Music Appreciation Syllabus
Krista Mulcahy
Instructor/Director of Bands
klmulcahy@bsu.edu
Course Description:
Welcome to the world of musical discovery! This Music Appreciation class will focus on music in
the world around us, how music affects our daily life, basic music history and the beginning
components of music theory. Students will be challenged by listening to music in the world
around them to see how music is a part of every aspect of our lives.
Required Classroom Materials:
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Pencils (Your music-writing assignments must be completed in pencil. Written reports
must be typed and submitted electronically.)
Folder w/ pockets & Notebook Paper (for note taking & a place to store handouts)
Class Expectations:
Students are expected to follow the rules outlined below.
1. Absolutely, positively NO CELL PHONES in class. If they are out, they will be taken up
and you must retrieve them from the front office. No exceptions!
2. Band equipment is off-limits to Music Appreciation students unless the band director
gives permission. Automatic afterschool detection will be assigned if students are
playing on these instruments.
3. Respect is at the core of the student-teacher relationship. Students are expected to
listen carefully, raise your hand to speak, and participate in all classroom activities. Be
on time to class with necessary materials (pencil, assignments, and notebook). This is a
fun class that allows much interaction as long as students are willing to participate and
engage in the subject.
4. No food, candy, drinks, or gum in the classroom. This is strictly enforced.
Course Outline for Music Appreciation:
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Music Theory: Elements of Music Rhythm/Note Values Treble Clef Notation Composition
Instruments – Names, Sounds, Uses, Etc.
Musical Genres (past through modern-day)
Music History & Its Effect on Culture
Movies and Music
Live Performances/Etiquette/How to Listen & Be an Appreciative Audience Member
Grading Policy:
The grading scales of this class are…
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A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
F
0-69
The student’s grade will be determined by the following …
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Daily Attendance/Participation (45 days x 10 points = 450 points) = 45%
Return of Syllabus Acknowledgement Form (50 points) = 5%
2 Quizzes (50 each = 100 total) = 10% for both quizzes
Favorite Artist Presentation, 3-5 minutes in length (100 points) = 10%
Movie Composer Presentation, 3-5 minutes (100 points) = 10%
Final Music & Culture Presentation, 5-10 minutes (200 points) = 20%
TOTAL POINTS = 1000
Extra Credit: Students will have the opportunity to complete one extra credit concert critique
by attending a professional music concert. Students must have these pre-approved by Mrs.
Mulcahy and must complete a “Concert Critique” form (available on the band website) for this
assignment. Depending on the quality of the work, this can add up to 50 points to the overall
grade.
I am very excited about teaching your son/daughter this semester and look forward to having
him/her in class. Please feel free to email me at klmulcahy@bsu.edu with any questions or
concerns.
The attached “Receipt of Syllabus” form is your son/daughter’s first grade in Music
Appreciation. Please sign and return to Mrs. Mulcahy by Friday, August 15, 2014.
Thank you!
Krista Mulcahy
Director of Bands/Instructor of Music Theory & Music Appreciation
Burris Laboratory School and Indiana Academy of Science, Mathematics, & Humanities
Acknowledge of Receipt of Syllabus for Music Appreciation
Fall 2014
Burris Laboratory School
Instructor: Mrs. Krista Mulcahy
By signing, I agree to the terms of the class and will abide by the requirements expected. The
syllabus and all other forms are available on the Burris-Indiana Academy Bands website at
http://burris-indianaacademybands.weebly.com/ under the “Music Appreciation” tab. Grades
will be updated at least once a week (by Sunday evening) if not more often. Any questions can
be directed to Mrs. Mulcahy at klmulcahy@bsu.edu.
Student’s Name (please print) ________________________
Student’s Signature _____________________________________
Date _______________
Parent’s Signature _______________________________________
Date _______________