Music

Common study

Unit description

The musical ability of Year 7 students varies greatly and this unit is designed to cater for those with little or no background, and for those experienced in music performance. It complements the elective Instrumental and Vocal Tuition Program, and the Music Performance Program offered by the Music School.

There are two components to the Year 7 Music program: Classroom Music and Practical Music.

Classroom Music

A range of musical styles will be studied. Through listening activities students develop the ability to identify the elements of music. They begin to understand the way rhythm, pitch, harmony and texture are organised in music. Theory of music will include knowledge of basic musical notation in the treble clef. 

The course is designed to relate the theory of music to its practical application and composing. Students will use a music processor program on their notebook computers as an aid to understanding musical notation.

Topics include the history of pop music, a study of a piece of Music Theatre to connect with the Middle School Musical, and some original composition to fit with a given video sequence.

Practical Music

All Year 7 students are allocated to a music ensemble for their practical ensemble experience. The range on offer may include Training Band, Intermediate Band, Training Strings, Intermediate Strings, Percussion Ensemble, Vocal Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble and Keyboard Ensemble. A Music Information Night is held in August to outline the options and possibilities within this program.

Semester 1: Music Unit 1

• An introduction to the physics of sound;
• study of the instruments in the orchestra, classifying them according to the way in which sound is produced;
• history and development of a selected musical instrument;
• music notation using simple time rhythms, and emphasising the names of the lines and spaces of the treble clef;
• practical music making using band, orchestral, percussion instruments or voice;
• notation of musical ideas using Finale Notepad program;
• singing of a range of material;
• a study of a major music theatre work.

Semester 2: Music Unit 2

• Study of the elements and styles of rock music, beginning with the evolution of contemporary music from the blues;
• composing and performing of music within the blues framework, including both notated and improvised work;
• study of the use of music in film and television focusing on the way in which specific emotions are communicated through music;
• composing music to create a specific mood using video and computer technology;
• continuation of development of singing skills;
• continuation of practical ensemble skill development.

Assessment

Assessment is made informally during class time through question and answer activities, revision tasks, team work, solo work and other activities. Formal assessment is done through unit tests and assignments.