"Young people can learn from my example that something can come from nothing. What I have become is the result of my hard efforts."
Franz Joseph Haydn

Ellington High School Music Department
Joseph Durfee, Music Educator

Chorale and Vocal Ensemble
Course Outline 2009-2010

I. Developing Technique
A. Warm-up and exercise aimed at technical aspects of singing.
B. Practice of scales, arpeggios and additional music theory.
C. Selected exercises from repertoire assessed and measured.

II. Study of literature
Based upon needs and voice parts of the group.

III. Performance Outlets
Winter and Spring Concerts
Fantastic Festivals Competition
Ellington Winter Fest

IV. General history, Cultural styles
• Theory relating to repertoire being rehearsed.

Class Objectives, The students will:
• Demonstrate increased technical facilities.

• Demonstrate the ability to perform parts assigned.

• Sing selected scales and arpeggios.

• Demonstrate by performance an awareness of musical nuances, phrases, and structure.

• Develop an appreciation of more advanced literature.

• Develop a better understanding of the chorus sections and their more balanced functions within the ensemble.

• Develop the responsibility needed to be a cooperative member of a creative performing ensemble.

• Learn proper concert etiquette and social behavior and act as a high quality representative of the school at community functions.

• Expose the community to a variety of musical literature.

• Develop the ability to creatively interpret literature.

• Understand the concept of music as a valuable element of basic education.

• Develop the ability to effectively and positively evaluate individual and group performance.

• Develop proper practice skills that will enable the student to more efficiently reinforce concepts presented in class.

• Experience the joy and personal reward of entertaining a variety of audiences in a variety of musical and social settings!

Evaluation and Assessment
The students’ grade will be based on:

• Ensemble participation through preparation, attendance and behavior.
• Day to day improvement on specific tasks assigned in class such as musical excerpts assessed by performance rubrics
• Written and choral part checks throughout and at midyear and at the end of the school year.

• Participation in all school sanctioned performances.

• Critical analysis of student performance.

Grading Policy Mid-Year and Final Exams: (20%) The Mid-Year exam is administered in January and the Final Exam at the end of the school year. Both exams are required of all grades and will be assessed on both written comprehension and performing skills. Students might be asked to sing various excerpts from the repertoire. Written assessment will be based on general comprehension of rhythms, vocabulary, time signatures, and other elements specific to the repertoire studied that semester. Playing portions of the exams are scheduled during study halls and after school through a posted sign up in the music room.

Attendance: 20% It is mandatoryfor every student to attend all rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Every student plays an integral role in the success of the music program and is missed when he/she is not present. Any absence from a mandatory rehearsal or performance will result in a written assignment.

Tests and quizzes: (50%) Playing and written exams are assessment tools used to evaluate the progress of individual students within the ensembles. Students are required to prepare the music both on the instrument and in demonstrating knowledge of each selection in terms of composer, relevant historical significance, form, etc. Individual assessment rubrics implemented by the state and national music associations are compiled and used in the performing ensemble setting. Examples may be found at http://www.cmea.org/ (CT Music Education Assoc.) http://www.menc.org/ (Music Education National Conference)

Participation: 10% Students are required to fully participate and behave appropriately in all in-school and out-of-school rehearsals, concerts, festivals, music activities and events. Any student who does not act in accordance with school policies will face appropriate consequences. Multiple discipline actions will result in a detention and perhaps dismissal from the class.


Concert Band
Course Outline revised 2009-2010

I. Developing Technique
A. Warm-up and exercise aimed at technical aspects of playing.
B. Practice of scales, arpeggios and harmonies.
C. Selected exercises from repertoire assessed and measured.

II. Study of literature based upon needs and instrumentation of the group.
• Materials to increase students’ awareness of musical nuances.

