"Young people can learn from my example that something can come from nothing. What I have become is the result of my hard efforts."
Franz Joseph Haydn
Ellington High School Music Department
Joseph Durfee, Music Educator
It is time for Spring! Warmer temperatures, birds singing, leaves sprouting, and greener grass!
It is at this time that we prepare for the end of the year. My biggest thanks go to the students for making the last couple of months positive and productive ones. As we close the year, it is important that we think back to the beginning and assess the achievement of our goals. Our Chorale and Vocal Ensemble set out to work on challenging and ambitious repertoire, and have accomplished that thus far. I expect that each student in those groups will pull his/her own up to the very last day of school.
Our Concert/Marching Band has had the priveledge of working toward a presitgious and competitive festival. Our students succeeded by doing it! We have recieved many positive comments regarding our program from both our parents and community. It is now at this time that we look for the upcoming leaders and build them into mature, responsible, and motivated young men and women.
It is my honor to teach music to every student at Ellington High School. I remember the story of Jackie McClean, a jazz musician and teacher. Prof. McClean, who passed on in 2006, went in his early days from house to house teaching young people music for no pay. His pay was the satisfaction of his students' learning. I let this constantly serve as a model to my own goals and aspirations for the music program at Ellington High.
Thank you students and parents for your devotion and time spent in making the quality of our school stronger. Have a wonderful Spring and Summer! Hope to see you all on May 28th and/or June 4th at our Music Department Concerts.
Joseph Durfee
Chorale and Vocal Ensemble
Course Outline 2008-2009
I. Developing Technique
A. Warm-up and exercise aimed at technical aspects of singing.
B. Practice of scales, arpeggios and additional music theory.
C. Selected exercises from repertoire assessed and measured.
II. Study of literature
Based upon needs and voice parts of the group.
III. Performance Outlets A. Chamber concerts for the music enthusiast and or talented musician. B. Exchange concerts, NCCC Concert, Public Performances at local venues.
IV. General history, Cultural styles
• Theory relating to repertoire being rehearsed.
Class Objectives, The students will:
• Demonstrate increased technical facilities.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform parts assigned.
• Sing selected scales and arpeggios.
• Demonstrate by performance an awareness of musical nuances, phrases, and structure.
• Develop an appreciation of more advanced literature.
• Develop a better understanding of the chorus sections and their more balanced functions within the ensemble.
• Develop the responsibility needed to be a cooperative member of a creative performing ensemble.
• Learn proper concert etiquette and social behavior and act as a high quality representative of the school at community functions.
• Expose the community to a variety of musical literature.
• Develop the ability to creatively interpret literature.
• Understand the concept of music as a valuable element of basic education.
• Develop the ability to effectively and positively evaluate individual and group performance.
• Develop proper practice skills that will enable the student to more efficiently reinforce concepts presented in class.
• Experience the joy and personal reward of entertaining a variety of audiences in a variety of musical and social settings!
Evaluation and Assessment
The students’ grade will be based on:
• Ensemble participation through preparation, attendance and behavior.
• Day to day improvement on specific tasks assigned in class such as musical excerpts assessed by performance rubrics
• Written and choral part checks throughout and at midyear and at the end of the school year.
• Participation in all school sanctioned performances.
• Critical analysis of student performance.
Grading Policy Mid-Year and Final Exams: (30%) The Mid-Year exam is administered in January and the Final Exam at the end of the school year. Both exams are required of all grades and will be assessed on both written comprehension and performing skills. Students might be asked to sing various excerpts from the repertoire. Written assessment will be based on general comprehension of rhythms, vocabulary, time signatures, and other elements specific to the repertoire studied that semester. Playing portions of the exams are scheduled during study halls and after school through a posted sign up in the music room. Attendance: 20% It is important for every student to attend all rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Every student plays an integral role in the success of the music program and is missed when he/she is not present. One unexcused absence and two excused absences are allowed per semester. Any excused absences must be submitted to the director at least two weeks ahead of time and will be deemed excused only by the teacher.
Tests and quizzes: (20%) Playing and written exams are assessment tools used to evaluate the progress of individual students within the ensembles. Students are required to prepare the music both on the instrument and in demonstrating knowledge of each selection in terms of composer, relevant historical significance, form, etc. Individual assessment rubrics implemented by the state and national music associations are compiled and used in the performing ensemble setting. Examples may be found at http://www.cmea.org/ (CT Music Education Assoc.) http://www.menc.org/ (Music Education National Conference)
Behavior: 10% Students are required to fully participate and behave appropriately in all in-school and out-of-school rehearsals, concerts, festivals, music activities and events. Any student who does not act in accordance with school policies will face appropriate consequences. Multiple discipline actions will result in loss of credit and perhaps dismissal from the class.
Music preparations: (10%) All students are required to practice their music regularly in preparation for the next day’s rehearsal. Students are called on individually and in section to perform chosen excerpts in class and in possible after-school rehearsals. This practice is not done consistently but rather throughout the year and may result in a student or section being required to meet after school for additional tutoring. This particular average can fluctuate based on student attendance and success in the practice.
