PLUME COLLEGE
YEAR 11 INTO YEAR 12 SUMMER TRANSITION CHALLENGE 2015
Subject:
Music
Linear or Modular A level?
Qualification/Level:
AS/A2
 Linear (New from 2015)
Examination Board
OCR
 Modular
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In a modular A level, AS examinations at the end of Year 12 are worth 50% of the A level.
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In a linear A level, any AS examination at the end of Year 12 will not count towards the A level.
We expect students joining the Plume College to complete a transition piece of work for each subject between
the end of Key Stage 4 and the start of Key Stage 5. This is assessed and feedback given to students when they
start the courses in September. The following challenge(s) are to be completed over the summer break and
brought to your first lesson.
The Summer Transition ‘CHALLENGE’
1. Preparing for performance – over the summer, prepare one piece for performance in front of the class. As a
class we will provide constructive feedback on your performance. Remember, the standard for AS Level Music
performance is grade 5 or above (to ensure you get the best marks). You should be comfortable and confident
playing this piece.
2. Theory refresher - For the Composing 1 Unit of the AS Level course, you will be required to complete harmony
exercises, which will require a very good understanding of music theory and the ability to read music in both
treble and bass clef. We will go over music theory at the start of the course but there will not be a lot of time for
this, and so I very strongly recommend that you brush up on your music theory over the summer break. I have
attached some worksheets for you to complete (even if you are already confident with this) and I suggest you
look at the websites/books listed below.
How the work produced will fit into subsequent work and the specification as a whole.
Unit G351 Performing (40% of the course): You will perform a solo recital (max 8 minutes) and a second performance (4
minutes) in either a group or on a different instrument, in front of a visiting examiner. You will need to build confidence
of performing in front of others to prepare for this.
Unit G352 Composing 1 (30% of the course): You will complete exercises in a variety of styles and will be required to
harmonise melodies. For this, you will need a thorough understanding of music notation and theory.
How the work should be presented.
1. A performance should be ready for the first lesson back in September. You should bring a copy of your music
with you.
2. Complete the theory exercises on the worksheets provided.
Length of time expected to complete the challenge:Approx 10 hours (including practise time).
How the work will be assessed and marked:1. Performance recorded and feedback given in first week back
2. Theory exercises marked by teacher and support to close the gap will be given in first lessons back.
Success criteria for this challenge:See attached ‘unit G351 assessment’ sheet for the performance mark scheme and feedback sheet
Resources to be used for this work.
2 x music theory worksheets (provided). Own instrument.
Who to contact if you should require further assistance with the work before the end of term?
Miss Waylen
What equipment will be needed for the subject?
Your own instrument and a computer.
Extension:
Extra listening linked with the G353 Introduction to Historical Studies in Music Unit (30%):
Suggested Listening – items in bold are ‘Set Works’ (please note the dates for the jazz works to make sure you listen to
the correct version):
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Tin Roof Blues (1923) – New Orleans Rhythm Kings
Manteca (1947) – Dizzy Gillespie and His Orchestra
‘Round Midnight (1956) – Miles Davis Quintet
A Night in Tunisia – Duke Ellington
Take the ‘A’ Train – Duke Ellington
Jumpin’ at the Woodside – Count Basie
Symphony no.5 in C minor (1st movement) – Beethoven
Goldberg Variations – J.S. Bach
Four Seasons – Vivaldi
Water Music Suite no.2 in D major – Handel
Brandenburg Concerto no.2 in F (1st movement) – J.S.Bach
Concerto for piano and orchestra in d (1st movement) – Mozart
Overture to ‘La Gazza Ladra (The Thieving Magpie)’ – Rossini
I Got Rhythm - Gershwin
Boplicity – Miles Davis
To understand more about this subject at a high level:- If you fancy buying a book you should read –
‘The AB Guide To Music Theory – Part 1’ by Eric Taylor (bright pink cover).
‘ABRSM Music Theory in Practice’ books (again by Eric Taylor)
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Alternatively take a look at some of these websites –
www.musictheory.net; www.teoria.com; www.classicfm.com for looking up composers; www.jazzfm.com
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Visits/ Galleries/ Museums/ places to see relevant to the course
Any concerts or live music!