III. Performance Outlets
Winter and Spring Concerts
Fireman's Fair Parade
Four Town Fair Parade
Big E Town Hall Performance and Parade
High School Graduation
Fantastic Festivals Competition

IV. Marching Techniques
Execution of movements (stationary and moving)

V. General history, Cultural styles, Theory relating to repertoire being rehearsed.

Music Objectives: The students will

• Demonstrate increased technical facilities.

• Demonstrate the ability to perform parts assigned.

• Play selected scales and arpeggios.

• Demonstrate by performance an awareness of musical nuances, phrases, and structure.

• Develop an appreciation of more advanced literature.

• Develop a better conception of the band sections and their more balanced functions within the ensemble.

• Maintain a Marching Cadre that will perform for all parade functions (Band only).

• Develop the responsibility needed to be a cooperative member of a creative performing ensemble.

• Learn proper concert etiquette and social behavior and act as a high quality representative of the school at community functions.

• Expose the community to a variety of musical literature.

• Develop the ability to creatively interpret literature.

Understand the concept of music as a valuable element of basic education.

• Develop the ability to effectively and positively evaluate individual and group performance.

• Develop proper practice skills that will enable the student to more efficiently reinforce concepts presented in class.

• Experience the joy and personal reward of entertaining a variety of audiences in a variety of musical and social settings!

B. Evaluation and Assessment
The students’ grade will be based on:

• Ensemble participation through preparation, attendance and behavior.
• Day to day improvement on specific playing tasks assigned in class such as musical excerpts or scales assessed by performance rubrics.
• Weekly playing tasks performed in class and in rehearsals.
• Written and playing exams throughout and at midyear and at the end of the school year.
• Participation in all school sanctioned performances.
• Critical analysis of student performance.

Grading Policy Mid-Year and Final Exams: (20%) The Mid-Year exam is administered in January and the Final Exam at the end of the school year. Both exams are required of all grades and will be assessed on both written comprehension and performing skills. Students might be asked to sing various excerpts from the repertoire. Written assessment will be based on general comprehension of rhythms, vocabulary, time signatures, and other elements specific to the repertoire studied that semester. Playing portions of the exams are scheduled during study halls and after school through a posted sign up in the music room.

Attendance: 20% It is mandatory for every student to attend all rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Every student plays an integral role in the success of the music program and is missed when he/she is not present. Any absence from a mandatory rehearsal or performance will result in a written assignment.

Tests and quizzes: (50%) Playing and written exams are assessment tools used to evaluate the progress of individual students within the ensembles. Students are required to prepare the music both on the instrument and in demonstrating knowledge of each selection in terms of composer, relevant historical significance, form, etc. Individual assessment rubrics implemented by the state and national music associations are compiled and used in the performing ensemble setting. Examples may be found at http://www.cmea.org/ (CT Music Education Assoc.) http://www.menc.org/ (Music Education National Conference)

Participation: 10% Students are required to fully participate and behave appropriately in all in-school and out-of-school rehearsals, concerts, festivals, music activities and events. Any student who does not act in accordance with school policies will face appropriate consequences. Multiple discipline actions will result in a detention and perhaps dismissal from the class.

Jazz Ensemble, Mr. Joseph Durfee, Instructor Office Phone 896-2352, ext.332

Course Outline 2009-2010
I. Developing Technique
A. Warm-up and exercise aimed at technical aspects of playing.
B. Practice of scales, arpeggios and harmonies.
C. Selected exercises from repertoire assessed and measured.

II. Study of literature based upon needs and instrumentation of the group.
• Materials to increase students’ awareness of musical nuances.

