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Round Valley Arts Curriculum

I. ARTISTIC PERCEPTION

1.      The emphasis is on playing a lot of pieces, having fun, and enjoying the group experience.

·        unison playing in small or large groups

·        introduction to Grade I band literature

·        emphasis on home practice

2.      Introduction of theory skills:

·        Rhythmic symbols (whole, half, dotted-half, quarter, dotted-quarter notes and rests

·        Dynamics piano through forte

·        Note reading, including names in treble and/or bass clef

·        Major scales

·        Intonation

·        Music terminology

·        Accidentals

II. CREATIVE EXPRESSION

1.      Playing-Introduction to proper tone production and playing techniques

·        Embouchure formation

·        Breathing techniques (support, posture)

·        Articulations (tonguing, slurring, sticking)

·        Hand positions

·        Roll techniques for percussionists

2.      Performing

·        Classroom performances for peers

·        At least one public performance per year

III. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT

Students play a variety of music styles.

IV. AESTHETIC VALUING

1.      Students express musical preferences verbally.

2.      Students listen to other bands (live or recorded).

3.      Students identify standard band instruments by sight and sound.

V. CONNECTIONS, RELATIONS, APPLICATIONS

Students understand relationships between the arts and with disciplines outside of the arts by:

1.      having access to practice and composition computer hardware with appropriate supporting software and instructions,

2.      being introduced to the physics and mathematics inherent in the production of musical tones,

3.      creating melody and words that will enhance studies of history and literature,

4.      experiencing music through the use of technology, including CDROM, video, CD, etc.