CVUSD MUSIC CURRICULUM MAP: ORCHESTRA
CVUSD MUSIC CURRICULUM MAP: MIDDLE SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
Year
6th
Grade
Music Content:
Structures
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 the elements of music, dance and drama are intentionally applied in creating and
performing.
 the elements and principles of design of visual art are intentionally applied in
creating works of art.
 responding to or critiquing works of art involves an understanding of elements,
principles, and structures appropriate to each area of the arts.
 existing and emerging technologies can inspire new applications of structural
components.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Music
Students will
 use appropriate terminology to identify and analyze the use of elements in a variety
of music (rhythm, tempo, melody, harmony, form, timbre, dynamics)
 use the elements of music while performing, singing, playing instruments, moving,
listening, reading music, writing music and creating music independently and with
others
 listen to and explore how changing different elements results in different musical
effects
 recognize, describe and compare various styles of music (gospel, Broadway
musicals, blues, popular, marches, ballads)
 identify instruments according to classifications (family, voices, folk and orchestral
instruments)
Humanities
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 the arts are powerful tools for understanding human experiences both past and
present.
 the arts help us understand others’ (often very different) ways of thinking, working,
and expressing ourselves.
 the arts play a major role in the creation and defining of cultures and building
civilizations.
Learning Outcomes:
Intonation and Tone

Student will demonstrate the ability to play a focused tone on the
instrument

Student will demonstrate the ability to play dynamic levels piano through forte
with a good tone.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play with good intonation the C, G and D
major scales. (one octave)

Student will demonstrate the ability to adjust pitch using fine tuners.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play accents with a good tone
Skill Goals
Bowings

Student will demonstrate the ability to play two and 3 note slurs.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play staccato and legato and tremelo.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play two note hooked bow.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play detache.

Student will demonstrate the ability simple double stops.






Posture and Position
Student will demonstrate proper posture (sit up tall, edge of chair).
Student will demonstrate proper left arm position.
- Violin and viola- Straight wrist, thumbs up, curved fingers.
- Cello and Bass- Thumb behind 2nd finger, left elbow shape and height.
Student will demonstrate the correct bow hold.
Student will demonstrate the ability to play in 3rd position (Bass players)
Student will demonstrate an understanding of 4th finger extension for cello and 3rd
finger
extension for viola.
Listening Skills

Student will demonstrate the ability to echo rhythmic and melodic patterns.

Student will demonstrate the ability to hear and correct intonation issues.

Student will demonstrate the ability to identify duple and triple meter.

Student will demonstrate the ability to distinguish major and minor tonalities.

Student will demonstrate knowledge of simple melodic and rhythmic dictation
CVUSD MUSIC CURRICULUM MAP: ORCHESTRA
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Music
Students will
 describe and analyze distinguishing characteristics of music representing a variety
of world cultures (Latin America, Asian) and time periods
 listen to, perform and classify music representing a variety of world cultures and
historical periods
 examine music from various world cultures and explain how music reflects the
culture, cultural beliefs, or blending of cultures; use examples to illustrate how
music has directly influenced society or culture
 examine music from various time periods and explain how the influence of time and
place are reflected in the music
Purposes
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 the arts fulfill a variety of purposes in society (e.g., to present issues and ideas, to
entertain, to teach or persuade, to design, plan and beautify).
 the arts have value and significance for daily life. They provide personal fulfillment,
whether in career settings, a vocational pursuits, or leisure.
 the arts provide forms of nonverbal communication that can strengthen the
presentation of ideas and emotions.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Music
Students will
 compare and explain purposes for which music is created to fulfill (ceremonial,
recreational, artistic expression)
 create new, listen to, choose and perform music to fulfill a variety of specific
purposes
Processes
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 there are three distinct processes for involvement in the arts; creating new
artworks, performing works previously created and responding to artworks and
performances.
 full understanding and appreciation of the arts requires some degree of involvement
in all three processes.
 openness, respect for work and an understanding of how artists apply elements
and principles of design in creating and performing are personal attitudes and skills
that enhance enjoyment of the observer.
Music Reading Skills

Student will demonstrate the ability to name the notes on the staff for first position on
the all strings.

