MEHMS Music

Appreciation Handbook
2017-2018
In Music Appreciation 7, students will explore and define music using multiple forms of media, including
pitched and non-pitched instruments, their voice, as well as music technology. Students will learn about music
history and world music. Collaborative as well as individual music making will be emphasized in this course, as
well as research and project-based assessments.

In Music Appreciation 8, students will explore and define music using multiple forms of media, including
pitched and non-pitched instruments, their voice, as well as music technology. Students will explore cultural
and social implications of music throughout time and space and examine its relationship to other fields of
study. Both collaborative and individual assignments will be emphasized in this course.

I. The Curriculum, Grading Policy & Attendance
II. Classroom Procedures
III. Specific Guidelines

Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
You may contact me through the school voicemail (703-720-5700) or e-mailcarpell@fccps.org. All of this information and more
can be found on my Schoology page and my website, www.musicwithmrscarpel.weebly.com.
Lauren Carpel

I. The Curriculum, Assessments & Attendance

Outline of Topics for Music Appreciation 7 Outline of Topics for Music Appreciation 8
Quarter 1 Quarter 1
1. Listen, Define, and Explore 1. Pulse: A Stomp Odyssey
2. Classical Commercials 2. Music for Social Change
3. Stomp Out Loud Quarter 2
Quarter 2 3. History of Rock and Social Implications
4. Introduction to Form 4. Popular Music Through the Ages
5. Music Notation and Keyboarding 5. Hip-Hop: Past, Present, Future
Quarter 3 Quarter 3
6. Music, Emotion, Energy 6. Careers in Music
7. Movies and Music 7. Advanced Composition Music Technology
8. Songwriting, Music and the Media Quarter 4
Quarter 4 8. Opera, Musical Theater, and American Music
9. Compositional Technique Through Music History 9. Soundtrack of My Life
10. World Music



*Approximate length of units; subject to change. Please go to Schoology for more information.

 Music Appreciation Grading Policy

Daily Participation (approximately 25%)
Shows that the student attempts to make achievements in music appreciation through daily participation and performance.
Students may earn up to 10 points daily.
Class Work (approximately 25%)
Class work includes group and individual work, worksheets and activities completed during class time (projects are
separate). Students will also be assessed on the neatness and completion of their warm-up activities.
Performance Skills (approximately 10%)
Ear Training
Students will be assessed informally and formally on their ability to read and/or perform rhythmic or melodic patterns (5-15
points)
Improvisation
Students will be assessed informally and formally on their ability to improvise rhythmic or melodic patterns (5-10 points)
Project-Based Assessments (approximately 40%)
Rubrics will always be provided for projects so students know exactly what they are being graded on. Students may be
graded on smaller portions of a project, or may graded for their cumulative work. (Point values vary)

There may be modifications to this course description, outline and evaluation depending upon the needs and abilities of the
students as the quarter progresses.

Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School and George Mason High School are implementing the IB MYP in grades 6-10 with all students.
Assessment of learning is based on mastery of concepts, knowledge, and skills. Each course within the MYP has four overarching
objectives (A, B, C, D) for students. The objectives for Arts are as follows:

A. Knowing and understanding
B. Developing skills
C. Thinking creatively
D. Responding

This year, each objective will be assessed at least twice on a scale of 0-8 based on the IB MYP rubrics. Encore will include these
assessments in a students quarter grade. Teachers will convert scores on IB MYP assessments to percentages using the conversion
chart found in the student handbook.

Additionally, students will receive an IB MYP final achievement level at the end of the school year. This achievement level provides
an overall score from 1-7 based on what students have learned and demonstrated on their IB MYP assessments throughout the
semester.

II. Classroom Expectations

The Encore team believes the arts make schools better places to be, places where acceptance and encouragement foster growth.
Studies have proven that students who have the opportunity to participate in Encore classes become better thinkers, develop higher
order thinking skills, and deepen their inclination to learn. Students who have learned to value the discipline of the arts have
equipped themselves for challenges in work and life.

Be physically and mentally prepared for class:
Be in your seat with your music, pencil, and agenda before class starts
Approach class with optimism, enthusiasm, determination, and your whole-hearted attention
Be respectful of yours, theirs, and ours:
A class that supports each other sings and plays better; treat others as you would like to be treated, especially when
singing or performing by yourself or in small groups
Respect the music equipmentthis includes the keyboards, piano, and audio/visual equipmentdo not touch any of
these things without permission from Mrs. Carpel
Practice self-discipline:
Act in a responsible mannerclass time is limited and valuable!
Pay attention to the teacher at all times
Leave all gum, food, and drink (other than water) outside the classroom.

Student Behavior Plan
Students are expected to follow all classroom procedures/policies and all school rules as explained in the student agenda.
Students who are having difficulty following school/classroom rules may earn one or more of the following consequences:
Student will receive prompt from the teacher to discontinue inappropriate behavior, daily rehearsal points docked.
If behavior continues, student will be sent to buddy teachers room to Refocus and parent will be notified.

If behavior continues:
Parent will be notified
An administrator will remove the student from the classroom
Parent conference with team and guidance

III. Specific Guidelines

Assignment Policies: Missing and Makeup Work
Make up work due to an excused absence:
Work that was missed is due the next scheduled class time after the student returns to class.
Due dates for work missed during an extended absence will be determined on an individual basis.
Students who are missing work will receive a zero with a missing label. Every class period that an assignment is late, 10%
will be deducted from the highest possible score received (i.e. a 100% would become a 90%, etc.). After 5 class periods,
the highest possible grade for a completed assignment is a 50%. If no work is turned in, the zero will remain.

The Encore team believes that successful communication with parents is a hallmark to student success. Parents are
encouraged to contact the school when they have questions about their childs progress. Concerns about individual subjects
should be directed to that Encore teacher. The following methods are used to maintain home and school communications:
Student Agenda, telephone, email, Schoology, Twitter, and parent conferences.

Please go to the following URL and complete the Music Appreciation Syllabus Sign-Off:

https://goo.gl/FoSHkn

Or scan this QR code with your device: