Sherrard Middle School
GENERAL MUSIC
COURSE DESCRIPTION: General Music is a fine arts course that requires one semester of commitment. This course is required for any student in sixth grade who is not enrolled in chorus, band, and/or strings. Students will be encouraged to cultivate healthy relationships and friendships as well as improve individual and group skills that relate to music, personal development, and school leadership. Skills developed in this course are meant to prepare a student for future involvement in Functional Musicianship, should they express an interest.
NOTE: Sherrard Middle School offers Chorus, Strings, Band, Guitar, and Steel Band for those interested in a performing ensemble. If you would rather be in a performance ensemble, please see Mr. Murphy or Mrs. Wheeling. General Music is for students in 6th grade who are not interested in performing and would rather have a traditional course with less performing, more writing, more reading and project-based instruction.
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COURSE UNITS
GENERAL MUSIC
Course Description: General Music is a fine arts course that requires one semester of commitment. This course is required for any student in sixth grade who is not enrolled in chorus, band, and/or strings. Students will be encouraged to cultivate healthy relationships and friendships as well as improve individual and group skills that relate to music, personal development, and school leadership. Skills developed in this course are meant to prepare a student for future involvement in Functional Musicianship, should they express an interest.
Experiencing Music
UNIT #1
We all experience music in different ways and must consider how those differences impact the judgements we make about music.
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Lessons:
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"I Like My Own Music" - Why Most People Enjoy Music
"You Never Listen to Me Anymore" - Listening to Music vs. Hearing Music
"Clean Out the Wax" - Developing Listening Skills
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Making Music
UNIT #2
This is the performance portion of the class and morphs into Unit #3. Of the six units, this means that two will be dedicated to performance.
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Lessons:
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"Choose Wisely" - Pick an Instrument for General Music
"I Think I Remember this Stuff (I Don't Remember this Stuff)" - Reviewing Rhythm and Pitch
"Wait. What? This is Confusing" - Applying Knowledge of Instruments to Rhythm and Pitch
Wood Shed
Unit #3
This is where you will develop your skill on your chosen instrument. Practicing will be required as part of your class time.
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Lessons:
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"I Can't Do This" - Tips and Tricks for Learning a New Instrument
"This isn't That Bad" - Developing Good Practice Habits
"I'm in the Zone" - What Makes Great Musicians Great and How You've Had a Taste of That
Music Technology
Unit #4
Music technology keeps evolving and the ways in which we use it art vast. This course will be further explored and developed in the 2021-2022 school year.
Former Lessons & Potential New Lessons:
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"Oh No, Not Him!...Quaver" - How to Use and Develop Q-Grooves
"What is Garage Band?" - Transition from Q-Grooves to Garage Band
"I Think We Did it Right" - Class Garage Band Project
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Note: We may combine the first two lessons into one, continue in the second week with the group Garage Band Project, and then for the third lesson, have you present a music app of your choice.
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Researcher Extraordinaire
Unit #5
Knowing how to research is becoming more important than ever. There are many poor resources on the internet that can lead to poor work and bad information. Here is an opportunity to enhance your skills as a Middle School Researcher.
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Lessons:
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"Mr. Murphy, You're Weird...We Can't Time Travel" - How to Research/Music History
"I Can't Find Anything About this Dead Guy" - Refining Your Research
"This Was a Lot of Work" - Presentation of Research
Reflecting on Music in Our Culture
Unit #6
Music is a messenger. Sometimes it's verbal and sometimes it's non-verbal. What message does your music send? How might that have an impact on society? Food for thought...
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Lessons:
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"I Didn't Really Think About the Importance of Music" - How Music Plays a Role in Society
"How Do I Sign-Up" - What Can You Do with or for Music
"Is That It?! Are We Just Listening to Music?" - Share Your Favorite, Appropriate for School, Songs.