Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School
Fine Arts Department
Guitar I
Mr. Mike Chamis
2012-2013
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
Guitar I is designed to develop proper technique, music reading, and musicianship, providing students with the foundations needed for continued study. Students will learn on a nylon, classical guitar both solo and ensemble repertoire with possible performance opportunity focused in the second semester. Mr. Chamis seeks to create a learning experience that will inspire students to value music-making in their lives and to consider music as a potential college major and career path.
SCOPE
This year-long course is for beginning guitarists who are interested in building a proper foundation of technique, learning to read guitar music, and preparing classical guitar music for solo and ensemble performance. Students will learn effective methods for practicing (alone and with others), developing musical skills, and rehearsing for solo and ensemble performance. Every student is expected to work diligently in class each day, and to practice assigned music and skill development outside of class to ensure steady progress throughout the year. Guitar I classes will perform for the student body during the school day at BMHS Fine Arts Day in May 2013, and will have opportunities to share their performing talents at Fine Arts Coffee Houses, held at BMHS on selected Friday evenings throughout the school year.
EVALUATION
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1st Quarter
Playing Tests: 60%
Class Participation: 40%
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2nd Quarter
Playing Tests: 55%
Class participation: 35%
Concert Attendance: 10%
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3rd Quarter
Playing Tests: 60%
Class Participation: 40%
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4th Quarter
Playing Tests: 50%
Class Participation: 30%
Concert Attendance: 10%
Fine Arts Day Performance: 10%
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PLAYING TESTS ON CLASS MUSIC: Playtests are graded on the following four categories. The maximum deduction for each category is 10 points.
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1. Guitar Position: 10 points
--Footstand used correctly, student sits up straight on chair's edge
--Hands, arms, and shoulders are correctly positioned
--Guitar angle & height correct, legs properly placed
--Guitar centered and supported at correct body contact points
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2. Right Hand : 10 points
--Hand is properly supported and correctly braced
--Fingers contact the strings, move, and follow through correctly
--Alignment, arch, and tilt of wrist and hand are correct
--All assigned fingerings are performed correctly
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3. Left Hand: 10 points
--Thumb is straight and positioned correctly
--Wrist is positioned correctly
--Fingers are "fretting" the strings correctly
--All assigned fingerings are performed correctly
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4. T. R. A. C.: 10 points
--Tone is smooth and "bell-like," guitar is clearly audible
--Refinement is evident; the piece sounds "musical."
--Accuracy of pitches and rhythms is present throughout the piece
--Continuity: the piece is played without awkward breaks or hesitations, no false starts
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CLASS PARTICIPATION: Points may be deducted for any day that you do not meet the expectations for each Classroom Mode below.
1. SETUP & BREAKDOWN MODES: You are expected to be responsible for the upkeep and availability of your guitar and class materials. Please repair or replace anything that is broken or missing as promptly as possible. I will begin deducting points after one week. All class materials should be clearly labeled with your name. Always use your own guitar & materials, never anyone else's. The school is not responsible for any property damage that may occur. Upon arrival to class, get out your guitar and materials; do not bring your guitar case to your chair. Get seated, set up, and tune your guitar. Quiet chatting and playing of outside class music is acceptable at this time until I request quiet for our opening prayer. At the end of class, you are expected to put away all of your materials.
2. TECHNICAL WARMUP: I will lead the group in our warmup. The warmup is an opportunity to practice all aspects of your technique without the challenges of reading music or playing pieces. Watch and listen to me for instructions and challenge yourself to use the best technique possible. I will be observing you and coaching you out loud with suggestions for improvement. Non-participation, playing other music, ignoring my instructions, and chatting are all unacceptable during the warmup. Concentrate and you will improve!
3. WHOLE GROUP STUDY/ENSEMBLE REHEARSAL: We will use whole group study to start new pieces, refine skills, and rehearse music for performance. During whole group study, never play your guitar until directed. Play only the class music we are working on, and no outside music. We will speak one at a time, please raise your hand and I will recognize you to speak. Stay on task and be prepared to answer if I call on you. Please join in when I instruct the whole group to clap a rhythm or vocalize pitches. Non-participation, unrelated questions, leaving your seat, and chatting are not acceptable during whole group study.
4. SMALL GROUP STUDY/SECTIONAL REHEARSAL: We will use small group study to rehearse multi-part concert music. Remember that you must work together productively. Play only the class music we are working on, and no outside music. Avoid distracting or disrupting other groups. Be prepared to play for the class when I call on your group.
5. INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE: You will work on assigned music or skills at your seat. I will circulate to take your questions and give you suggestions for improvement. Stay on task and minimize chatting. Play only the music we are working on, and no outside music. If you are ready to move on, I may authorize you to work on other class music during this time.
6. PLAYING TEST MODE: Only quiet study is acceptable in test mode, and there must be absolute silence when any student is playing for a grade. Avoid disturbing or distracting anyone who is testing. I will lower your grade if you make noise or disrupt in any way.
TEXT: The Shearer Method. You will need to purchase the new text soon after the start of the school year.
CLASS MATERIALS: Nylon-String Classical Guitar with case or bag, Footstand, and Clip-On Tuner. Please see my Announcements Page for more details.
CONCERT ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT: You are required to attend one concert (outside of Bishop) per semester. The concert may be Classical (Winston-Salem Symphony, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, or College Student Orchestra), Jazz (professional or college student jazz ensemble), an Opera, or a Broadway Musical. Recitals by college students on area campuses are often free and open to the public. Information is posted on university websites. Feel free to see a recital on any instrument or a vocal recital or choral concert. I will post some suggested events on my BMHS Homework Page. Please bring your concert program with your name signed on it. If no program is available, I will accept a signed ticket stub or a parent email confirming attendance. No rock, pop, country, blues, or folk concerts, please.
First Concert Due Date: January 18, 2013; Second Concert Due Date: May 31, 2013
TEACHER EXPECTATIONS:
1. All students are to be present, prepared, and punctual.
2. Keep a positive attitude and respectful presence in class.
3. Listen attentively to me and your classmates. I reserve the right not to repeat myself in class.
4. Practice class music and skills outside of class to ensure steady progress.
5. Missed assignments must be made up within one week.
6. I may deduct points for any late assignment, even if it is made up within one week.
7. Any assignment that is more than one week late (or never submitted) receives a zero grade
8. Broken or missing equipment must be repaired or replaced within one week to avoid grade deductions.
9. Please ask for permission to leave the room and always return promptly to avoid losing your "hall pass" privileges.
10. Phones and devices should be put away during class. I reserve the right to ask you to put your phone or device in your assigned shelf, if necessary. You may not refuse this request.