Course Proposal: “Rock Bands”

Grades 9-12

Rachel Pennington
Course Description:

This class, “rock bands”, is a class where students will learn how to play the instruments
found in a typical rock band, such as a drums, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboard,
and electric bass. This course is designed as a secondary general music class, for students
who are interested in music, but do not see themselves in an ensemble, such as choir,
band, or orchestra. This class is a combination of learning the theory needed, how to
properly play instruments as well as use correct vocal technique, and working to
collaborate with their bandmates. The students will pick two to three songs (from any
genre) collectively as a group to perform on the instrument of their choice. The students
will complete projects throughout the semester, and have a final project of recording the
songs they have been working on, using learned music technology. They will also have a
final performance to showcase the things they have learned throughout the semester.

Rationale:
Besides a basic guitar or piano class, there are no secondary general music classes offered
at any of the high schools in Augusta County. This acts as a barrier to many students who
may have a passion for music, that do not see themselves in an ensemble. Playing
vernacular music, as in a “rock band” differs from this, because it offers students an
opportunity to explore different instruments, as well as work with other students to
achieve the end goal of creating a band and producing music. This will allow students to
choose their own songs and styles (appropriate for a school setting) that they would enjoy
to learn and play. In a survey done of music in surrounding areas, this shows music that is
popular in the area, and shows the importance of the students being able to pick their own
music, so it is something that they would enjoy to learn and create. (Spotify, Musical
Cities) According to data retrieved from the National Center for Education Statistics
(NCES), and the U.S. Census Bureau, this area is in a rural area with a lower population,
which can also affect the music classes offered. This class would be important for
lifelong learning because it will teach students music in a different way that can impact
them in a way that they might not receive in an ensemble setting. This class will be
individualized, so the students do not need to know how to play an instrument prior to
this, but if there are students who do, they can individually expand on their knowledge
and skills. They can continue to play their instruments after this class, and continue to
engage in music making. Because of the lack of secondary general music classes, I think
any class would be a beneficial add on; however, I think a rock band including vernacular
music would be of the most interest, as well as participation for this district. According to
a book written on alternative approaches to music classes, the author writes a section on
“rock bands” in a classroom setting, and gives a framework and structure for the class, as
well as shows the importance of including this as a general music class offered to
students. (Clements, 2010) This is an important reference, because it shows that there is a
need for this type of class, not only in Augusta County.

Expected Impact on Students:

The student will develop the following skills: playing varied instruments, and producing
a band. They will also develop the following understandings or knowledges:
collaboration in a group setting, and creating an essential blend of each instrument. As
broad impacts, the students will learn how to collaborate with others, learn through
informal learning, and improvisation. The following Virginia standards will also be
addressed: HG. 1,3,4,5,6,7, and 9.

Expected Community Impact:

In reference of the community, the students will go and perform in the community at the
end of the semester, and their songs/ content will be based off the community and the
event they are going to perform at. In terms of impact on the community, the students, if
willing, will also go and perform in the community in their bands, and as projects or field
trips, perform in local middle/ elementary schools, as well as local hospitals or retirement
communities.

Course Outline

Week 1:
● I will discuss the overview of the semester and what their objectives will be
● Together, we will go through all the instruments and talk about care for each
instrument, as well as helpful tips/ learning strategies for each of them

Week 2:
● The students will test all the different instruments needed for their band
● The students will pick which instrument they would like to learn more about and
play for the rest of the semester
● *The students will break off into groups (bands) depending on their instrument, so
every group has the essential instruments

Week 3:
● I will have a lecture week that will include some theory explaining form, note
value, pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony, vocal and instrumental technique,
arranging, music in different cultures, and diversity in music and musical styles
(these classes will vary in depth for each student)

Week 4:
● Review as needed from last week’s lecture material
 ● I will informally show them how these different things apply to their instrument
by experimenting

Week 5:
● *The group will collectively pick 3 songs they would like to learn how to play in
their band
● Arrange as needed for your instruments
● Listen to the song to get an idea of how it sounds

Week 6:
● Go through the chords, rhythm, and melody of each of the songs
● Work on your own individual part
● *Put all instruments together when ready

Week 7:
● Practice your songs
● (Go through the same steps for all 3 songs)
● I will introduce the technology needed to record their songs at the end of the
semester, which will be their means of assessment

Week 8:
● Continue to work on your songs
● I will be walking around throughout all stages of this learning process, helping as
needed

Week 9:
● Practice songs and prepare for the project based assessment (recording their song)
● *Record each song and prepare for the performance

Week 10:
● *Pick 2-3 songs (depending on length) to perform in the concert at the end of the
semester and the concert for the community
● *Reflect on your individual experience in the band and what explain went well
and what did not
● Give suggestions of how the class could be improved upon, as well as what you
think worked well

Project Example

● “Recording your Songs”

● In this project, at the end of the semester once they have learned all three songs,
the bands will record their songs, using music technology. This will give the
students an opportunity to showcase their work they have been doing throughout
the semester and give proof of what they have learned.
 ● Template to the example project:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZKPRSGJ6u2F7brT7f09hvV1xRgOX1NA
W7XFYMLeBQpQ/edit?usp=sharing

Budget

Proposed budget:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1isPHoshbfIXfgi7FjUxD5Noa2SUZHyrz3fA8jkQE
BbY/edit?usp=sharing

References

Search for Public School Districts - District Detail for Augusta Co Pblc Schs. (n.d.).
Retrieved from
https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID
2=5100300&DistrictID=5100300

Clements, A. C. (2010). ​Alternative approaches in music education: Case studies from

the field​. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Education.

Musical Cities. (n.d.). Retrieved from ​https://spotifymaps.github.io/musicalcities/

US Census Bureau. (n.d.). Census.gov. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/