8th Grade Academic Knowledge and Skills

Tone Quality

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

Demonstrate proper posture, hand position, embouchure, breath support and vibrato appropriate to instrument

Tune instrument correctly using tuner and demonstrate increasing awareness of good intonation

Keep tempo and count rhythmically

Perform a variety of time signatures (4|4, 3|4, 2|4, 2|2, 3|2, 3|8, 6|8, 9|8, 12|8); dotted whole notes, whole notes, dotted half notes, half notes, dotted quarter notes, quarter notes, dotted eighth notes, eighth notes, and sixteenth notes and corresponding rests with ties of various lengths; simple syncopated rhythms; triplets; and ornaments (grace notes, trills, glissando)

Technique

Play the C, Eb, Bb, Ab and Db major scales and arpeggios at least one octave; the A, D, G, C, and F minor scales and arpeggios at least one octave; and a chromatic scale at least two octaves

Demonstrate frequently used articulations at increasingly quick tempi: tongue, slur, accent, staccato, legato

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

Percussionists demonstrate proficiency in mallet, bass drum, and basic accessory techniques

Percussionists demonstrate snare drum rudiments which correlate to the music literature being studied in class

Percussionists demonstrate drum set technique and tympani tuning using a tone generator

Demonstrate understanding of phrase and melody through performance

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

Theory, History, and Culture

Demonstrate knowledge of frequently used musical terms and symbols

Identify notes in the appropriate staff, enharmonic equivalents, intervals, and concert pitch

Transpose music for student’s own instrument

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

Improvise simple melodies within scales and key signatures

Create, notate, and perform a simple melody for the instrument studied

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 instruments

Use print, non-print, and technological media to access and manipulate music information, and use computer/MIDI work station

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

Demonstrate an awareness of careers in music