Classroom preparation: (10%) All students are provided with their own music folders and are required to have them for every rehearsal, complete with all of the repertoire and any marks or notes given in class. A pencil is required for each rehearsal additionally.
Concert Band/Wind Ensemble, Joe Durfee, Instructor, Office Phone 896-2352, ext.332
Course Outline revised 2008-2009
I. Developing Technique
A. Warm-up and exercise aimed at technical aspects of playing.
B. Practice of scales, arpeggios and harmonies.
C. Selected exercises from repertoire assessed and measured.
II. Study of literature based upon needs and instrumentation of the group.
• Materials to increase students’ awareness of musical nuances.
III. Performance Outlets A. Chamber concerts for the music enthusiast and or talented musician. B. Spring and winter concerts. C. Firemen’s Parade, Four Town Fair Parade, Eastern States Exposition Parade, Memorial Day Parade. D. Featured solo opportunities for those reaching solo capabilities. E. Rehearsals both in and out of the school. F. Sectionals for focused study on literature.
IV. Marching Techniques A. Execution of movements (stationary and moving)
V. General history, Cultural styles, Theory relating to repertoire being rehearsed.
Music Objectives: The students will
• Demonstrate increased technical facilities.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform parts assigned.
• Play selected scales and arpeggios.
• Demonstrate by performance an awareness of musical nuances, phrases, and structure.
• Develop an appreciation of more advanced literature.
• Develop a better conception of the band sections and their more balanced functions within the ensemble.
• Maintain a Marching Cadre that will perform for all parade functions (Band only).
• Develop the responsibility needed to be a cooperative member of a creative performing ensemble.
• Learn proper concert etiquette and social behavior and act as a high quality representative of the school at community functions.
• Expose the community to a variety of musical literature.
• Develop the ability to creatively interpret literature.
Understand the concept of music as a valuable element of basic education.
• Develop the ability to effectively and positively evaluate individual and group performance.
• Develop proper practice skills that will enable the student to more efficiently reinforce concepts presented in class.
• Experience the joy and personal reward of entertaining a variety of audiences in a variety of musical and social settings!
B. Evaluation and Assessment
The students’ grade will be based on:
• Ensemble participation through preparation, attendance and behavior.
• Day to day improvement on specific playing tasks assigned in class such as musical excerpts or scales assessed by performance rubrics.
• Weekly playing tasks performed in class and in rehearsals.
• Written and playing exams throughout and at midyear and at the end of the school year.
• Participation in all school sanctioned performances.
• Critical analysis of student performance.
Grading Policy Mid-Year and Final Exams:
(30%) The Mid-Year exam is administered in January and the Final Exam at the end of the school year. Both exams are required of all grades and will be assessed on both written comprehension and performing skills. Students will be asked to perform on their instrument various scales, and excerpts from the repertoire. Written assessment will be based on general comprehension of rhythms, vocabulary, time signatures, and other elements specific to the repertoire studied that semester. Playing portions of the exams are scheduled during study halls and after school through a posted sign up in the music room. Attendance: 20% It is important for every student to attend all rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Every student plays an integral role in the success of the music program and is missed when he/she is not present. One unexcused absence and two excused absences are allowed per semester. Any excused absences must be submitted to the director at least two weeks ahead of time and will be deemed excused only by the director.
Tests and quizzes: (20%) Playing and written exams are assessment tools used to evaluate the progress of individual students within the ensembles. Students are required to prepare the music both on the instrument and in demonstrating knowledge of each selection in terms of composer, relevant historical significance, form, etc. Individual assessment rubrics implemented by the state and national music associations are compiled and used in the performing ensemble setting. Examples may be found at http://www.cmea.org/ (CT Music Education Assoc.) http://www.menc.org/ (Music Education National Conference)
Behavior: 10% Students are required to fully participate and behave appropriately in all in-school and out-of-school rehearsals, concerts, parades, festivals, music activities and events. Any student who does not act in accordance with school policies or is disrespectful to those around them will be disciplined accordingly. Multiple discipline actions will result in loss of credit and perhaps dismissal from the class.
Music preparations: (10%) All students are required to practice their music regularly in preparation for the next day’s rehearsal. Students are called on individually and in section to perform chosen excerpts in class and in after-school rehearsals. This practice is not done consistently but rather throughout the year and may result in a student or section being required to meet after school for additional tutoring. This particular average can fluctuate based on student attendance and success in the practice.
Classroom preparation: (10%) All students are provided with their own music folders and are required to have them for every rehearsal, complete with all of the repertoire and any marks or notes given in class. Pencils for every class are required also.
Jazz Ensemble, Mr. Joseph Durfee, Instructor Office Phone 896-2352, ext.332
Course Outline 2008-2009
I. Developing Technique
A. Warm-up and exercise aimed at technical aspects of playing.
B. Practice of scales, arpeggios and harmonies.
C. Selected exercises from repertoire assessed and measured.
II. Study of literature based upon needs and instrumentation of the group.
• Materials to increase students’ awareness of musical nuances.
