Carley Standish 001164770

Percussion
Semester Plan
48 classes (66 minutes) over 16 weeks
(43 classes, 5 buffer classes)

Course Information:
This course runs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays of every week. This course will meet the
requirements of the General Music 10-20-30 program of studies. Since this is a non-performance
based class, most of the students time will be learning about the basics of music while ensuring
the students are applying the skills musically; theory, composition, listening all towards the
application of music making. Assessment, evaluations and diagnosis will fall in conjunction to
material being learnt and emphasized in that period of time such as theory based quizzes,
application of their listening abilities and also small musical performances. For this class, we will
be using a mountain as our metaphor.

Course Objective:
The objectives of Percussion are for students to further their growth and interest as musicians and
begin to appreciate and understand the benefits of music and being musicians. This class will allow
the students to understand what the foundation of music is, and apply their knowledge to
assessments throughout. The students will learn to becomes well balanced, rounded musicians
and music appreciators as they will apply theoretical and practical knowledge to their work.

Resources Consulted:
Alberta Education: General Music 10-20-30 Program of Studies
Method Book (undecided/unknown)

September
Begin Unit 1 Back to the Basics

Week 1
Theme: Relationship Building

Concepts: The first week of classes will be used to introduce the new students to one another and
begin to break down any barriers that they might have so we are able to move forward as solo
musicians and an ensemble(s). We will discuss expectations and rules as a whole group to further
the students understandings of what is to come and what is expected. This will help the students
feel more comfortable in the classroom and out.

Curricular Outcomes:
General - Attitudes:
Positive attitudes are fostered by success in singing, playing, reading, creating, valuing and
listening to music. Throughout General Music 102030, students will be encouraged to:

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value the uniqueness of music as a communication skill

appreciate fine arts as a form of personal enrichment, entertainment and self-expression
appreciate human values in great music as they are recorded in literature
develop positive, realistic self-images through an understanding and acceptance of
themselves, with their strengths and their limitations
develop an appreciation of the social value of group music making
continue developing their creative abilities, and use them in a constructive manner to
contribute to society and personal satisfaction
appreciate creativity as exhibited in all areas of human endeavour
appreciate the role music can play as a life-enriching leisure activity
value the necessity of learning throughout life develop a sense of purpose in life, and
joy in living
appreciate the contributions music has made in our cultural heritage and civilization
appreciate the role that music plays in serving human needs
appreciate the expressive qualities of music so as to improve the chances of having an
increasingly dynamic aesthetic experience.

Week 2
Theme: Lets Talk Music (diagnosis week)

Concepts: During this week, we will discuss what we believe is music. We will explore what
concepts we know and understand in music. Understanding each students musical abilities and
talking about what their musical background is. Getting a full sense of each students musical past
and begin to then apply it to the future. We will start the week with a small assessment theory quiz.

Curricular Outcomes:
General - Performing/Listening

develop understanding of the elements and structures of music as they apply to music
making and listening
develop the ability to make intellectual and aesthetic judgments based on critical listening
and analysis.

General - Valuing

grow in the appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of music as a source of personal

fulfillment
develop an appreciation of human values as they are recorded in great musical works
continue developing an appreciation of the creative process in music
develop an appreciation of the value and uniqueness of music in all its variety

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Week 3
Theme: Beginning Rhythms, Theory and Musical Terminology

Concepts: During this week, simple rhythms, theory and musical terminology will be introduced
to the students. After the assessment in the previous week on the students musical abilities,
specific rhythms, terminology and theory will be chosen to challenge the students yet allow them
to be successful as we work through. We will begin with using body percussion and applying the
different layers (snap, clap, pat and stomp) to allow variation and interest into each rhythm. We
will be working on forwarding the students knowledge in musical basics and notations for further
lessons to come.

Curricular Outcomes:
Specific - Rhythm

demonstrate an understanding of the term rhythm

define the terms tempo, meter and duration

Specific Form

demonstrate an understanding of the term form

Specific Music Making

demonstrate proper sound production

Specific - Dynamics

demonstrate an understanding of the term dynamics

describe and discuss the dynamics used in a given musical example

Specific Theory and Notation

demonstrate an understanding of staff, bass clef and treble clef

demonstrate an understanding of time signature and key signature

demonstrate an understanding of the following time signatures: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8

demonstrate an understanding of rhythms in 4/4, 3/4 and 2/4

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Week 4
Theme: Beginning Rhythms, Theory and Musical Terminology continued.

Concepts: During this week, rhythms, theory and musical terms will be given to the students. After
the assessment in the previous weeks, specific rhythms will be chosen to challenge the students
yet allow them to be successful as we work through. We will continue with using body percussion
and applying the different layers (snap, clap, pat and stomp) to allow variation and interest into
each rhythm, also the inclusion of unpitched percussion instruments will be included. We will be
working on forwarding the students knowledge in musical basics and notations for further lessons
to come.

