MUSIC
Music - S
Aims
The aims of the course are, through practical involvement in music:
It is important for pupils to have opportunities to encounter a variety of music. In the course of Performing, Inventing and Listening, they should gain musical insights and develop critical awareness.
Performing
Performing will involve:
All pupils will be required to perform on two contrasting instruments.
Instruments can be divided into three broad categories:
Category 1 - Instruments for which provision is made in the syllabuses of the Associated Board and other national examining bodies.
These include orchestral and brass instruments, piano and recorder.
Category 2 - Classroom instruments
These are voice, tuned percussion, electronic keyboard, guitar, bass guitar and
drumkit.
Category 3 - Other instruments.
These include bagpipe, clarsach and electronic organ.
During the S2 Music Course experience is gained in electronic keyboard, drumkit, recorder, tuned percussion, guitar and singing. Well over 50% of Standard Grade pupils in S3 choose their two performing options from that list. The performing element at Standard Grade counts for 50% of the total marks.
Inventing (Composing)
During the course pupils will explore feelings and ideas by inventing for a variety of purposes. The three main purposes are:
Listening
The course in listening will include:
Standard Grade Music - Column J
Two year course - one period per week
One of the aims of the course is to offer, to very able pupils, the opportunity of undertaking an additional Standard Grade in S4. Although the course is over two years, the time allocation per week is only one period. The course is now in its third year, and the present S3 class consists of twenty-two pupils. The S.C.E. results of the first two years of the course produced 28 pupils who gained a '1' at S Grade and 2 pupils who gained a '2' at S Grade.
One of the principal music requirements is a strong emphasis on instrumental playing, through classroom music making, instrumental lessons in school, or private tuition. The majority of pupils receive instrumental tuition in school or privately, but this no way excludes those who have proven ability in drumkit, keyboard, guitar or tuned percussion instruments.
Pupils who undertake Associated Board examinations should note that a standard of playing of playing of approximately Grade 3 is a benchmark for discussion with teachers, pupils and parents.
Enthusiasm, ability, application to work and a positive attitude must be clearly evident in classwork.
MUSIC - NATIONAL UNITS
Three National Units at Access, Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 will replace the SQA modules previously offered by the department:
It is possible within one teaching group to have pupils at more than one level of ability. In all cases, the teacher will discuss with you the appropriate unit for your needs.
National Units: the following course outlines apply to S3 - S6.
(i) Performing
(a) Keyboard
Purpose
To consolidate electronic keyboard skills and techniques acquired in S1/2, then develop further the ability to perform music at a more advanced level using both hands. Content
Depending on the level of unit attempted, course material will range from playing popular melodies with left hand single finger/fingered chords to playing more extended melodies in a variety of styles, rhythms and registrations involving advanced features such as memory banks.
Assessment
(b) Drumkit
Purpose
To consolidate kit-drumming skills and techniques acquired in S1/2, then develop further the ability to perform at a more advanced level along with both live and taped music.
Content
Depending on the level of unit attempted, course material will range from the development of basic skills such as holding the sticks correctly or playing basic rhythms, to the use of four-way independence (both hands and feet), fill-ins, a variety of drumming styles, and improvised rhythms.
Assessment
(c) Guitar
Purpose
To consolidate acoustic guitar playing skills acquired in S1/2 then develop further the ability to perform at an advanced level by the use of more advanced techniques in both hands. If possible, there may be an opportunity to transfer these skills to electric guitar if desired later in the course.
Content
Depending on the level of unit attempted, course material will range from the playing of basic chords and strumming techniques to fingering advanced melodies and accompaniments in a variety of styles and positions, in both solo and group situations.
Assessment
Purpose
To create a structured composition or compositions with evidence of originality, creativity, planning and good use of compositional techniques, deploying selected concepts which may include arranging and improvising where appropriate.
Assessment
Purpose
To demonstrate discriminatory awareness of relevant concepts as they occur in music of different periods and styles. The relevant concepts are related to melody, rhythm, style, timbre, texture, structure and design, harmony and dynamics, and they will provide a framework for the discussion and evaluation of music heard.
Assessments