IB MUSIC (LEVEL I) SUMMER WORK

Instructor:  Benjamin Potvin
Email:         bpotvin@rsu21.net
Phone:       (207) 985-1110  x263
Cell:           (207) 450-3871
Fax:           (207) 985-1350

OFFICE HOURS:  
Tuesday after school 
or any day by appointment

INSTRUCTOR SCHEDULE:
Blue:   
    1. Handel to Hip Hop 
    2. IB Music I SL 
    3. Conference
    4. Wind Ensemble

White:
    1. Steel Pan Ensemble
    2. Guitar Lab
    3. Concert Band
    4. Conference

Semester 2
Blue:   
    1. Steel Pan Ensemble
    2. IB Music I SL 
    3. Conference
    4. Wind Ensemble

White:
    1. Academic Study (50B)
    2. Conference
    3. Concert Band
    4. World of Music

I am excited for the upcoming school year with IB music!  Over the summer I would like you to read a few music theory lessons and then focus on two basic theory skills so we can hit the ground running in the fall.  


So here is your summer work in TWO PARTS:

(1.)  Students should go to www.musictheory.net and simply read the following "LESSONS":

THE BASICS

• The Staff, Clefs, and Ledger Lines
  
• Note Duration
  
• Measures and Time Signature
  
• Rest Duration
  
• Dots and Ties
  
• Steps and Accidentals
  

RHYTHM AND METER

• Simple and Compound Meter
  
• Odd Meter
  

SCALES AND KEY SIGNATURES

• The Major Scale
  
• The Minor Scales
  
• The Minor Scales
  
• Scale Degrees
  
• Key Signatures
  

Please do not read the following lesson...it is too confusing.   Use the rules outlined below:

• Key Signature Calculation
  

RULE FOR RECOGNIZING MAJOR/MINOR KEY SIGNATURES:

MAJOR:
Flats:  look at the flat second from the last. This flat is on the line or space the key signature is named after. One flat is F, since you can't go to the next-to-last flat. 

Sharps:  look at the last sharp. The key signature is the note a half step above that last sharp.

MINOR:
First, find the name of the key in major and then count backwards three half steps. Remember that sharps and flats affect names.

Click HERE for a visual of the circle of fifths.  

You will be responsible for all of these lessons but there will be time for questions and clarifications on the first day.  

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(2.)  Once those lessons have been read, I would like you to turn your focus to your TWO major tasks before the first day of school:  
be able to read both treble and bass clef AND recognize major/minor key signatures.

There will be a timed note reading and major/minor key signature identification test the first day of school to see where we are.  
Students will be able to take the test over and over again until they have reached the time requirement.  This exam must be passed within the first three weeks of school.  

To prepare for this exam go to www.musictheory.net and click on EXERCISES to find: 
Note Identification or Key Signature Identification

Here you can click on the icon in the upper right hand side to customize the quizzes.  For example, you can start off working on the clef you have the most difficulty with before expanding the range and working in both clefs.  Or you can start with just a few major key signatures and slowly add more before adding in minor keys.  

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at bpotvin@rsu21.net.  Happy music-ing!