In the beginning of the school year, the eighth grade music classes review the basics of music and music theory which were learned during the previous 8 years of music class instruction in Cherry Hill. Once the basics are reviewed and mastered, they move on to the next step of learning the rules of music composition.
Every eighth grade student at Rosa will participate in music class for one hour every six days. Below is a brief overview of the eighth grade music class experience..
Technology plays an important part in the development of music theory skills through the use of computers, electric keyboards and the music programs available at Rosa - Music Ace (a learning tool) and Cakewalk (A music writing program). The Rosa library computers are all equiped with these program for use by all students at any time. Music Ace is a program containing games and learning activities to build music theory skills. Once these skills have been developed, the students will use Cakewalk to write, listen to and print out their musical compositions.
Theory plays an important role in learning how to compose. The students will learn the basics of melody, harmony, rhythm, form and texture. They will discover how music is actually written through history and listening lessons, as well as being given instruction on basic chord and melodic rules and the method of creating text for vocal composition. The students will be given an opportunity to write their choice of vocal or instrumental music. Once the choice is made and the rules are learned the process of putting it to paper (or computer) is started. The end product will be a student-written composition which will be performed for the class.
The success of this program can be measured by the level of music that has been produced over the past two years. Some Rosa students' compositions have been featured at concerts and other performances. For more information, you can contact the vocal music teachers...
