7th Grade Academic Knowledge and Skills

Tone Quality

Continue refinement of characteristic tone quality and identify the timbre of band instruments

Demonstrate proper posture, hand position, embouchure, and breath support

Using a tuner, recognize sharpness or flatness of pitch and adjust accordingly

Keep steady tempo and count rhythmically

Perform a variety of time signatures (4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 3/8, 6/8, 2/2), notes and rest values (whole, half, dotted half, quarter, dotted quarter, eighth, dotted eighth and sixteenths) and simple syncopated rhythms

Technique

Perform the F, Bb, Eb, Ab, and C major scales and arpeggios

Demonstrate frequently used articulations (tongue, slur, accent, staccato, legato, marcato) and articulations in various combinations

Respond appropriately to all dynamic markings and produce acceptable dynamic control throughout range of instrument

Percussionists should demonstrate proficiency in mallet, bass drum, basic accessory techniques and snare drum rudiments which correlate with literature studied in class

Percussionists demonstrate tympani tuning using a tone generator

Demonstrate an understanding of phrase and melody through performance

Perform music from a variety of music genres (march, chorale, rock, jazz, waltz) and historical styles (Renaissance to present)

Theory, History, and Culture

Demonstrate knowledge of frequently used musical terms and symbols

Identify notes, enharmonic equivalents, intervals and concert pitch for the student’s own instrument and transpose music for the same instrument

Construct major and minor scales based on whole-half step patterns and explain the relationship between major and minor keys

Explore improvisation of simple melodies within scales and key signatures studied

Create, notate, and perform a simple melody for the student’s own instrument

Recognize harmonic structure and demonstrate an awareness of its role in performance

Demonstrate knowledge of form in music repertoire

Explore historical, biographical, and cultural influences on music performed

Describe the evolution and history of band instruments

Sythesis and Application

Demonstrate proper assembly, care, and maintenance of instrument

Use print, non-print, and technological media to access and manipulate music information

Demonstrate the ability to perform individually, in small groups, and as a member of an ensemble

Demonstrate responsibility to the group through attendance, punctuality, cooperation, leadership, listening, preparation, and acceptable behavior

Respond appropriately to conducting techniques used by the director

Critique music performed by the ensemble and suggest ways to improve

Perform class repertoire at expected competence level and sight-read one grade level below average performance level

Perform publicly at least twice a year