Student will demonstrate the ability to perform music with 1st and 2nd endings, DC al
Fine, DS al Coda.

Student will demonstrate the ability to clap, count (subdividing) and play simple
rhythmic patterns using whole, half, quarter, eighth, dotted half and quarter notes and
rests.

Student will demonstrate the ability to perform music in 2/4, ¾, 4/4 time signature.
Musical Expression

Student will demonstrate the ability to play with phrasing.

Student will demonstrate the ability to use dynamic variation.
Ensemble Playing

Student will demonstrate independence in playing with both melodic and rhythmic
patterns.

Student will demonstrate playing my instrument in a large and small ensemble.
CVUSD MUSIC CURRICULUM MAP: ORCHESTRA
 existing and emerging technologies can extend the reach of the art form to new
audiences.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Music
Students will
 be actively involved in creating, notating, improvising and performing music (e.g., similar style
answers to musical phrases, variations on given melodies, demonstrating unity/variety,
tension/release, and balance) alone and with others
 use knowledge of musical elements to create and perform music in an expressive manner
 sing or play alone and with others examples of music with increasingly complex melodies and
rhythmic patterns in treble and bass clef (with practice)
 use knowledge of the elements of music and music terminology to describe and critique their
own performances and the performances of others
 identify and apply criteria for evaluating music (e.g., skill of performers, originality, emotional
impact, variety, interest)
 demonstrate behavior appropriate for observing the particular context and style of music being
performed; discuss opinions with peers in a supportive and constructive way
 demonstrate behavior appropriate for observing the particular context and style of music being
performed; discuss opinions with peers in a supportive and constructive way
Interrelationships among the Arts
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 the arts are basic forms of human communication.
 music, dance, drama and visual art created in common cultures and/or common
historical periods tend to reflect common attitudes, ideas, beliefs and feelings.
 the arts provide forms of non-verbal communication that can strengthen the
presentation of ideas and emotions.
 the modes of thinking and methods of the arts disciplines can be used to
illuminate situations in other disciplines that require creative solutions.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Arts
Students will
 recognize common terms and concepts used in various arts (e.g., tempo in dance
and music)
 identify communication of common themes or ideas across different art forms
 identify and explain connections between and among different art forms from the
same culture or from the same time period
 describe commonalities between the arts and other subjects taught in the school
(e.g., observation skills in visual arts and science, historical and cultural
perspectives in the arts and social studies, shape in visual art and mathematics,
dance and a healthy lifestyle, fractions in music notation and mathematics,
composing music and writing)
 communicate common meaning through creating and performing in the four art
forms
CVUSD MUSIC CURRICULUM MAP: ORCHESTRA
YEAR
7th
GRADE
MUSIC CONTENT
Structures
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 the elements of music, dance and drama are intentionally applied in creating and
performing.
 the elements and principles of design of visual art are intentionally applied in
creating works of art.
 responding to or critiquing works of art involves an understanding of elements,
principles, and structures appropriate to each area of the arts.
 existing and emerging technologies can inspire new applications of structural
components.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Music
Students will
 use appropriate terminology to identify and analyze the use of elements in a
variety of music (rhythm, tempo, melody, harmony, form, timbre, dynamics)
 use the elements of music while performing, singing, playing instruments,
moving, listening, reading music, writing music and creating music independently
and with others
 listen to and explore how changing different elements results in different musical
effects
 recognize, describe and compare various styles of music (gospel, Broadway
musicals, blues, popular, marches, ballads)
 identify instruments according to classifications (family, voices, folk and
orchestral instruments)
Humanities
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 the arts are powerful tools for understanding human experiences both past and
present.
 the arts help us understand others’ (often very different) ways of thinking,
working, and expressing ourselves.
 the arts play a major role in the creation and defining of cultures and building
civilizations.
LEARNED OUTCOMES
Intonation and Tone

Student will demonstrate the ability to use basic tuning with fine tuners.

Student will demonstrate the ability a clean, clear tone when playing the
instrument with the bow.

Student will demonstrate the ability to produce a mature tone through weight of
bow on the string.
Skills
Posture and Position

Student will demonstrate proper posture (sit up tall, edge of chair).

