GUITAR CLASS2014-15 Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFOMr. WebbOffice Phone: 309-672-6630E-mail: simon.webb@psd150.org

MEETING LOCATION AND TIMESRoom 109 8th perdiod

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVESGuitar is a one-semester course covering the basics of the instrument and an application of essential music fundamentals. Students will learn the basics of playing guitar at a beginning level through studying music notation, chord symbols, and peer modeling. A brief history of the guitar along with a study of its respective musical styles will also be covered in this course.

The main objective of this course is to create an enhanced appreciation for music through playing the guitar. Students will learn how to read music notation, chord symbols, and tablature. Students will also gain a better understanding of many different musical genres including classical, flamenco, blues, jazz, rock, and pop music.

GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS Students will learn the basics of how to play the guitar in a supportive group setting and

will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the instrument on music throughout its history.

Students will increase their musical knowledge by reading music notation and chord symbols on a daily basis along with learning common scales and beginning improvisational techniques.

Students will perform music in small groups and as a large guitar ensemble. A cumulative final concert will be scheduled outside of school near the end of the semester to showcase the achievements of the students.

MATERIALS PROVIDEDThe following materials will be provided for every student and are needed in class every day.Yamaha FD01S Acoustic Guitar Soft Case StrapGuitar Picks Tuner Method BookPencil Paper binder

ONLINE RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY TOOLSI strongly encourage you to check out a FREE “Beginning Guitar Lessons” on youtube. I will pass a list of sites with guitar knowledge as well as some free apps for ipad/iphone. There are also some great apps from the iTunes store if you own an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. I would strongly recommend ChordBank and ScaleWizard LE. These are fun and (FREE!) technology tools for your continued learning at home. Check them out!!!

Resources are also available on peoriahighmusic.comGRADING SCALE AND POLICY

100 – 90% A89 – 80% B79 – 70% C69 – 60% D59 – 0% FClass Participation (30%): Students will receive daily participation points that reflect active learning engagement during each class. In order to receive all the daily points, students must actively participate in all class activities and have a positive attitude with a constant will to learn. Tardiness to class without a signed pass from another teacher will result in an automatic loss of half of the daily points. Please make sure that you are in the classroom with all your necessary materials before the tardy bell rings. If you are absent from class for any reason, you will receive zero points for the day. Students with excused absences can receive their points for the day if they see me (within one week of the absence) to make up the note taking/practice exercises they missed. Listed below is a break down of the daily point system:

10 points = PRESENT and actively participated and has all needed materials 5 points = TARDY or minimal participation or missing materials0 points = ABSENT or no participation (*excused absences can make up daily points)

Guitar Instrument Liability Form (10%): Students must turn in a signed instrument liability at the beginning of the semester. Fines will be assessed for any damages that occur throughout the semester.Guitarist Project (10%): After watching the video “Imagine: The Story of The Guitar,” students will choose a guitarist or band that they would like to learn more about. They will present their projects to the class during the second week of the semester.”House of Blues” Performance/Final Concert (50%): Students are required to complete a classroom performance and a final concert. These performances and project make up half of the final grade and are listed below in bold in the course outline.

GUITAR INSTRUMENT LIABILITY FORM

Name: ______________________

Date: _______________________

Item #: _____________________

Serial #: ____________________

Value: $166 Condition: __________________________

I hereby agree to hold myself financially responsible for any damages, except for normal wear and tear, which may come to the instrument while under my care.

Student Signature: _________________________

Parent Signature: __________________________

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO MR. SHERVEY BY FRIDAY, August 29. THIS IS WORTH 10% OF THE GRADE FOR THE SEMESTER.

(teacher use only)Instrument described above returned on _______________ (date) in the following condition:

EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR POOR

Notes: _______________________________________________________________