WELCOME TO

MR. ALZAHER’S

MUSIC CLASS

Back to School Night 2010

COURSE DESCRIPTION: CHOIR

This class meets five times per week emphasizing proper vocal technique, choral technique, and music reading.

We focus on musicianship and aesthetic response including rehearsal and concert etiquette and responsibilities associated with membership in a performance organization.

Choral literature of various forms and genres will be practiced and performed.

OVERVIEW OF MAJOR UNITSVocal Technique posture tone production breath management diction

Music Reading part singing ear training rhythmic and melodic

reading

Choral Technique balance and blend dynamics phrasing intonation diction performance of 4 and 5

part choral music

Musicianship/Aesthetics form expression/style repertoire music history etiquette

21ST CENTURY SKILLS In addition to the standard music curriculum,

students will also acquire skills needed to successfully navigate the world around them.

The focus of this class will be on developing students’ Life and Career Skills.

We will also be integrating technology into our classroom. For example, a large body of CD's, cassettes, and videotapes will also be implemented to allow the students to hear and see other choirs of their same ages.

LIFE AND CAREER SKILLS.

Flexibility & Adaptability Adapt to varied roles, jobs responsibilities (section

leader, etc.), schedules and contexts (performance times/places)

Incorporate feedback effectively Deal positively with praise, setbacks and criticism

Initiative & Self-Direction Go beyond basic mastery music to explore and expand

one’s own learning and opportunities to gain expertise Demonstrate initiative to advance skill levels towards a

professional level Demonstrate commitment to learning music as a

lifelong process Reflect critically on past experiences in order to inform

future progress

LIFE AND CAREER SKILLS (CONT.)

Social & Cross-Cultural Skills Know when it is appropriate to listen and when to speak Conduct themselves in a respectable, professional

manner Respect cultural differences and work effectively with

people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds Respond open-mindedly to different ideas and values

Leadership & Responsibility Leverage strengths of others to accomplish a common

goal Demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in using

influence and power Act responsibly with the interests of the larger community

in mind

EXAMPLE LEARNING ACTIVITY

Music & Lyrics: A lyric-based learning program that helps students analyze songs.

Final project: In groups, students will work together to compare and contrast songs from different genres/eras, analyzing both the musical and lyrical content, using the musical terminology learned over the course.

Students will work together to present their analysis to the class using technology that combines both visual and audio components (Google docs, Powerpoint, etc.)

This activity: Encourages students to analyze music independently. Teaches students to be critical thinkers and listeners. Prepares students to make informed choices as

consumers of music. Exposes them to a range of culturally diverse genres of

music.

For a more in depth overview of the project, here is the source: http://www.tolerance.org/activity/music-and-lyrics

CONCLUSION:

In this class, students will learn about the technical aspects of music, as well as general skills needed in the 21st century such as flexibility, leadership, self-initiative, and interpersonal interaction.

If you have any questions/concerns or would like more information, please contact me @ alzaherw1@mail.montclair.edu