IB Music Appreciation

Elsinore Middle School

Per 2, 3 & 4

Mrs. Jeannine Dinger

[email protected]

Course Description: This course is designed to acquaint students with the elements of music and the primary musical periods of traditional Western European classical music up to the popular music of today.  Students will have a brief overview of the major composers/artists and their music through class lectures, listening to musical examples in class, reading the text, actively engaging in class discussions, and completing research papers, projects and/or singing presentations relative to the music era. Like a travel through time, students will understand how their popular music has evolved and transformed from early music. (“Bach to Rock”)

Once we reach the music of today (Hip Hop), we will take a closer look at the messages and images conveyed by some in the industry.  This course will encourage students to look at the impact of music in their lives.

Grading: Students will earn 5 participation points a day. Students will lose points for talking, being disruptive, off task, or not prepared for class. Participation points will make up 20% of their grade, tests and quizzes 20%, journals 20% and projects 40%. While studying the musical eras, students will be challenged to form groups in class, pick an influential artist or musical group, learn their music, dress up in the time period, and sing live in class with group choreography. Students do not have to be expert singers, but they must know words to the song and put effort into their project.

Example: 4 students dress up as the Beatles, wear their hair like the Beatles and sing “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.” Students use instruments as props.

Students will be singing and practicing to karaoke tracks on YouTube. These projects will make students step out of their comfort zone a little, but they are actually fun to do and fun to watch. (IB students are classified as Open Minded, and Risk Takers!) Parents will be invited to the class performances. Many times students will discover a passion and a hidden talent for music! There are plenty of roles for extremely shy students as backup singers, and I will help facilitate their needs.

There is a final exam at the end of our 12 week adventure, and students who take proper notes and save all of their handouts will be rewarded by being able to use them. (Organized student=Rewarded!)

Class Materials: Composition Notebook or spiral notebook needed for a music or “processing” journal.

3 ring binder with all of our class handouts, pencils/pens and a good attitude!