DECKERVILLE High School Course Syllabus

Music Appreciation
Number of Credits: 1
Course Instructor
Jesse Belkiewicz
jbelkiewicz@deckerville.k12.mi.us

Prerequisites
None

Course Description
Students will develop an appreciation for music and what it takes to perform, create and analyze various styles of music through varied lessons both
as a group and individually.

Relevance
Music is an important part of life. It gives students an outlet to be creative and opens pathways in the brain which help solve problems and lets
students think outside the box.

Course Expectations
By the end of the course the students will appreciate performing, creating and analyzing various styles of music. They will also learn important life
lessons through music such as responsibility, integrity, dependability, respect, and discipline.

Course Standards (music standards

Standard 1: Apply skills and knowledge to perform in the arts.
Standard 2: Apply skills and knowledge to create in the arts.
Standard 3: Analyze, describe, and evaluate works of art.
Standard 4: Understand, analyze, and describe the arts in their historical, social, and cultural contexts.
Standard 5: Recognize, analyze, and describe connections among the arts; between the arts and other disciplines; between the arts and everyday life.

Key for Success

Keep an open mind to the new forms of music you encounter and think critically about what you hear. Students should push themselves outside of
their comfort zone, they wouldnt learn anything if they didnt.

Parents as Partners
Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have. Please check your students progress on Skyward weekly to monitor their progress.
Simple conversations at home about topics discussed in class can enhance learning greatly. Please review the resources I make available on the
bands website accessed through the schools homepage. Support from home is one of the biggest contributing factors of successful students. Thank
you!

Course Outline
Marking period 1: The history of music and basic music terms.
Marking period 2: World music and current music. We look at western music in the past 100 years and how it has been effected by world music.
Marking period 3: The creation of music. We take a look at what happens behind the scenes when writing/performing music of various styles.
Marking period 4: Storytelling through music. We will look at musicals, song lyrics, and opera in depth.

Methods of Assessment
The students will be assessed daily, usually informally. There may be quizzes to insure students are understanding the material. Participation is the
biggest part of the grade followed by projects and writing assignments. The exam will be worth 10% of the final grade.

Deckerville Community Schools 1 Revised

9/3/2017
Board-Approved Grading Scale
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
E = Failure
CR/NC Credit or
No Credit

Prepared to Learn
Responsible
Integrity
Dependable
Earn and give Respect

Deckerville Community Schools 2 Revised

9/3/2017