Eighth Grade Band

SDE Course Code: 0828

MNPS Course Code: MUS2058Y

Course Description

This course is designed for the fourth year band student. Continuation and further development of musicianship is emphasized through musical and technical studies. Proficiency of musicianship is emphasized. The number of performances will stay the same and the seventh grade year. Development in the areas of music theory and music history is explored in more depth. Improvisation will be emphasized more in this course. Teamwork and self-discipline continue to be part of this performance based class.

Course of Study

Playing instruments

Characteristic tone quality
More complex rhythms
Articulation
Major Scales/Rudiments

Improvising

Rhythmic
Melodic

Composing/Arranging

Original composition
Arrangement or transcription

Reading/Notating

Sight Reading
Ear Training

Listening/Analyzing

Excerpt analysis
Identify musical form and musical eras

Standards

MNPS Music Department Standards

http://www.mnps.org

TN State Department of Education Standards

http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/standards

Textbooks

Bruce Pearson, Standard of Excellence, Book III

San Diego, California: Neil A. Kjos Music Company, 1997

Richard Williams and Jeff King, Foundations for Superior Performance

San Diego, California: Neil A. Kjos Music Company, 1997

Recommended and/or required resources:

CD accompaniment to Standard of Excellence, Book III

Concert literature

Metronome

Chromatic Tuner

Educational Videos

Wherever possible, classrooms should have computers that are web accessible.