Waterloo Region District School Board

FOREST HEIGHTS COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

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Guitar AMG3OI
Course Overview 2013 - 2014 ________________________________________________________________________ Course Type: Guitar Teacher: Mr. Cowan Website: mrcowan.weebly.com Grade Level: 11 Department: Music E-mail: josh_cowan@wrdsb.on.ca

Course Description:
This course is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge previously acquired in AMG2OI. It also aims to provide background on the history and development of the guitar as well as some of guitars most significant players. Beyond the guitar, this course stresses the development of musical skills such as reading, ear training, listening and analysis. The course is largely performance-based but evaluation occurs in a variety of forms that include: solo and ensemble performances, projects, tests and discussion. Ongoing personal practice is essential for success on this instrument and will be expected as a regular part of this course.

UNITS OF STUDY or BIG IDEAS

The creative process helps students to adequately and thoughtfully prepare, refine, and successfully perform a variety of music written by others or music that they write themselves. Students can use an understanding of the elements of music to help them make better music (alone or in a group) and to more deeply appreciate the music they hear. Students will learn to understand the language of music through symbols, terms, and conventions. Students will learn to understand where music came from and how culture and world events have shaped and been shaped by this art form.

ESSENTIAL COURSE COMPONENTS (optional now, but will be required in the future)
To be successful in this course you must be able to demonstrate all of the following skills:

1. Increasing musical and technical proficiency using the creative process in both solo as well as ensemble performance. (2 solos, multiple scale, study, and ensemble performances, full class rehearsals) 2. Understanding and the ability to manipulate the elements of music while performing in both a solo and ensemble context. (2 solos, multiple scale, study, and ensemble performances, full class rehearsals)

3. Composing/arranging/performing using techniques and technological tools eg. music notation, sequencing, recording technology, music editing, etc. ( 8 bar melody, 12 bar blues, Audio Tool Loop Assignment, recording software: Pro Tools and Audacity) 4. Using the critical analysis process and apply it to the performance of self and others when responding to, analyzing, reflecting on, and interpreting music. (listening logs, class discussions, self and peer assessment, song analysis) 5. Understanding of music theory and notation. (2 tests, multiple quizzes) 6. Understanding of the history of some musical forms and of characteristics of selected types of music. (listening logs, class discussion, artist presentation, history of rock n roll unit test)

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION:

A variety of assessment tasks will be used to evaluate student progress. Late and Missed Assignments To achieve success in this course, all essential course components must be demonstrated. Incomplete work is NOT an option. Cheating and Plagiarism It is important for students to do their own best work. If a student is suspected of cheating or plagiarizing, the teacher in consultation with administration, will determine the next steps and/or consequences. Learning Skills and Work Habits The areas of Responsibility, Organization, Independent Work, Collaboration, Initiative, and Self-regulation are important and will be assessed and reflected on the provincial report card. Attendance Attendance and punctuality in classes are important parts of learning and an expectation of student behavior. Lates are to be avoided to benefit from full instructional time and not disrupt others learning time. When a student is absent, a parent/guardian must call the schools attendance line on the date of absence, or provide a note explaining the absence for the student to submit the following day. Students are responsible for missed work during their absence. The final mark will be determined as follows: CATEGORY Creating and Performing (Performance and Composing) Reflecting, Responding, and Analyzing (Listening) Foundations (Theory, History, Technique) Summative (series of tests, assignments on the above) WEIGHT 40 15 15 30

By signing this course outline, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the expectations and requirements for successful completion of this course. _____________________________________ Students Name ______________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature ______________ Date ______________ Date