Honors Music Syllabus
2006-2007

Welcome to Honors Music!  Our class will explore music theory, history, electronic music and composition.  Below are the learning objectives for each quarter and the grading scale.  
First Quarter
•	Theory:  notation, simple and compound meter, modality, cadences, simple form and analysis
•	History:  Chapters 1 - 7
•	Electronic Music:  basic terminology, Finale basics, computer generated sounds with wave manipulation
•	Keyboard Proficiency (see Piano Proficiency)
•	Projects: 1 Arranging and 1 Original Composition

Second Quarter
•	Theory:  conducting simple meter, sight reading with solfege,  major/minor/modal scales, part writing for cadences, augmented and diminished chords, sonata-allegro form, polyphonic structures, figured bass
•	History:  Chapters 8 - 14
•	Electronic Music:  Finale, soundboard, amplification, sound effects, mixing
•	Keyboard Proficiency
•	Projects:  1 Original Composition/Arrangement and 1 Lecture/Paper

Third Quarter
•	Theory:  conducting compound meter, complex meter, sight reading, transposition of instruments, part writing for lead lines
•	History:  Chapters 15 - 21
•	Electronic Music:  Finale, music sequencing, recording techniques and videography
•	Keyboard Proficiency
•	Composition:  1 Main Composition

Fourth Quarter
•	Theory:  intermediate form and analysis, Schenkler analysis, conducting complex meter, sight reading, Schenkler analysis
•	History:  Chapters 22 - 27 
•	Electronic Music:  Advanced recording techniques on computer, sound synthesis
•	Keyboard Proficiency 
•	Composition:  2 projects including the second semester final project (incorporating Finale, sequencing, and mixing with a hard copy of the completed score)

Piano Proficiency
Quizzes, tests and exams will include a piano proficiency that includes major/minor scales, chords and crossed hand arpeggios.  Availability of various pianos/keyboards in the school will depend on scheduling and need.

Homework
Assignments will be given at the beginning of the week and will be graded daily.  

Computer Software
The class will use various programs for music sequencing, notation, theory and history.  Students are permitted to use the software at school.  Because the software used is licensed to the school, no copies of the software can be given to the students.  However, students will be able to purchase preferable software for their home with an educational discount. 

Grading
Quarter Grades are as followed:
Projects and tests: 60%
Quizzes, class work and homework:  40%

Absences
The extent of information in this class will require you make every effort to make up tests and quizzes within three days of an EXCUSED absence.  If the test or quiz is not made up within the required time, a zero will be given.  It is your responsibility to arrange for the make-up (before/after school and study).  Make-up quizzes and tests will  be administered during the next class time.  Please be on time to class.  All quizzes will be administered at the beginning of class.  The consequence for habitually tardy students is not being able to make up their quizzes for unexcused lateness and receiving a zero. 

Documented Disability
If you have a documented disability and anticipate needing accommodations in this course, please make arrangements to meet with me soon.  

Office Hours
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please see me during my scheduled planning time, make an appointment, write me a note (anonymously if you like), or send me an e-mail (tyoder@walsingham.org).

Tests & Projects Time Line

Quarter	Tests	MAJOR Projects 	
First Quarter	09/18/06	September 29 – Project 1	
First Quarter	10/06/06	October 13 – Project 2	
Second Quarter	10/25/06	November 13 – Project 3	
Second Quarter	12/06/06	December 16– Project 4	
Third Quarter	01/18/07	February 1 – Project 5	
Third Quarter	02/13/07	March 1 – Project 6	
Fourth Quarter	03/20/07	April 26 – Project 7	
Fourth Quarter	05/04/07	TBA- End of the year Project