Music - Beginning Orchestra (5th Grade)

Course Description

Students will be introduced to the instruments of the orchestra and learn the techniques required of a first-year orchestra member. Their instrument choices will be violin, viola, cello, or bass. They will learn basic music theory, vocabulary, and be able to play alone and as a group through sequenced learning activities preparing them for successful participation in orchestra at the junior high level. Students will also prepare and perform in school programs and be given the opportunity to perform in the district solo and ensemble festival.

Philosophy

The Music Department’s philosophy is based on the belief that experiences with music are fundamental to the education of children. Music has a powerful ability to affect the hearts, minds, and souls of our children. It gives children the opportunity to gain self-esteem by learning new skills and talents. It also gives children the sense of satisfaction that comes from working with a group to perform and create a piece of music with beauty and unity. Recent brain research shows music can tremendously boost the efficiency and performance of the brain. Music is a powerful purveyor of culture, both American and other world cultures. In today’s increasingly global society, knowledge of other peoples and cultures, as well as our own past, is a necessary part of a good education.

Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.
Plato

Materials

• Orchestra method book
• Selected supplementary books
• Sheet music/orchestra arrangements for concert performance

Copyright Resources

Orchestra Resource References

Course Scope

Assessment Correlation acronyms key
Music Department web site

• For specific Standard References please see: References with the letter N denote a reference to the National Standards. Those without the N are references to the Idaho State Standards.
• Download this curriculum and standards documentation as a "Printer Friendly" pdf file
• Curriculum date: 6/8/2007

Unit 1

Music Literacy

Ongoing

610.01 Students will demonstrate knowledge of music reading and theory skills appropriate to the level.

Standard Reference
N - 2: a, b, c, d, e 3: b, c 5: a, b, c, d, e
Mu 2.1.2; 3.1.2

No.

Performance Objective

Resource Reference

Assessment Correlation

01

Name and recognize all notes on a staff, including open strings, in the appropriate clef

Student Orchestra Method

TO, TMA

02

Name grade 1 level music terminology and symbols, including up and downbow markings and lift signs

Student Orchestra Method

TO, TMA

03

Name basic notes in 1st position and name the corresponding fingerings

Student Orchestra Method

TO

04

Read, sing, count, and play grade level 1 combinations of notes and rests in the key of D Major

Student Orchestra Method

TO

05

Demonstrate a knowledge of basic ear-training by matching pitches vocally and on the instrument

Teacher demonstration

TO

06

Perform one octave D major and G major scales in tune

Student Orchestra Method

TO

07

Perform open string double stops in tune

Student Orchestra Method

TO

08

Imitate simple rhythmic patterns

Teacher demonstration

TO

09

Show ability to improvise a short passage of music at grade 1 level

Student Orchestra Method and Teacher demonstration

TO

Back to Top

Unit 2

Music History

Ongoing

610.02 Students will demonstrate an understanding of music history appropriate to the level.

Standard Reference
N - 9: a
Mu 1.1; 1.2

No.

Performance Objective

Resource Reference

Assessment Correlation

01

Demonstrate ability to recognize prominent composers and corresponding music as introduced in grade level 1

Student Orchestra Method

TO

Back to Top

Unit 3

Musicianship

Ongoing

610.03 Students will demonstrate good ensemble and performance skills appropriate to the level.

Standard Reference
N- 2: a, b, c, d, e 7: a, b
Mu 3.1; 3.2; 3.3

No.

Performance Objective

Resource Reference

Assessment Correlation

01

Demonstrate proper rest and playing positions both sitting and standing

Teacher demonstration

TO

02

Demonstrate proper instrument care and storage

Teacher demonstration

TO

03

Identify all parts of the instrument and bow

Teacher demonstration and student orchestra method

TMA

04

Demonstrate proper rehearsal and performance behavior, punctuality and self-discipline required in a performing ensemble, including remembering instrument daily

Teacher demonstration

TO

05

Maintain a steady pulse with the ensemble

Teacher demonstration

TO

06

Perform in unison or two parts with proper rhythm, pitch and bow direction

Teacher demonstration

TO

Back to Top

Unit 4

Concert Etiquette

Ongoing

610.04 Students will demonstrate good concert etiquette appropriate to the level.

Standard Reference
N- 2: a, b, c 7: a, b
Mu 2.2.3

No.

Performance Objective

Resource Reference

Assessment Correlation

01

Demonstrate the proper habits of concert decorum, both as a performer and as an audience member

Teacher demonstration

TO

02

Demonstrate an attitude of interest, desire to continue with music, courtesy, respect and responsibility toward instructor, peers, equipment and self

Teacher demonstration

TO

Back to Top

Unit 5

Right Hand Technique

Ongoing

610.05 Students will demonstrate good right hand skills appropriate to the level.

Standard Reference
N - 2: a, b, c
Mu 3.1.3

No.

Performance Objective

Resource Reference

Assessment Correlation

01

Demonstrate a flexible and relaxed bow hold

Orchestra method book and Teacher demonstration

TO

02

Demonstrate a correct right arm level

Orchestra method book and Teacher demonstration

TO

03

Demonstrate proper pizzicato technique

Teacher demonstration

TO

04

Demonstrate basic detache, staccato bow strokes, string crossings, and open string double stops

Teacher demonstration

TO

05

Demonstrate a relaxed arm and freedom of motion, resulting in full tone

Teacher demonstration

TO

06

Demonstrate understanding of grade level 1 symbols including upbow, down bow, and lift

Teacher demonstration

TO

Back to Top

Unit 6

Left Hand Technique

Ongoing

610.06 Students will demonstrate good left hand skills appropriate to the level.

Standard Reference
N - 2: a, b, c
Mu 3.1.3

No.

Performance Objective

Resource Reference

Assessment Correlation

01

Demonstrate correct orientation of instrument to body

Teacher demonstration

TO

02

Demonstrate relaxed and correct posture of arm and hand and fingers

Teacher demonstration

TO

03

Demonstrate basic finger placement in first position

Teacher demonstration and method book

TO