Curricular Outcomes:
Specific - Rhythm

demonstrate an understanding of the term rhythm

define the terms tempo, meter and duration

Specific Form

demonstrate an understanding of the term form

Specific Music Making

demonstrate proper sound production

Specific - Dynamics

demonstrate an understanding of the term dynamics

describe and discuss the dynamics used in a given musical example

Specific Theory and Notation

demonstrate an understanding of staff, bass clef and treble clef

demonstrate an understanding of time signature and key signature

demonstrate an understanding of the following time signatures: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8

demonstrate an understanding of rhythms in 4/4, 3/4 and 2/4

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October
Unit 1 cont.

Week 5
Theme: Rhythms, Theory and Musical Terminology continued.

Concepts: During this week, rhythms, theory and musical terms will be given to the students. After
the assessment in the previous weeks, specific rhythms will be chosen to challenge the students
yet allow them to be successful as we work through. We will continue with using body percussion
and applying the different layers (snap, clap, pat and stomp) to allow variation and interest into
each rhythm, also the inclusion of unpitched percussion instruments will be included. We will be
working on forwarding the students knowledge in musical basics and notations for further lessons
to come.

Curricular Outcomes:
Specific - Rhythm

demonstrate an understanding of the term rhythm

define the terms tempo, meter and duration

Specific Form

demonstrate an understanding of the term form

Specific Music Making

demonstrate proper sound production

Specific - Dynamics

demonstrate an understanding of the term dynamics

describe and discuss the dynamics used in a given musical example

Specific Theory and Notation

demonstrate an understanding of staff, bass clef and treble clef

demonstrate an understanding of time signature and key signature

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demonstrate an understanding of the following time signatures: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8

demonstrate an understanding of rhythms in 4/4, 3/4 and 2/4

Week 6
Theme: We are Composers

Concepts: After 3 weeks of introduction to rhythms, musical concepts and terms, the students will
be tested to now apply this learnt material into a rhythmic composition. The students will be given
an outline of what is expected and will then create something that reflects their personal style while
hitting each expectation.

Curricular Outcomes:
Specific - Rhythm

demonstrate an understanding of the term rhythm

define the terms tempo, meter and duration

Specific Form

demonstrate an understanding of the term form

Specific Music Making

demonstrate proper sound production

Specific - Dynamics

demonstrate an understanding of the term dynamics

describe and discuss the dynamics used in a given musical example

Specific Theory and Notation

demonstrate an understanding of staff, bass clef and treble clef

demonstrate an understanding of time signature and key signature

demonstrate an understanding of the following time signatures: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8

demonstrate an understanding of rhythms in 4/4, 3/4 and 2/4

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Week 7
Theme: Assessment and Performances

Concepts: This week is the first large assessment that will take place. The students will be assessed
on their technique used in the performance but also the composition itself. Self-assessment will
also take place, as students will evaluate their outcome and indicate their areas of needed
improvement.

Curricular Outcomes:

Specific Music Making

demonstrate proper sound production

demonstrate articulations, such as attacks and releases
perform dynamic markings and tempo indications, such as crescendo, allegro, andante
and other terms relating to the repertoire being played or sung
identify and incorporate into the music-making process the elements and structures of
music learned in Level 1 theory
recognize and perform rhythmic patterns in accordance with the expectations for Level 1
theory

Week 8
Theme: Introduction to Different Percussion Instruments

Concepts: The students will have the opportunity to discover and use different percussive
instruments to widen their knowledge on the percussive world. As different instruments are
introduced, so will the use of music including these instruments so students can understand their
use within music and their sound. This allows the use of timbre to be brought into the classroom
as we identify use these percussive instruments for different emotions and effects.

If possible, bring in Adam Mason from University of Lethbridge

Curricular Outcomes:

November
Begin Unit 2

Week 9
Theme: Making Music Repertoire

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Concepts: In the beginning of the second unit, we will begin to explore in further detail the different
percussive repertoire that the music world has to offer. We will begin to choose ensemble pieces
and begin to work forward in choosing pieces that the students enjoy yet challenge their abilities
as musicians and push them to strive for success. The repertoire we will explore will use different
percussive instruments mentioned in the past week so that students can further their knowledge.
We will continue to play as we sigh-read these pieces.

Curricular Outcomes:
Specific Music Making

demonstrate proper sound production

demonstrate articulations, such as attacks and releases
perform dynamic markings and tempo indications, such as crescendo, allegro, andante
and other terms relating to the repertoire being played or sung
identify and incorporate into the music-making process the elements and structures of
music learned in Level 1 theory
recognize and perform rhythmic patterns in accordance with the expectations for Level 1
theory

Week 10
Theme: Listening and Appreciation

Concepts: This week will be dedicated to students building their appreciation for music, as we will
explore different genres (not just percussive) instruments and apply our past musical terminology
and knowledge learnt in our first few weeks. It is ideal that the students are able to identify the
style, percussive instrumentation, dynamics and rough tempo marking. The inclusion of this week
is to build their understanding of stylistic and emotional changes within music and apply it to their
own repertoire.

