gfps GREAT FALLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

9-12 Choir

High School Choir – Proficient Level

#	Content Standard	#	Achievement Benchmark
1.	Sing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music	HSCHP-1.1 HSCHP-1.2 HSCHP-1.3 HSCHP-1.4 HSCHP-1.5	Sing pitches and phrases accurately and with good breath control alone and in ensembles Demonstrate dynamics and expression with technical accuracy while singing medium grade music Sing music written in 2-4 parts, with and without accompaniment, and by memory, when advised Demonstrate well developed ensemble skills Perform choral literature which represents diverse genres, historical styles, cultures, and foreign texts
2.	Perform on instruments, alone and in groups, a varied repertoire of music		(Does not apply to Choral Music Classes)
3.	Improvise melodies, variations, and accompaniments (Optional Curricular Enrichment)	HSCHP-3.1 HSCHP-3.2 HSCHP-3.3	Improvise stylistically appropriate harmonizing parts Improvise rhythmic and melodic variations on given pentatonic melodies and melodies in major and minor keys Improvise original melodies over given chord progressions, each in consistent style, meter, and tonality
4.	Compose and arrange music within specified guidelines (Optional Curricular Enrichment)	HSCHP-4.1 HSCHP-4.2 HSCHP-4.3 HSCHP-4.4	Compose music in several distinct styles, demonstrating creativity in using the elements of music for expressive effect Arrange pieces for voices or instruments other than those for which the pieces were written in ways that preserve or enhance the expressive effect of the music Compose and arrange music for voices and various acoustic and electronic instruments, demonstrating knowledge of the ranges and traditional usages of the sound source Use standard symbols to notate meter, rhythm, pitch, and dynamics
5.	Read and notate music	HSCHP-5.1 HSCHP-5.2 HSCHP-5.3	Recognize and conduct patterns for commonly used time signatures Recognize, understand, and explain musical terms and symbols dealing with tempo, dynamics, and style used in the proficient level of choral literature Sight read medium-easy grade melodic lines with appropriate dynamic levels
6.	Listen to, analyze, and describe music	HSCHP-6.1 HSCHP-6.2 HSCHP-6.3 HSCHP-6.4	Recognize through performance that the same piece of music may be interpreted differently by conductors and or performers Recognize major and minor tonality in a piece of literature Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the technical vocabulary of music Identify and explain compositional devices and techniques used to provide unity, variety, and tension and release in a musical work and give examples of other works that make similar uses of these devices and techniques
7.	Evaluate music and music performances	HSCHP-7.1 HSCHP-7.2 HSCHP-7.3	Frequently evaluate one’s current performance level and capabilities and take measures to solve certain performance problems such as: intonation, balance, blend, breath support, diction, etc. in order to constantly raise one’s competence performances by applying specific criteria appropriate for the style of the music and offer constructive suggestions for improvement Frequently evaluate the choir’s performances and demonstrate a willingness to take measures to solve certain performance problems Evaluate a performance by comparing it to similar or exemplary models
8.	Understand the relationship between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts	HSCHP-8.1 HSCHP-8.2	Compare characteristics of two or more arts within a particular historical period or style Explain ways in which the principles and subject matter of various disciplines outside the arts are interrelated with those of music
9.	Understand music in relation to history and culture	HSCHP-9.1 HSCHP-9.2	Compare musical characteristics of two or more styles or historical periods Classify music according to genre, culture, and historical period
10.	Understand study and participation skills necessary for musical groups		(No new skills/knowledge introduced at this level)

High School Choir – Advanced Level

#	Content Standard	#	Achievement Benchmark
1.	Sing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music	HSCHA-1.1 HSCHA-1.2 HSCHA-1.3 HSCHA-1.4	Sing music written in at least 4 parts with and without accompaniment Demonstrate vocal independence Sing with expression and technical accuracy a varied repertoire of medium-difficult vocal literature Perform choral literature using international language texts
2.	Perform on instruments, alone and in groups, a varied repertoire of music		(Does not apply to Choral Music Classes)
3.	Improvise melodies, variations, and accompaniments (Optional Curricular Enrichment)	HSCHA-3.1 HSCHA-3.2	Improvise stylistically appropriate harmonizing parts in variety of styles Improvise original melodies in a variety of styles, over given chord progressions, each in a consistent style, meter, and tonality
4.	Compose and arrange music within specified guidelines (Optional Curricular Enrichment)	HSCHA-4.1 HSCHA-4.2 HSCHA-4.3 HSCHA-4.4	Compose music in several distinct styles, demonstrating creativity in using the elements of music for expressive effect Arrange pieces for voices or instruments other than those for which the pieces were written in ways that preserve or enhance the expressive effect of the music Compose and arrange music for voices and various acoustic and electronic instruments, demonstrating knowledge of the ranges and traditional usages of the sound source Use standard symbols to notate meter, rhythm, pitch, and dynamics
5.	Read and notate music	HSCHA-5.1 HSCHA-5.2 HSCHA-5.3	Sight read rhythmic patterns of medium grade difficulty by singing single pitch and melodic exercises using notes, rests, and rhythmic devices Recognize, understand, and explain musical terms and symbols dealing with tempo, dynamics, and style used in the advanced level of choral literature Sight sing unison, three, and four part vocal lines of medium grade literature
6.	Listen to, analyze, and describe music	HSCHA-6.1 HSCHA-6.2 HSCHA-6.3	Recognize and identify intervals within the parameters of an octave Recognize the basic musical form of the literature the choir performs and its value in musical understanding and memorization Explore ideas and determinations with respect to musical and textual interpretation through discussion and performance experiences
7.	Evaluate music and music performances	HSCHA-7.1	Use specific criteria for making informed, critical evaluations of the quality and effectiveness of performances, compositions, and arrangements and apply the criteria in personal participation in music
8.	Understand the relationship between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts	HSCHA-8.1	Compare characteristics among the arts in different historical periods and different cultures
9.	Understand music in relation to history and culture	HSCHP-9.1 HSCHP-9.2	Identify and explain musical characteristics of two or more styles or historical periods Identify and describe music according to genre, culture, and historical period
10.	Understand study and participation skills necessary for musical groups		(No new skills/knowledge introduced at this level) Ø Continued practice and participation of previously covered material