Student will demonstrate correct left/hand arm position.
-Violin and viola- Straight wrist, thumbs pointed up, curved fingers.
-Cello and Bass- Thumb behind 2nd finger, left elbow shape and height.

Student will demonstrate correct bow hold.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play in 3rd position (Bass players)

Student will demonstrate shifting/position for 3rd position ( violin and violas) and
4th position (cellos).

Student will demonstrate some ability to use vibrato. ( students must first
demonstrate ability to play in tune and in time)
Bowing

Student will demonstrate the ability to play spiccato

Student will demonstrate the ability to play two and 3 note slurs.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play staccato and legato and tremelo.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play two note hooked bow.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play detache.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play simple double stops.

Student will demonstrate the ability to perform D, G, C, F, Bb, major scales one
octave. using quarter notes and eighth notes at a m.m. of 100 with a steady
beat
Listening Skills

Student will demonstrate the ability to hear and correct intonation issues on my
instrument.

Student will demonstrate the ability to identify duple, triple and compound
meters.
CVUSD MUSIC CURRICULUM MAP: ORCHESTRA
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Music
Students will
 describe and analyze distinguishing characteristics of music representing a
variety of world cultures (Latin America, Asian) and time periods
 listen to, perform and classify music representing a variety of world cultures and
historical periods
 examine music from various world cultures and explain how music reflects the
culture, cultural beliefs, or blending of cultures; use examples to illustrate how
music has directly influenced society or culture
 examine music from various time periods and explain how the influence of time
and place are reflected in the music
Purposes
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 the arts fulfill a variety of purposes in society (e.g., to present issues and ideas,
to entertain, to teach or persuade, to design, plan and beautify).
 the arts have value and significance for daily life. They provide personal
fulfillment, whether in career settings, a vocational pursuits, or leisure.
 the arts provide forms of nonverbal communication that can strengthen the
presentation of ideas and emotions.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Music
Students will
 compare and explain purposes for which music is created to fulfill (ceremonial,
recreational, artistic expression)
 create new, listen to, choose and perform music to fulfill a variety of specific
purposes
Processes
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 there are three distinct processes for involvement in the arts; creating new
artworks, performing works previously created and responding to artworks and
performances.
 full understanding and appreciation of the arts requires some degree of
involvement in all three processes.
 openness, respect for work and an understanding of how artists apply elements
and principles of design in creating and performing are personal attitudes and
skills that enhance enjoyment of the observer.
 existing and emerging technologies can extend the reach of the art form to new


Student will demonstrate the ability to analyze music using musical terms.
Student will demonstrate knowledge of simple/easy melodic and rhythmic
dictation
Music Reading Skills

Student will demonstrate the ability to perform notes on all four strings.

Student will demonstrate the ability to perform music with DC al fine, D.S. al
Coda and fermata.

Student will demonstrate the ability to perform music in 4/4, ¾, 6/8, 2/4 time
signature.

Student will demonstrate the ability to clap ,count (subdividing) and play
simple/easy rhythmic patterns using whole, half, quarter, dotted quarter, dotted
half, dotted eighth, sixteenth notes and eighth note triplets.
Musical Expression

Student will demonstrate the ability while performing using crescendo,
decrescendo, ritardando. marcato and accents.

Student will demonstrate the ability to replicate Baroque style bowing.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play with phrasing and dynamic variation.
Ensemble Playing

Student will demonstrate the ability to play musically with balance in small and
large ensembles

