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Music Theory

    This course is designed for music and non-music students to develop musical skills that will lead to a better understanding of music composition, theory, and literacy.  The course will serve students seeking a career in music as well as those who desire it for enrichment.  This course involves a variety of activities including lecture, discussion, reading, written work, and skills practice.

 

Materials

“Theory for Today’s Musician” Textbook – Students will not have their own textbook.  They will use textbooks in class.  If a student needs to take a book home for additional study, they may check one out through Mrs. Ritter for a night.

“Theory for Today’s Musician” Workbook – Students receive a workbook at the start of the semester and it is their responsibility to bring it every day.  Lost workbooks will be replaced for a fee.

3-ring binder or hefty folder - It is highly recommended that students keep a folder or binder just for Music Theory, and that they hang on to all materials, as those materials will be the primary resource available to them to prepare for tests.

Staff paper – Students will receive staff paper at the start of the semester and need to bring it every day to use in class or for homework.

Pencil – Pencils are required in Music Theory.  Do not use pens.  Students should get into the habit of sharpening pencils before class starts to minimize interruptions during class.

Grading

In-Class Participation: 5 points per day
Daily participation is essential in Music Theory.  On any given day, students may be expected not only to answer questions willingly and participate in class discussion, but perhaps even to clap a rhythm pattern, play an instrument, compose something on the board, or even sing.  Every\student will receive 5 points each day they arrive on time, prepared with materials, and willing to try.  Points will be deducted if they choose not to do so.
   
Daily Assignments: 10-40 points each
10% will be deducted from assignments for every day late they are turned in. 
   
Quizzes and Exams: 50-100 points each
   
Extra Credit Opportunities: 30 points possible
Students are encouraged to attend EHS Music Department concerts throughout the semester.  Students can receive up to 30 extra credit points by attending and evaluating a concert approved in advance by Mrs. Ritter. Students may also check with Mrs. Ritter to get approval for other music events they attend.

Attendance

Music Theory is a fast-paced, sequential course so it is important that students attend every day.  Any day of class missed means a lot of information missed that is necessary in order to understand future material.

Students are responsible to seek out Mrs. Ritter to get any work from excused or unexcused absences.  Mrs. Ritter will not seek out students to tell them what they missed.  Students will have one school day to turn in work for every day of excused absence.  Make-up work for unexcused absences will be worth a maximum of 50% of the original credit.
 

The Music Community

Many activities in Music Theory require an environment where students are patient with and respectful to each other.  Music is a personal and vulnerable area of study.  Sometimes students may be asked to sing or play an instrument in front of their peers.  Mrs. Ritter maintains a “Zero Tolerance Policy” for disrespectful behavior of any kind.  All students are expected to build up their classmates every day.
 

Getting in Touch

Mrs. Ritter is always available to students and their parents.  Students should never hesitate to ask for help on anything related to class.  Mrs. Ritter can meet with students during 6^th Hour, before, or after school.  Parents are also encouraged to contact Mrs. Ritter with any questions or concerns.  The most efficient method of communication is e-mail.

Contact Mrs. Ritter: sritter@ecusd7.org