How would Johann Sebastian

Bach write a school

Alma Mater?

Kinnelon HS Music Theory I Class

Unit Summary

During this Unit of study the Music Theory students will study the historical facts and compositional techniques associated with Baroque Style Four Part writing. The students will also study the common characteristics between this past compositional style and the compositional style used when writing school Alma Maters. Students will form common threads between to two genres, using historical examples and musical techniques, to aid them in composing their own school Alma Mater. The students will them perform, present, and critique their composition for their colleagues.

Curriculum Framing Questions

Essential Question

How do music compositions from past centuries affect the musical compositions of the present day and the future?

Curriculum Framing Questions

Unit Questions

What compositional techniques are found to be successful, based on audience appeal and longevity through history, when writing four part chorales?

What are some historical, musical, and society based characteristics of school Alma Maters?

Would changing a school Alma Mater affect school pride

Curriculum Framing Questions

Content Questions What is a four part chorale in a Baroque Style?

Who is the most famous Baroque composer who composed four part chorales and how were his compositions used in the 1600s?

What compositional techniques are needed to complete a composition for SATB choir?

What common characteristics are found in all school Alma Maters?

What are some characteristics of the texts of school Alma Maters?

This project will help my

students develop

21st century skills by:• Collaborating and critiquing with peers.

• Analyzing their composition and comparing it to the examples given in class.

• Solving problems and making decisions about their composition.

• Communicating with others in a blog.

• Having their composition be applied to Real Life situation.

Gauging Student Needs Assessment

Examining Prior Student Work To gain knowledge and assess compositional ability level of

each student. Possibly group work may reflect the need to group higher level students with others for peer guidance throughout project and to promote peer evaluation and critique.

K-W-H-L Worksheet To gather prior knowledge and have students brainstorm

about topic given at top of page.

My Goals for the Course

Find compositional projects that address the curriculum needs for Music Theory 1, while also finding Real Life applications that the students can achieve in a relatively short amount of time.

Try to take complicated material, such as music composition, and break it down into simple pieces to present to the students in a fun way.

Share ideas with other teachers

Goals for My Students

Make connections between the music studied in class from past centuries and music used today in Real Life situations.

Expand creative thinking in music.

Practice compositional skills.

Discuss school traditions and how music is a part of these traditions.