III. Performance Outlets A. Jazz concerts for the music enthusiast and or talented musician. B. Winter and Spring Concerts. C. Jazz Festivals, i.e. Western CT Jazz Festival, Berklee College Jazz Fest. D. Featured solo opportunities for those reaching solo capabilities. E. Rehearsals both in and out of the school. F. Sectionals for focused study on literature.
IV. General history, Cultural styles, Theory relating to repertoire being rehearsed.
Music Objectives: The students will
• Demonstrate increased technical abilities.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform parts assigned.
• Play selected scales and arpeggios.
• Demonstrate by performance an awareness of musical nuances, phrases, and structure.
• Develop an appreciation of more advanced jazz literature.
• Develop a better conception of the band and rhythm sections and their more balanced functions within the ensemble.
• Understand Music Theory and History through practical exercises.
• Develop the responsibility needed to be a cooperative member of a creative performing ensemble.
• Learn proper concert etiquette and social behavior and act as a high quality representative of the school at community functions.
• Develop the ability to creatively interpret literature.
• Develop the ability to effectively and positively evaluate individual and group performance.
• Develop proper practice skills that will enable the student to more efficiently reinforce concepts presented in class.
Evaluation and Assessment
The students’ grade will be based on:
• Ensemble participation through preparation, attendance and behavior.
• Day to day improvement on specific playing tasks assigned in class such as musical excerpts or scales assessed by performance rubrics.
• Weekly playing tasks performed in class and in rehearsals.
• Written and playing exams throughout and at midyear and at the end of the school year.
• Participation in all school sanctioned performances.
• Critical analysis of student performance.
Grading Policy Mid-Year and Final Exams: (30%) The Mid-Year exam is administered in January and the Final Exam at the end of the school year. Both exams are required of all grades and will be assessed on both written comprehension and performing skills. Students will be asked to perform on their instrument various scales, and excerpts from the repertoire. Written assessment will be based on general comprehension of rhythms, vocabulary, time signatures, and other elements specific to the repertoire studied that semester. Playing portions of the exams are scheduled during study halls and after school through a posted sign up in the music room. Attendance: 20% It is important for every student to attend all rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Every student plays an integral role in the success of the music program and is missed when he/she is not present. One unexcused absence and two excused absences are allowed per semester. Any excused absences must be submitted to the director at least two weeks ahead of time and will be deemed excused only by the director.
Tests and quizzes: (20%) Playing and written exams are assessment tools used to evaluate the progress of individual students within the ensembles. Students are required to prepare the music both on the instrument and in demonstrating knowledge of each selection in terms of composer, relevant historical significance, form, etc. Individual assessment rubrics implemented by the state and national music associations are compiled and used in the performing ensemble setting. Examples may be found at http://www.cmea.org/ (CT Music Education Assoc.) http://www.menc.org/ (Music Education National Conference)
Behavior: (10%) Students are required to fully participate and behave appropriately in all in-school and out-of-school rehearsals, concerts, parades, festivals, music activities and events. Any student who does not act in accordance with school policies or is disrespectful to those around them will be disciplined accordingly. Multiple discipline actions will result in loss of credit and perhaps dismissal from the class.
Music preparations: (10%) All students are required to practice their music regularly in preparation for the next day’s rehearsal. Students are called on individually and in section to perform chosen excerpts in class and in after-school rehearsals. This practice is not done consistently but rather throughout the year and may result in a student or section being required to meet after school for additional tutoring. This particular average can fluctuate based on student attendance and success in the practice.
Classroom preparation: (10%) All students are provided with their own music folders and are required to have them for every rehearsal, complete with all of the repertoire and any marks or notes given in class. Pencils are required for every class also.
Pop Music: Joe Durfee, Instructor, Office Phone 896-2352, ext.332
Course Outline 2006-2007
Text: Supplied Materials
Class Objectives
Students will:
Develop an appreciation for music of various genres.
Develop ideology from learning about great musicians.
Identify relationships between music of different pop cultures and time periods.
Grading Policy
Mid-Year Exam and Final Exam-50%
Tests and Quizzes- 20%
Behavior- 10%
Class Preparation- 10%
Class Participation- 10%
Extra Credit- Attendance at Ellington High School Music Department Concerts
Term 1- R&B, Motown, Funk, etc.
James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, R Kelly, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, George Clinton, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Destiny’s Child, KC and the Sunshine Band, etc.
Term 2- Heavy Metal/Hard Rock
Aerosmith, ACDC, Alice in Chains, Bad Company, Blue Oyster Cult, Boston, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, Foo Fighters, Killswitch Engage, Lynrd Skynyrd,, Metallica, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Queen, The Ramones, Spinal Tap, ZZ Top, etc.
Term 3-Punk Rock and Eclectic Music
Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Atari Teenage Riot, Blondie, The Clash, Elvis Costello, The Drones, The Dropkick Murphy’s, Eurhythmics, Bruce Springsteen, The Pretenders, Sex Pistols, Weezer, Sid Vicious, etc.
Term 4-American Music and 21st Century Pop
The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Maroon Five, Dave Mathews Band, Star Wars Phenomenon, Blink 182, Sonic Youth, Jack Johnson, Coldplay, etc.
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