Riccarton High School
Year 10 Music
Although next year timetables are yet to be finalised, course selection is now finished. Any changes to student courses will now take place in January.
Subject Description
Teacher in Charge: Ms A. Plummer.
Music is the course to take if you have enjoyed the practical aspects of Music in Year 9 such as performing, composing and working in groups playing instruments. By continuing to study music most students will naturally extend their instrumental/vocal skills through regular participation, practise and performance. In addition, the course at Year 10 aims to provide a supportive and nurturing environment in which beginners can learn new skills on an instrument and excel.
Watch the Year 10 Junior Jazz Ensemble perform Wade in the Water
Here is a performance of the mixed combo featuring Year 10 and Year 11 students, playing a piece called Cold Duck Time
The music course caters for all musical interests and tastes. Units of work will focus on 20th century genres from blues to hip hop, film music, dance music, musicals and cultural music.
Students are encouraged to investigate a musical genre or performer of their choice and create a mini research project. This will also provide an insight into the recording industry for any would be composers / songwriters out there.
Music theory is also important and will be taught through an interactive and practical programme. We recognise that 1 term of music in year 9 doesn't allow enough time for students to develop significant theory or practical skills, so we don't expect students to enter year 10 equipped with a high level of knowledge and ability. However, we encourage the more seasoned musicians to take this course as we cater for their needs through an effective differentiated programme of work. Many students in the year 10 course become highly gifted musicians that continue to study Music as a subject all the way through to Level 3 and as a result, music becomes an integral part of their lives, giving joy and pleasure to themselves and their friends and whānau.
Music is also a subject which is great for wellbeing. It is a subject where students collaborate with each other. This is often where students find their niche. Many long-lasting friendships are made in the Year 10 music class as students tend to form a close bond with each other through the risks they take while performing and making music together.
We can offer free tuition to students who are taking a music course if there are places available. This would normally start mid-way through Term 4 of year 9 if not before.
Unfortunately, lessons may not be available in school for students who do not choose a music course.
Subject Overview
Term 1
We identify what instruments students are most likely to achieve well at. We encourage students to practise their instrument and try where possible to get them into instrument tuition in school but this isn't always available.
We spend time in class studying different musical characteristics found in all music. We analyse these elements and then students learn how to use them in a creative manner using instruments.
In addition to creative and practical tasks, students learn how to identify specific musical elements they hear and write about them using musical vocabulary, signs and symbols. We also use music technology and cater for half of the class at a time using music software such as Mixcraft and Ableton Live
Term 2
Students will continue to develop their practical skills both as soloists and as members of a group.
We look at specific music genres such as Blues, Rock 'n' Roll and Jazz as well as learn to play some more contemporary songs together.
Sometimes the work done in class may lead to a public performance.
Recommended Prior Learning
It is helpful for students to play an instrument, but not essential.
A positive work ethic, a willingness to learn new things and share ideas, excellent listening skills, an ability to work in groups and support others, a bit of creative flair, respect for cultural differences and values.
Students with these skills and attributes generally make successful musicians.
Pathway
The skills that are embedded in studying music are increasingly important to employers. Students that have a musical background are considered to being highly motivated, disciplined, creative, diligent, able to collaborate, confident, excellent leaders, team players and have highly developed cognitive skills. This is because studying music uses both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously. The majority of the student leaders at this kura are musicians. Also, most students that receive prizes at prizegiving are musicians. It is a proven fact that music expands brainpower and we see the evidence of this every day.
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