BVSD District Music Curriculum
Platt Middle School Standards Based Grading Policy
Platt Middle School Standards Based Grading Scale
Black Teal Rotation
Choir
Karen Keeler
2012-2013 Choir Handbook
2012-2013 Vocal Performance Calendar
2012-2013 Platt Choir Ensembles
2012-2013 Music Tech/Composition Syllabus
Improvisation Activity Handout (2009 CMEA presentation)
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Concert Choir - listed as N15 8th Choir in IC – 9 performing events
This is my most advanced choir that meets 4 days a week during the school year. It is open to students in 7th, 8th and Choice. The ensemble is split into two periods a day – 2 and 6. We join together before concerts and events. Not only does this ensemble have a rigorous performance schedule, it also delves deeply into all music standards. Students learn how to read, notate, and compose music as well as find connections with music to history and our society. This is the perfect preparatory ensemble to get students ready for audition-only ensembles such as Dolce and Fraternico. There are two performances in which only the 8th grade members of concert choir perform – the holiday tour and continuation ceremony.
Sixth Grade Choir - listed as N11 6th Choir in IC – 4 performing events
This yearlong choir is comprised of only 6th graders in the traditional Platt program. The ensemble is split into two classes; black and teal. We join together before concerts and events. When students aren’t in choir they are in PE. This ensemble teaches students how to become independent musicians, reading and learning music on their own. This is the perfect preparatory ensemble for Platt 6th graders to prepare for audition-only ensembles such as Dolce and Fraternico.
Show Choir - listed as N18 ML Show Choir in IC – 3 performing events; 1 per trimester
Show Choir is a 12-week class that involves singing, acting and dancing. It is open to all students for one, two, or three trimesters a year. There is a culminating performance at the end of each 12-week class. Due to the limited amount of time together, there is less focus on becoming independent musicians and more focus on stage presence and performing.
Dolce - an extracurricular choir meeting on Monday mornings from 7:45-8:30 – 7 performing events
This extracurricular girls’ choir meets on Monday mornings from 7:45-8:30 and is open by audition only. Historically the ensemble has been capped at 12 girls and strives to be ‘student-run’ as much as possible. Because of the musical intensity and rigor of this group, girls are required to be in a yearlong music ensemble at Platt such as Concert Choir, Band, or Orchestra and/or enrolled in private music lessons outside of school that teach music reading skills. This year’s auditions are Monday, August 27th at 7:30 a.m. with potential callbacks scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, August 28th.
Guys Choir - an extracurricular choir meeting on Friday mornings from 7:45-8:30 – 6 performing events
This extracurricular choir meets on Fridays from 7:45-8:30 and is open to all guys interested in singing. Students do not need any prior experience nor do they have to be in any other choir at Platt. The only requirement is a commitment to attend all rehearsals as time is limited. This ensemble begins on Friday, August 24th and starts the year with a very early field trip on Friday, September 7th.
Fraternico - an extracurricular choir meeting on Thursday mornings third trimester only – 1 performance
This extracurricular guys' choir meets on Thursday mornings beginning Thursday, February 21st from 7:45-8:30 and is by audition only. Historically the ensemble has been capped at 12 guys. Because of the musical intensity and rigor of this group, guys are required to be in a yearlong music ensemble at Platt such as Concert Choir, Band, or Orchestra and/or enrolled in private music lessons outside of school that teach music reading skills. This year’s audition date will be announced sometime in early February.
Music Tech/Composition
All Platt students can access this trimester elective. Students meet in the music composition lab daily and compose music using programs such as Finale and Mixcraft.
Band
Caleb Starbuck
Band Handbook 2012-2013
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Band Performance Calendar 2012-2013
Sixth Grade Band is a course designed to help students continue developing music fundamentals. Students in this group meet every other day. The emphases in this course are instrumental technique, rhythmic security, and developing ensemble awareness. Students will have an opportunity to perform a wide variety of repertoire. Culminating performances are a meaningful and mandatory component of this class.
Seventh Grade Band is a continuation and expansion of the sixth grade curriculum. Students in this course meet every day. In addition to progressively more demanding large ensemble work, there is an increasing emphasis on ensemble awareness and individual musicianship. Students will have an opportunity to perform a wide variety of repertoire and travel to several festivals. Culminating performances are a meaningful and mandatory component of this class.
Eighth Grade Traditional/Choice Band is a continuation and expansion of the seventh grade curriculum. Students in this course meet every day. The emphases in this course are instrumental technique, an exploration of wind literature, music theory, and individual musicianship. Students will have an opportunity to perform a wide variety of repertoire in both large and small ensemble formats and travel to several festivals. Culminating performances are a meaningful and mandatory component of this class.
Choice Band is an ensemble made up of the sixth and seventh grade band students in the Choice program. Eighth grade Choice students rehearse and perform with the 8th grade band. Students in this course meet every day. The curriculum in this course is a combination of the sixth and seventh grade band curricula. Given the range in ability, there is a larger emphasis on individual development. Culminating performances are a meaningful and mandatory component of this class.
2013 Jazz Backgrounds for Improvisation Practice
Once you improvise for your parents, please complete the Improv Verification Form
6th Grade:
C-Jam Blues
Drama for Your Mama
Que Pasa Kielbasa
7th Grade:
Frankenstein
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
Straight Up
8th Grade:
Lester Leaps In
Abracadabra
Blowtorch