Douglas Kulp, Director of Bands
Amanda Narehood, Choral Director and General Music
Bradley Kafferlin, Choral Director and General Music
General Music Classes
Grade 6
Sixth grade General Music focuses on continuing the development of aural and rhythmic skills and the ability to process and understand the basic concepts of music through listening, creating, evaluating, and performing. Projects include: STOMP!; Thematic Composition; Baroque, Classical & Romantic Theme Parks; Instruments; Music Technology (MUSIC ACE).
Grade 7
Seventh grade General Music continues the development of aural and rhythmic skills, the basic concepts of music, and skills for lifelong learning through experimentation. Projects include: Theme and Variations with GarageBand; Melodic Composition and Performance; Jazz/Improvisation; Poem; Guitar; Music Technology.
Grade 8
Eighth grade General Music continues the development of aural and rhythmic skills through music reading and notation. Students listen, create, perform, and evaluate through projects such as: Mood and Music; Composer Podcasts; Four Over Four Ensemble Performance; Guitar; Multicultural Music; Melodic Composition and Performance with Finale; West Side Story; Music Technology.
Band:
Through group sectional lessons and large band ensemble rehearsals, students will develop technical abilities on the instrument of their choice and the dynamics of ensemble performance. By developing musical skills and knowledge, students will gain an appreciation for the aesthetics of musical creation.
A continuation of the process of developing technical abilities on musical instruments through group sectional lessons and large band ensemble rehearsals and performances. Musical repertoire is expanded to include higher levels of selections and an increased knowledge of musical styles and historical content. Movement is added as an additional element of expression and style and an introduction to the marching aspect of the program.
Chorus:
Students will develop an aesthetic appreciation for choral sound, performance and literature through correct technique for balance, blend, vocal production, tone quality, posture, breathing, diction, intonation, and expression. Students will recognize the musical elements in choral singing and develop a music reading technique through the use of solfeggio. Different styles and cultures will be introduced through literature, partner songs, folksongs, and listening examples. Several methods of self-evaluation will be utilized.
Students in 7th and 8th grade chorus will further their individual and group performance skills through aesthetic appreciation of various styles of repertoire, as well as through vocal / choral techniques of posture, breathing, sound production, tone quality, vowel treatment and color, diction, intonation, balance, and blend. They will also utilize solfeggio, develop independent musicianship and basic music reading skills, and incorporate musical elements and expression into choral performances.
