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The History of Music: Ancient World to the 20th Century
Students will study the development of music from both historical and modern
perspectives. While learning how music developed from the Ancient World to the twentieth century, students will become familiar with the language of music, learning historical and practical elements of form and musical notation. As they explore music and song, students will write their own
compositions, using available computer notation programs. They will perform their own compositions on instruments including non-pitched, pitched, guitars, keyboards, and dulcimers.
Grade 7.
The Foundations of American Pop: Every Song has a Story
Different genres of music that formed the foundation of American popular music will be studied, performed, and evaluated by the students. They will study the influences of Gospel, blues, ragtime, swing, and jazz on early rhythm and blues. Through the use of instruments, literature, books, computers, and other sources, the students will explore the music, songs, and careers of noted performers and groups who shaped American popular music. They will critique the positive and negative influences of recording studios, producers, and the media on the options made available to the audiences of the times.
Grade 8
Vocal Aesthetics and Athletics
Students will learn and utilize the fundamentals of good vocal technique, care of their important vocal equipment (i.e., the vocal mechanism), ear training, sight reading skills,
and interpretation of songs based on personal experiences and the performances of
popular vocalists of the past and present. The general chorus will study avenues of instruction that include dynamics, tempo variations, and vocal exercises designed to
enhance performance opportunities as soloists, members of duets or trios, and as
members of the Seton Catholic Chorus. Performance opportunities include school
masses, concerts, shows, and community performances. The chorus members are
encouraged to audition for All-State Concert (held in November) and to work toward
a private vocal evaluation at NYSSMA in the spring.
Grade 9 - 12. One semester. 0.5 credit. No prerequisites.
Musical Ensemble
Students who play an
instrument or sing, or are willing
to play pitched or non-pitched
instruments that are already
available at Seton Catholic, will
form a performing group
incorporating each person's skill or areas of interest. Instruction will include the
study of key performing groups through the history of popular music, group dynamics,
song arrangement, and the evolution of recording technology and it's value for improving
the presentation of a song. Performance opportunities that will reflect interpersonal group skills include school masses, school shows, community performances, and/or performing
and mixing a group.
Playing or singing helpful, but not necessary.
Grades 9 - 12. One semester. 0.5 credit.
Guitar: Beginning and Intermediate
Beginning and intermediate instruction in guitar for both left hand and right hand techniques will include note work and the use of chords, strumming and
finger picking, scales, and reading printed music. The students will learn and evaluate guitarists from the past and the present, play representative songs from a variety of sources, and write original music. Students will participate in the recording of a class song.
No scholastic prerequisites. Students need to have a guitar or be able to purchase one.
Grades 9 - 12. One semester. 0.5 credit.
20th Century Pop: From Blues to the British Invasion
Students will study the evolution of American popular music from its origins in Gospel and blues to jazz, the big band sound, the birth and development of rock and roll, and the effects of the British Invasion. The reflection of historical change on music and the influence of music on our culture will be highlighted. Comparing the music and existing technology of each period will lead to recognition of the value of recording and musical reproduction of the works of performers and groups. The students will do presentations on specific artists, producers, or groups from the period or related projects that have prior approval (e.g., audio recordings of original material written and produced within the parameters of a relevant style of music, podcasts, etc.).
Grades 9 - 12.
One semester. 0.5 credit. No musical prerequisites.
Writing the Songs: Writing your own Lyrics
Students will compare and contrast the writing styles, techniques, and forms used by noted songwriters of the past and present. In a class journal, reactions, critiques, and suggestions for possible changes in the lyrics of already popular songs will be recorded and reviewed. These viewpoints will be shared and documented for the purpose of strong comparison from the beginning of the course to the end. As students prepare to write their own lyrics, they will learn methods that require them to give positive critiques of each others works, fostering an environment that supports brainstorming, sharing, and collective or complexity will be requested at regular intervals, from one-line exercises to complete songs. The students will gain experience using or refusing metaphors, simile, and
clichés, while discovering the creative power found in the use of effective verse development, points of view, dialogue, meter, and form. Songwriting will begin with “song seeds” to stimulate ideas and end with effective song material. Each students final project will entail sharing one or two representative songs in concrete form, whether through a recording, a musical lead sheet, or artwork that reinforces a written piece. The final project can reflect collaboration with other students from the class or the work of other local musicians and artists from school or the community who agree to assist in the final product.
Grades 9 - 12. One semester. 0.5 credit. No musical prerequisites.
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