8th Grade

TERM 1 NOTICE

I can't believe we are nearing the end of term 1 already!

Everyone has been working hard on their protest song lyrics, however it does not seem like all students will be done by the end of the term.

I want to make sure that all students have enough time to complete their lyrics. Therefore, there will be NO project grade in term 1. There may be 2 project grades in term 2, but we will have to wait and see on that.

The term 1 grades will consist of classwork and participation.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Behavioral Expectations

Be Respectful Be Responsible Be Safe

Expectations

Teacher – I will treat all students with respect and understanding. Provide an engaging and positive classroom environment. Strive to ensure all students understand concepts and offer extra help as needed.

Student – You should be prepared for each class by having something to write with and any other required materials for that day (i.e. homework, project, etc.). You should always bring your charged Chromebook or your Chromebook and charger with you to class. You should follow the procedures for the classroom and follow the behavioral expectations.

Course Goal

By understanding the elements of music; students will be able to create, perform, and respond to a variety of genres of music which will prepare them to be life-long learners and consumers of music.

Grading

Participation - 35% of total term grade.

Students will be graded daily on their participation in that day’s activities. Students will start each day with 5 points and will be lowered for any of the following problems; behavior that disrupts the learning of other students, non-compliance, disrespect, or other behavior that does not meet the behavioral expectations. Students will have the opportunity to earn points back if the behavior improves.

Projects - 50% of total term grade

Final projects will be scored using rubrics posted on Google Classroom.

Classwork - 15% of total term grade

There will not be officially assigned homework. However, due to the limited number of classes per term, if classwork or projects are not completed in a reasonable amount of class time, students may be required to finish it for homework.

Units

Students will play the keyboard for approximately 10 classes, twice during the school year (specific dates to be determined by the teacher).

Term 1 - Politics & Social Movement

Objective - Students will understand that music can influence the public's opinion on a topic.

Final Project - Create and perform a protest song.

Term 2 - Music in Film

Objective - Students will understand that music enhances the emotional impact of a scene.

Final Project - Create a song for a video clip.

Term 3 - Careers in Music

Objective - Students will explore careers in music.

Final Project - Research different careers in music.

Term 4 - Student Choice

Objective - Students will develop a culminating project that reflects their understanding and learning over the course of their time at the middle school.

Final Project - Will vary based on student choice.