musical genre. (A1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9) (B1,2,3,4,5) (C1,2,3,4)
 
  The links to the Maine Learning Results are in this color  
   
  Curriculum Guide Winslow High School  
  Course or Subject Matter:
Music Theory
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Credit:.5		  
  Course Overview:
Chorus is an elective course open to any student who has an elementary knowledge of music and would like to learn more. The subject matter will cover a variety of topics including the language of music, note reading and writing, ear training, the study of scales, chords, chordal progressions and some music history. The second half year will focus on musical composition.		  
 

Objectives:

  1. To give the students an opportunity to enjoy music through active participation. (A6,7,8) (B1,2,3,4) (C1,3)
  2. To work with peers and cooperate in a group effort. (A3,4,5,6,7,8,9) (B1,2,3) (C1,3)
    Develop and refine individual and ensemble vocal skills leading to increased understanding and enjoyment. (A4,5,6,7,8,9) (B3) (C1,3)
  3. Acquire concepts and skills to provide recreation pleasure, and worthy use of leisure time. (A1,3,4,5,6,7,8) (C1)
  4. To acquaint the student with a wide variety of musical repertoire. (A1,2,4,5,6,7,8,9) (B1,2,3) (C1,2,3,4)
  5. Acquire concepts, which are necessary for analytical listening, and criteria for deciding what is good music and what is an artistic performance of that music. (A2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9) (B1,2,3) (C1,2,3,4)
  6. Acquire the foundation study, which may lead to a career in music. (A5,6,7,8,9) (B1,2,3,5) (B1,2,3,4,5) (C1,2,3,4)
  7. To develop life long learners. (A6,7,8,9) (C1,2,3,4)
  8. To develop a musically literate and informed public. (A6,7,8,9) (C1,2,3,4)
 
 

Course Content:

  1. Preparation for class through homework assignments.
  2. Five classes every two weeks - approximately 80 minutes each. (A6,7)
  3. Preparation of small groups and individuals for auditions. (A1,6,7,9) (B1,2)
  4. Sight-reading is incorporated into the rehearsals to expose students to a wide variety of literature and develop reading skills. (A6,7,9) (B1,2)
  5. Private instruction is encouraged. (A6,7) (B1)
 
 

Evaluation Techniques:

  1. Teacher observations. (A6)
  2. Class lessons and individual performances. (A5,7)
  3. Evaluation of attitude and behavior in class (A2,6,7,8) (B1,2) (C1)
  4. Video recordings of performances of compositions(A5,6,7,8) (B1,2,3,4) (C1)
  5. Audio recordings of compositions. (A5,6,7,8) (B1,2,3) (C1)
  6. Written and aural mid terms and final exams (A1,2,5,6,7,8) (C1)
 
 

Textbooks:

  1. Alfred's Complete Essentials of Music Theory(B1,2)
  2. Sight singing method books. (B1,2)
 
 

MATERIAL AIDS:

  1. Piano (A1,2,3,4,5,6,7) (B1,2,3,4) (C1,2,3,4)
  2. Stereo tape recorder and player. (A2,3,5,6,7,8) (B1,2,3,4) (C1,2,3,4)
  3. Stereo compact disk player (A2,3,6,7,8) (B1,2,3,4) (C1,2,3,4)
  4. Record player. (A2,3,6,7,8) (B1,2,3,4) (C1,2,3,4)
  5. Ear training, Computer and Music writing software(A2,3,6,7) (B1,2,3,4) (C1,2,3,4)
  6. Music literature library (A2,6,7,8) (B1,2,3,4) (C1,2,3,4)
  7. Public address system, microphones, speakers, cables mixers, etc.
  8. Video camera (A5,7,8) (B1,2,3,4) (C1,2,3,4)
  9. Television. (A2,3,4,5,7,8) (B1,2,3,4) (C1,2,3,4)
  10. Music room
  11. Chairs
  12. Shelves and file cabinets
  13. Electronic Keyboard. (A1,2,3,4,5,6,7) (B1,2,3,4) (C1,2,3,4)
 
     
  General Syllabus for the High School Theory  
 

Unit 1 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Treble clef
  • Bass clef
  • Grand staff
  • Ledger lines
  • Note names
    
 

Unit 2 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Note values
  • Bar lines
  • Time signatures
  • Whole, half and quarter rests
  
 

Unit 3 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • 2/4 time signature
  • 3/4 time signature
  • Dotted half notes
  • Ties and slurs
  
 

Unit 4 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Repeat signs, 1st and 2nd endings
  • Eighth notes
  • Eighth rests
  • Dotted quarter notes
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 5 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Dynamic signs
  • Tempo markings
  • Articulations
  • D. S. D.C. Coda and Fine
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 6 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Flats
  • Sharps
  • Naturals
  • Whole steps, Half steps,
  • Enharmonic notes
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 7 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Tetrachords and Major Scales
  • The sharp scales -G and D
  • The flat scales F and Bb
  • Key signatures
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 8 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • All major scales and key signatures
  • Chromatic Scale
  • Intervals
  • Circle of Fifths
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 9 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Perfect and Major intervals
  • Minor intervals
  • Augmented and Diminished intervals
  • Solfege and transposition
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 10 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Sixteenth notes
  • Sixteenth rests
  • Dotted eighth notes
  • Common time and Cut time
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 11 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • 3/8 time signatures
  • 6/8 time signatures
  • Triplets
  • Pick up notes
  • Syncopation
  
 

Unit 12 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Triads
  • Primary Triads, major triads
  • Scale degree names
  • V7 chords
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 13 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Triads - 1st inversion
  • Triads - 2nd inversion
  • V7 Chords - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd inversions
  • Figured Bass
  • Major Chord Progressions
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 14 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Minor Scales
  • Natural, Harmonic, and Melodic Minor Scales
  • Minor Triads
  • Augmented and Diminished Triads
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 15 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Primary Triads in Minor Keys
  • Minor Chord Progressions
  • Modes Related to the Major Scale, Ionian, Mixolydian, Lydian
  • Modes related to Minor scales, Aeolian, Dorian, Phrygian, and Locrian
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 16 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Harmonizing a Melody in a major key
  • Broken Chords and Arpeggiated Accompaniments
  • Passing and Neighboring Tones
  • Composing a Melody in a Major Key
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 17 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Harmonizing a Melody in a Minor Key
  • Composing a Melody in a Minor Key
  • 12-Bar Blues Chord Progression
  • The Blues Scales
  • Ear training
  
 

Unit 18 (A1,2,3,4,5,6,8) (B,3,4) (C1,3,4)

  • Basic Forms in Music - Motive and Phrase
  • AB Form (Binary)
  • ABA Form (Ternary)
  • Rondo Form
  • Ear training
  
     
     
     
     
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