MUSIC

Music is a critical component of La Cumbre’s academic program, and all students have the opportunity to master an instrument and study musical composition. In addition to the classes listed below, La Cumbre students can participate in Drum Line, Rock Band, and Mariachi Band.

Advanced Band/Jazz Band/Intermediate Band

These bands perform intermediate to advanced selections chosen from a wide range of musical styles. Participation in concerts and parades. Participation includes out of class practice and performance time.

Orchestra

Open to all string players beginning, intermediate, and advanced. Out of class public performance time is require. Regular practice at home is required. The class is open to all students who wish to play standard string instruments.

Open to seventh, and eighth graders. The choir prepares students for performances. Activities of the choir include a performance in the Winter Program, Spring Sing, and possibly a Southern California Choral Festival. This group will also participate in any musical theater presentations during the year.

GRADE 7

Outcome:

Students will be able to read and write music

Benchmarks:

  • Students will recognize different note values.
  • Students will identify, define and use standard notation symbols.
  • Students will be able to identify and recognize the notes in the Treble and Bass clefs.
  • Students will be able to compose a percussion score.
  • Students will be able to understand the basic tools of musical composition.
  • Students will compose an original ABA musical piece.
  • Students will analyze the uses of music elements in listening examples.
  • Students will demonstrate their musical knowledge by using appropriate terminology.
  • Students will demonstrate their musical knowledge by using keyboard, percussion or computer instruments.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Students will be assessed on their ability to improvise and compose an ABA original song.
  • Students will be assessed on their ability to identify and notate standard music symbols.
  • Students will be assessed on their ability to compose and perform short pieces for wind and on percussion instruments within teacher-specified guidelines.

GRADE 8

Outcome:

Students will be able to explore highlighted contributions of music throughout the ages. The music curriculum for 8th graders will parallel in part the social studies curriculum.

Benchmarks:

  • Students will recognize different styles from teacher-specified listening examples: Blues, Baroque, Jazz, Opera, Classical, World Music and Popular music.
  • Students will understand the differences between Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Blues, Jazz, and Impressionistic music from teacher-specified listening examples.
  • Students will compose an original ABA piece
  • Students will study folk music: Klezmer, Celtic, Asian, Russian, African and Latino music.
  • Students will demonstrate their knowledge by using appropriate terminology.
  • Students will demonstrate their knowledge by using wind and percussion instruments.
  • Students will analyze the uses of music elements in listening examples.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Students will be assessed on their ability to write an original ABA piece.
  • Students will be assessed on their ability to continue to use the music notation system from the 7th and 8th grade music notation reading standard outcomes.
  • Students will be assessed on their ability to evaluate listening assignments, develop lyric writing skills and play simple melody assignments.
  • Students will be assessed on their ability to present a team project as a small ensemble.