By: Maliya
Welcome back, students! I’m sure you were all just so excited to come back to school. Okay, okay - so maybe you weren’t, but I’m sure you’re glad to be back with your friends. Don’t worry, before you know it, this year will be over!
Now that school has started, the homework is rolling around again. We’re all whining and complaining about hating teachers and wanting to drop out of school. Right? Well, since it’s too late to change your schedule for this year, here’s a little tip for scheduling your classes next year: Sign up for a class or two that you’ll enjoy! Now you’re probably thinking, "She’s crazy! A class you can actually enjoy?" Well, ladies and gentlemen, if you like fine arts and music, there just may be a class for you!
This year, Band/Chorus director, Mr. J. Landes, is taking charge of the brand new Music Appreciation/Theory class. It is a small class of only eight students, which I am proud to be a part of.
The objectives for the class include gaining an understanding of the basic musical theory. This includes: note identification, intervals, scales, chords, ear training exercises, and keyboard identification. We will also be learning about the history of music, including composers and their trends in music. Also, every Friday each student gets the opportunity to bring in a CD of their choice to play a small selection for the class. This gives the class a chance to identify different types of music and why people like the kinds of music they do.
If you enjoy the language of music, this is actually a very enjoyable class. However, yes, there is homework. Don’t worry! So far it hasn’t been anything tough (as long as you know what you’re doing). There are also tests and quizzes given from time to time. Finally, we have mandatory concert reports to be done by the end of the semester. That is, we must attend at least three live concerts and turn in a short one page report on our observations.
The class is worth one full credit, and has so far been a blast! Next year, if you’re looking for ways to fill up your schedule and make it interesting, try converting one of your boring old study halls into the Music Appreciation Class. Then you’re sure to be "in-tune" with the theory of music!
If you don’t know anything about music, but you’re wanting to learn a little, feel free to chat with Mr. Landes. We would love for you to join us in band and/or chorus, even if you’ve never played an instrument, or you think you can’t sing!
We would like to commend Shane Curry (Sophomore) for joining our band in the percussion section for his first year. You’re doing a great job, Shane!