Curricular Outcomes:
Specific Timbre
demonstrate an understanding of the term timbre
discuss the timbral differences between two instruments, such as the clarinet and the
trumpet

Specific Form

demonstrate an understanding of the term form

recognize and discuss musical elements that repeat, and musical elements that contrast

Specific Style

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demonstrate an understanding of the term style

Week 11
Theme: Making Music Body Percussion / Hand Clapping

Concepts: During this week, we will explore the use of body percussion in a greater detail. The
use of the different levels and how it is applied and used within music (percussive and
instrumental). The students will be given challenges, assignments and activities pertaining to body
percussion to further their knowledge.

Curricular Outcomes:
Specific Music Making

demonstrate proper sound production

demonstrate articulations, such as attacks and releases
perform dynamic markings and tempo indications, such as crescendo, allegro, andante
and other terms relating to the repertoire being played or sung
identify and incorporate into the music-making process the elements and structures of
music learned in Level 1 theory
recognize and perform rhythmic patterns in accordance with the expectations for Level 1
theory

Week 12
Theme: Music Making and Theory, continued.

Concepts: We will as an ensemble continue to apply the knowledge that has been attained and
work on our repertoire that has been chosen.

Curricular Outcomes:
Specific Music Making

demonstrate proper sound production

demonstrate articulations, such as attacks and releases
perform dynamic markings and tempo indications, such as crescendo, allegro, andante
and other terms relating to the repertoire being played or sung
identify and incorporate into the music-making process the elements and structures of
music learned in Level 1 theory
recognize and perform rhythmic patterns in accordance with the expectations for Level 1
theory

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December
Unit 2 cont.

Week 13
Theme: Making Music and Theory with Assessment

Concepts: The lessons will continue to follow our rehearsal schedule as we perform new repertoire
while perusing more difficult and new music theory and terminology. A second quiz will be
presented in this week to track student progress

Curricular Outcomes:
Specific Music Making

demonstrate proper sound production

demonstrate articulations, such as attacks and releases
perform dynamic markings and tempo indications, such as crescendo, allegro, andante
and other terms relating to the repertoire being played or sung
identify and incorporate into the music-making process the elements and structures of
music learned in Level 1 theory
recognize and perform rhythmic patterns in accordance with the expectations for Level 1
theory

Week 14
Theme: Making Music and Theory, continued.

Concepts: The lessons will continue to follow our rehearsal schedule as we perform new repertoire
while perusing more difficult and new music theory and terminology.

Curricular Outcomes:

Specific Music Making

demonstrate proper sound production

demonstrate articulations, such as attacks and releases
perform dynamic markings and tempo indications, such as crescendo, allegro, andante
and other terms relating to the repertoire being played or sung
identify and incorporate into the music-making process the elements and structures of
music learned in Level 1 theory
recognize and perform rhythmic patterns in accordance with the expectations for Level 1

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theory

Week 15
Theme: Rehearsals and Ensemble Performance(s)

Concepts: We will continue to work on our repertoire and work through our method book, before
our final performance(s). Students will be given an ample amount of time so that their
performances are successful and they demonstrate their abilities.

Curricular Outcomes:
Specific Music Making

demonstrate proper sound production

demonstrate articulations, such as attacks and releases
perform dynamic markings and tempo indications, such as crescendo, allegro, andante
and other terms relating to the repertoire being played or sung
identify and incorporate into the music-making process the elements and structures of
music learned in Level 1 theory
recognize and perform rhythmic patterns in accordance with the expectations for Level 1
theory

Week 16
Theme: Winding Down

Concepts: This week will primarily be for students to self-assess their growth throughout the
semester. What have they learned? Have they grown as musicians? Do they have a deeper
understanding for music? We will continue to play, listen and evaluate music as we have fun and
look forward to the holidays!

Curricular Outcomes:
General - Attitudes:
Positive attitudes are fostered by success in singing, playing, reading, creating, valuing and
listening to music. Throughout General Music 102030, students will be encouraged to:

value the uniqueness of music as a communication skill

appreciate fine arts as a form of personal enrichment, entertainment and self-expression
appreciate human values in great music as they are recorded in literature
develop positive, realistic self-images through an understanding and acceptance of
themselves, with their strengths and their limitations
develop an appreciation of the social value of group music making
continue developing their creative abilities, and use them in a constructive manner to
contribute to society and personal satisfaction

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 Carley Standish 001164770

appreciate creativity as exhibited in all areas of human endeavour

appreciate the role music can play as a life-enriching leisure activity
value the necessity of learning throughout life develop a sense of purpose in life, and
joy in living
appreciate the contributions music has made in our cultural heritage and civilization
appreciate the role that music plays in serving human needs
appreciate the expressive qualities of music so as to improve the chances of having an
increasingly dynamic aesthetic experience.

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