Course Overview:
The study of music in 4th Grade opens the gateway into exciting development. Building upon the basics covered in 3rd Grade (while still teaching these basics in order to function as a stand-alone course), 4th Grade music allows students the opportunity to learn how music recording and distribution has changed over the years. Students will learn to conduct and play music on the recorder in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time signatures while also learning different musical forms. 4th Grade music has a focus on Texas heritage, noting the influence of Mexican-American, African- American, and European immigrant culture on the music and dancing of the state. Students will listen to great examples of music from a variety of instruments, historical recordings, and cultures as their understanding and respect for different varieties of music increases.
Required Materials:
- Pen or use your hand as baton
- Dress clothes or all black clothes
- Recorder
- Sombrero or any hat
- Sheet music provided for download
- Select a formal concert available on line and evaluate
Syllabus:
Module 1 - Sounds Of Music
Objectives:
- Learn and identify different instruments in music.
- Know the difference between treble clef and bass clef.
- Know the difference between soprano and alto.
- Listen to and determine the difference between staccato and legato.
- Listen to and determine the difference between crescendo and decrescendo.
Lessons:
- The Sounds of Music
- Music Theory—Dynamics and Articulation
Module 2 - Rhythm
Objectives:
- Understand the concept of rhythm.
- Identify rhythmic patterns and musical forms.
- Evaluate rhythm in everyday life.
- Learn how to conduct music in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 timing.
- Identify timing from conducting samples.
Lessons:
- I've Got Rhythm!
- Conducting in Time
Module 3 - Writing and Playing Music
Objectives:
- Learn the names and placement of notes on the grand staff.
- Read and understand music written on the grand staff.
- Learn proper fingering for the soprano recorder.
- Learn to play written music on the soprano recorder.
- Learn the history of instruments in Texas.
- Understand how diverse Texas is.
- Perform traditional Texas music.
- Perform the Texas state song.
Lessons:
- Reading Music
- Music And History: Texas Heritage
Module 4 - Musical Forms
Objectives:
- Understand the different musical forms.
- Be able to identify the sections of a musical form.
- Understand the sectional structure of rondo form.
- Understand the structure of rondo form in detail.
- Write a piece of music in rondo form.
- Perform an original piece of music written in rondo form.
Lessons:
- Musical Form
- Creating a Rondo
Module 5 - Mexican-American Music
Objectives:
- Learn the history of Mexican-American music.
- Know how Europe has influenced Mexican-American music.
- Learn about different dances in Texas.
- Learn which cultures have brought different dances to Texas.
Lessons:
- Mexican-American Music
- Dancing in Texas
Module 6 - Instruments From Mexico
Objectives:
- Learn the different instruments common to the Mexican conjunto.
- Learn more details about how these instruments are made and are played.
- Learn what an accompaniment is.
- Learn how to identify the accompaniment.
Lessons:
- Instruments of the Conjunto
- Accompaniment
Module 7 - Electronic Instruments
Objectives:
- Learn about automatic instruments.
- Learn the history leading up to the invention of electronic instruments.
- Understand why automatic instruments were used.
- Learn more about the history of electronic instruments and recording devices.
Lessons:
- Musical Advances
- Exploring Electronic Instruments
Module 8 - At The Performance
Objectives:
- Learn how to write a review.
- Understand how active listening works.
- Write a review.
- Learn proper etiquette for attending a performance.
- Understand how a formal performance is structured.
Lessons:
- Active Listening
- Attending a Performance
