Essential Understanding

• Perform with understanding to convey the composer’s intent.
• Students are performing artists.

Essential Questions

• What directions did the composer give me to perform this piece?
• How do I perform these instructions effectively?
• How do I create an artistic and memorable performance?
• How can we have fun in orchestra but still get the hard work done?
• How can we become independent musicians?

Students will know and be able to…

• …convey the composer’s intent.
• …create memorable performances that engage the audience (live or recorded).
• …evaluate, diagnose, and fix own and others’ problems.
• …connect musical elements to history, culture, language, other arts, mathematics, science, etc.
• …delve into the music, and experience that gives escape and enjoyment.

Assessment

• Performances and Contests.
• Informal assessment in weekly sectionals and daily rehearsals.
• Formal performance assessments every quarter (online and in sectionals).
• Utilize the Top-In-Out Strategy in self-assessment.
• Written reflections (quarterly and/or after significant events).