Choral 10,20,30 - Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Learning objectives more specifically define the outcomes of learning activities and outline the steps involved in achieving the broader foundational objectives. The learning objectives outlined in this document represent some of the ways the goals and foundational objectives may be achieved. However, they are not necessarily the only ways. These objectives should serve to guide the teacher in determining how the foundational objectives may be met. As well, they should form the basis for the development of specific objectives that best meet the needs of the students in a particular class.
While it is essential to plan and account for a student's continuous musical development throughout all three years of Choral 10, 20, 30, only one set of learning objectives for the entire Secondary Level program has been provided in this document. This has been done because:

It is important that teachers and students be free to select repertoire that is suitable for their particular situation. Learning objectives naturally emerge from the repertoire selected for study. It is imperative that the repertoire represent a variety of styles, periods, and cultures in order to enable the students to achieve all the foundational objectives. All music selected for teaching should be of the highest artistic merit.
The musical background of the students will play a large role in determining specific learning objectives for the choral class.

In programs using a single-level delivery model, the teacher should target specific learning objectives for each of the Choral 10, 20, and 30 classes.
While the objectives are presented in this document in a linear fashion for the sake of clarity, it must be understood that learning outcomes should be derived from the choral repertoire being studied. Musical development should take place in all of those areas outlined in the foundational objectives (aural skills, musical literacy, interpretation/appreciation/decision-making, vocal technique, attitudes/values) in an ongoing manner. An inventory or catalogue of learning objectives that have been realized through the three years of a student's instruction should be kept by the teacher in order to monitor and account for a student's progress towards achieving the foundational objectives.

Learning Objectives Charts

The following learning objectives are derived from the foundational objectives of the program.
In Choral 10, 20, and 30 the students will:
1. Aural Skills
2. Musical Literacy
3. Interpretation/Appreciation/Descision Making
4. Vocal Technique
5. Attitudes/Values
Aural Skills

Foundational Objectives	Learning Objectives
Demonstrate aural perception of the expressive and structural elements at work within a musical composition	refine their ability to recognize pitch accurately refine their ability to recognize duration accurately develop and extend tonal memory identify melodic structures (e.g., contour, motives, tonal centre, modality, phrase length, intervallic relationships) identify melodic and harmonic tension and resolution identify textural structures (e.g., polyphonic, homophonic) identify harmonic structures (e.g., tonic, dominant, cadences) identify formal design (e.g., theme and variations, fugue) identify expressive elements (e.g., text, timbres, dynamics) explore and discuss those distinctive elements that define a particular musical style interpret the expressive intent of the composer interpret/formulate the expressive intent of the performer
Activate inner hearing to facilitate interpreting written musical ideas	refine the ability to hear internally a written musical line refine the ability to feel internally written rhythmic patterns
Activate inner hearing to facilitate creating and expressing musical ideas	recall known sounds and musical ideas imagine new sounds or musical ideas translate thoughts, emotions, and/or experiences into musical ideas

Musical Literacy

Foundational Objectives	Learning Objectives
Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of music theory and their application to structural elements of music	extend knowledge of scale structures and how they apply to musical repertoire encountered develop an understanding of intervals understand and apply principles of transposition extend knowledge of chord structures and harmony refine understanding of texture in music explore structural systems used in contemporary music as encountered in repertoire extend understanding of form in music
Use musical notation to interpret and express musical ideas	develop an understanding of pitch and rhythmic notation encountered (e.g., note names, note values, key signatures, time signatures) extend use of rhythmic notation to include increasingly complex patterns interpret and use notation pertaining to structure and form (e.g., repeat signs, dal segno) as encountered in repertoire extend knowledge and application of articulation as encountered in repertoire extend knowledge and application of pronunciations as encountered in repertoire extend knowledge and application of dynamics as encountered in repertoire develop independence and fluency in reading skills develop sight-reading skills
Use appropriate musical terminology	understand and use musical terms and vocabulary as encountered in repertoire

Interpretation/Appreciation/Decision Making

Foundational Objectives	Learning Objectives
Understand and appreciate musical expressions from a wide variety of cultural and historical contexts	demonstrate a receptiveness to new musical experiences from a variety of cultural and historical contexts develop an understanding of structural and expressive elements characteristic of music from a variety of cultural and historical contexts develop an awareness of the contributions of significant musicians, composers, and musical works from various historical periods and cultures studied (including significant works in the choral repertoire)
Understand and interpret musical works from a variety of cultural and historical contexts	understand a musical work from within the framework of its cultural and historical contexts make interpretive decisions that reflect an understanding of a particular musical style make interpretive decisions that display an attempt to reflect the expressive intent of the composer
Formulate a greater understanding of the role of music in contemporary societies	explore and discuss the various roles that music plays in students’ personal lives explore and discuss the roles that music plays in contemporary Canadian societies develop an awareness of Saskatchewan and Canadian composers, musicians, and the music industry explore and discuss the roles that music plays in various contemporary societies
Become discerning consumers and producers of music	demonstrate reflective thinking when analyzing and evaluating musical performances make informed evaluations of musical compositions encountered in repertoire and other listening activities demonstrate critical thinking to support opinions of both live and recorded musical performances

Vocal Technique

Foundational Objectives	Learning Objectives
Develop an exemplary vocal tone	develop resonance, technique, and control use correct singing posture work toward increasing control and efficient use of breath develop greater control of tone quality throughout all registers and dynamic levels experiment with vocal colour to enhance the expressive and stylistic intent of the music
Work toward technical accuracy and fluency	develop breath control in order to produce musical phrases and an artistic vocal line develop and extend range refine diction (vowel formation, phonation, diphthongs, word/syllable emphasis) demonstrate an increasing sophistication in warm-up procedures perform assigned vocalises, technical exercises, and repertoire with accuracy and facility
Work toward singing in tune	refine abilities to sing intervals accurately throughout all registers and dynamic levels display an increased understanding of the psychological and physical factors that affect intonation
Apply technical abilities as a means to musical expression	refine technique as a means to musical expression examine those factors (e.g., posture, breathing, relaxed and open throat, jaw position, vowel formation, voice placement) that directly impact on phonation, and make decisions accordingly to enhance musical results

Attitudes/Values

Foundational Objectives	Learning Objectives
Demonstrate a commitment to their own musical education and growth	participate in class activities in a positive manner activate concentration and maintain attention throughout all activities attend classes, rehearsals, performances, and other choral activities complete all assignments respond to constructive criticism by taking steps to improve
Recognize the value of music as a lifelong source of enjoyment	seek opportunities to participate in a variety of musical activities seek opportunities to hear music performances, particularly in the choral area (both live and recorded) demonstrate an interest in improving musical abilities, knowledge, and understandings demonstrate an awareness of and interest in musical opportunities that exist outside the school environment demonstrate a commitment to artistic quality in all musical pursuits