III. Performance Outlets
Winter and Spring Concerts
Manchester HS Jazz Fest
Berklee College Jazz Fest
WCSU Jazz Fest


IV. General history, Cultural styles, Theory relating to repertoire being rehearsed.

Music Objectives: The students will
• Demonstrate increased technical abilities.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform parts assigned.
• Play selected scales and arpeggios.
• Demonstrate by performance an awareness of musical nuances, phrases, and structure.
• Develop an appreciation of more advanced jazz literature.
• Develop a better conception of the band and rhythm sections and their more balanced functions within the ensemble.
• Understand Music Theory and History through practical exercises.
• Develop the responsibility needed to be a cooperative member of a creative performing ensemble.
• Learn proper concert etiquette and social behavior and act as a high quality representative of the school at community functions.
• Develop the ability to creatively interpret literature.
• Develop the ability to effectively and positively evaluate individual and group performance.
• Develop proper practice skills that will enable the student to more efficiently reinforce concepts presented in class.

Evaluation and Assessment
The students’ grade will be based on:

• Ensemble participation through preparation, attendance and behavior.
• Day to day improvement on specific playing tasks assigned in class such as musical excerpts or scales assessed by performance rubrics.
• Weekly playing tasks performed in class and in rehearsals.
• Written and playing exams throughout and at midyear and at the end of the school year.
• Participation in all school sanctioned performances.
• Critical analysis of student performance.

Grading Policy Mid-Year and Final Exams:
(20%) The Mid-Year exam is administered in January and the Final Exam at the end of the school year. Both exams are required of all grades and will be assessed on both written comprehension and performing skills. Students might be asked to sing various excerpts from the repertoire. Written assessment will be based on general comprehension of rhythms, vocabulary, time signatures, and other elements specific to the repertoire studied that semester. Playing portions of the exams are scheduled during study halls and after school through a posted sign up in the music room.

Attendance: 20% It is mandatory for every student to attend all rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Every student plays an integral role in the success of the music program and is missed when he/she is not present. Any absence from a mandatory rehearsal or performance will result in a written assignment.

Tests and quizzes: (50%) Playing and written exams are assessment tools used to evaluate the progress of individual students within the ensembles. Students are required to prepare the music both on the instrument and in demonstrating knowledge of each selection in terms of composer, relevant historical significance, form, etc. Individual assessment rubrics implemented by the state and national music associations are compiled and used in the performing ensemble setting. Examples may be found at http://www.cmea.org/ (CT Music Education Assoc.) http://www.menc.org/ (Music Education National Conference)

Participation: 10% Students are required to fully participate and behave appropriately in all in-school and out-of-school rehearsals, concerts, festivals, music activities and events. Any student who does not act in accordance with school policies will face appropriate consequences. Multiple discipline actions will result in a detention and perhaps dismissal from the class.

Pop Music: Joe Durfee, Instructor, Office Phone 896-2352, ext.332

Course Outline 2009-2010
Text: Supplied Materials

Class Objectives
Students will:

Develop an appreciation for music of various genres.

Develop ideology from learning about great musicians.

Identify relationships between music of different pop cultures and time periods.

Grading Policy
Mid-Year Exam and Final Exam-20%

Tests and Quizzes- 50%

Class Assignments-20%

Class Participation- 10%


Extra Credit- Attendance at Ellington High School Music Department Concerts

Term 1- R&B, Motown, Funk, etc.
James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, R Kelly, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, George Clinton, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Destiny’s Child, KC and the Sunshine Band, etc.

Term 2- Heavy Metal/Hard Rock
Aerosmith, ACDC, Alice in Chains, Bad Company, Blue Oyster Cult, Boston, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, Foo Fighters, Killswitch Engage, Lynrd Skynyrd,, Metallica, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Queen, The Ramones, Spinal Tap, ZZ Top, etc.

Term 3-Punk Rock and Eclectic Music
Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Atari Teenage Riot, Blondie, The Clash, Elvis Costello, The Drones, The Dropkick Murphy’s, Eurhythmics, Bruce Springsteen, The Pretenders, Sex Pistols, Weezer, Sid Vicious, etc.

Term 4-American and British Pop Music/21st Century "Indie"
The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Maroon Five, Dave Mathews Band, Star Wars Phenomenon, Blink 182, Sonic Youth, Jack Johnson, Coldplay, etc.