Course Overviews:
At OKM Music, we are implementing the new BC arts curriculum.
The following principles of learning guided and were at the heart of all B.C. curricula for years, and are played in action during every music class. They also continue to inform the newly-redesigned curricula:
- Learning requires the active participation of the student.
- People learn in a variety of ways and at different rates.
- Learning is both an individual and a group process.
- Learning is most effective when students reflect on the process of learning and set goals for improvement.
Further, our new curriculum supports the notion that arts are foundational to human community, individual development, and healthy habits of mind.
Here's what Alfie Kohn says about curriculum and students: From "Progressive Education: Why It's Hard to Beat, But Also Hard to Find" http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/progressive.htm
"In traditional schooling, as John Dewey once remarked, “the center of gravity is outside the child”: he or she is expected to adjust to the school’s rules and curriculum. Progressive educators take their cue from the children — and are particularly attentive to differences among them. (Each student is unique, so a single set of policies, expectations, or assignments would be as counterproductive as it was disrespectful.) Naturally, teachers will have broadly conceived themes and objectives in mind, but they don’t just design a course of study for their students; they design it with them, and they welcome unexpected detours. Progressive educators realize that the students must help to formulate not only the course of study but also the outcomes or standards that inform those lessons."
ASSESSMENT: The nature of an ensemble rehearsal gives students instant feedback from their directors.
Parents: To support the learning, please invite your son/daughter(s) to play for you!
We encourage you to have your son/daughter(s) perform to our ONLINE REHEARSAL tracks: both the weekly Method Book exercises which are the "intensives" to develop individual skills, and the "songs", where the ensemble/teamwork are on display
PACING MUSIC SUMMATIVE TESTING IN THE YEAR: We strive to support balance in students' lives, between academics, athletics, and healthy socializing, nutrition, and recreation. Usually, as a term is ending and report cards are coming up, students are feeling the pressure from their academics: there are many final exams and projects that are due around the same time, and lots of studying - just shortly before report cards come out.
For best balance and pacing, instead or adding OKM music testing for junior bands (7-9) at these times, we wait for better times, when music students can give their full attention to their music. Usually, this is in the month following a term's end.
COURSE OUTLINES - The general "CONTENT" of the music courses will be presented as per these outlines. The ASSESSMENT will be modified and developed with students, throughout the year, as the new curriculum is implemented:
Grade 8 Concert Band
Grade 9 Concert Band
Grade 10 Senior Concert Band
Grade 11/12 Senior Concert Band
Junior Jazz Band
Senior Jazz Band
Commercial Music
Choir 8-12
Commercial Music
Grade 8 Concert Band
Grade 9 Concert Band
Grade 10 Senior Concert Band
Grade 11/12 Senior Concert Band
Junior Jazz Band
Senior Jazz Band
Commercial Music
Choir 8-12
Commercial Music