Student will demonstrate independence in playing in small and large ensembles

CVUSD MUSIC CURRICULUM MAP: ORCHESTRA
audiences.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Music
Students will
 be actively involved in creating, notating, improvising and performing music (e.g.,
similar style answers to musical phrases, variations on given melodies,
demonstrating unity/variety, tension/release, and balance) alone and with others
 use knowledge of musical elements to create and perform music in an
expressive manner
 sing or play alone and with others examples of music with increasingly complex
melodies and rhythmic patterns in treble and bass clef (with practice)
 use knowledge of the elements of music and music terminology to describe and
critique their own performances and the performances of others
 identify and apply criteria for evaluating music (e.g., skill of performers,
originality, emotional impact, variety, interest)
 demonstrate behavior appropriate for observing the particular context and style
of music being performed; discuss opinions with peers in a supportive and
constructive way
 demonstrate behavior appropriate for observing the particular context and style
of music being performed; discuss opinions with peers in a supportive and
constructive way
Interrelationships among the Arts
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 the arts are basic forms of human communication.
 music, dance, drama and visual art created in common cultures and/or common historical
periods tend to reflect common attitudes, ideas, beliefs and feelings.
 the arts provide forms of non-verbal communication that can strengthen the presentation of
ideas and emotions.
 the modes of thinking and methods of the arts disciplines can be used to
illuminate situations in other disciplines that require creative solutions.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Arts
Students will
 recognize common terms and concepts used in various arts (e.g., tempo in
dance and music)
 identify communication of common themes or ideas across different art forms
 identify and explain connections between and among different art forms from the
same culture or from the same time period
 describe commonalities between the arts and other subjects taught in the school
(e.g., observation skills in visual arts and science, historical and cultural
perspectives in the arts and social studies, shape in visual art and mathematics,
dance and a healthy lifestyle, fractions in music notation and mathematics,
CVUSD MUSIC CURRICULUM MAP: ORCHESTRA
composing music and writing)
communicate common meaning through creating and performing in the four art
forms
YEAR
8th
GRADE
MUSIC CONTENT
Structures
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 the elements of music, dance and drama are intentionally applied in creating and
performing.
 the elements and principles of design of visual art are intentionally applied in
creating works of art.
 responding to or critiquing works of art involves an understanding of elements,
principles, and structures appropriate to each area of the arts.
 existing and emerging technologies can inspire new applications of structural
components.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Music
Students will
 use appropriate terminology to identify and analyze the use of elements in a variety
of music (rhythm, tempo, melody, harmony, form, timbre, dynamics)
 use the elements of music while performing, singing, playing instruments, moving,
listening, reading music, writing music and creating music independently and with
others
 listen to and explore how changing different elements results in different musical
effects
 recognize, describe and compare various styles of music (gospel, Broadway
musicals, blues, popular, marches, ballads)
 identify instruments according to classifications (family, voices, folk and orchestral
instruments)
Humanities
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Intonation and Tone

Student will demonstrate the ability to tune my instrument using fine tuners.

Student will demonstrate , on my instrument, a clean, clear tone.

Student will demonstrate the ability to produce a mature tone through weight of bow
on the string.
Skills: Posture and Position

Student will demonstrate proper posture(sit up tall, edge of chair).

Student will demonstrate the ability correct left arm position.
 -Violin and viola- Straight wrist, thumbs up, curved fingers.
 - Cello and Bass- Thumb behind 2nd finger, left elbow shape and height.

Student will demonstrate correct bow hold.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play in 3rd position (Bass players)

Student will demonstrate shifting/position for 3rd position ( violin and violas) and 4th
position ( cellos).

Student will demonstrate the ability to play with vibrato.
Bowing

Student will demonstrate the ability to play spiccato.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play two and 3 note slurs.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play staccato and legato and tremelo.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play two note hooked bow.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play detache.

Student will demonstrate the ability simple double stops.

Student will demonstrate the ability to perform D, G, C, ( 2 octaves) F, Bb, A major
scales and arpeggios
one octave. using quarter notes and eighth notes at a m.m. of 100.
Listening Skills
CVUSD MUSIC CURRICULUM MAP: ORCHESTRA
 the arts are powerful tools for understanding human experiences both past and
present.
 the arts help us understand others’ (often very different) ways of thinking, working,
and expressing ourselves.
 the arts play a major role in the creation and defining of cultures and building
civilizations.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Music
Students will
 describe and analyze distinguishing characteristics of music representing a variety
of world cultures (Latin America, Asian) and time periods
 listen to, perform and classify music representing a variety of world cultures and
historical periods
 examine music from various world cultures and explain how music reflects the
culture, cultural beliefs, or blending of cultures; use examples to illustrate how
music has directly influenced society or culture
 examine music from various time periods and explain how the influence of time
and place are reflected in the music
Purposes
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 the arts fulfill a variety of purposes in society (e.g., to present issues and ideas, to
entertain, to teach or persuade, to design, plan and beautify).
 the arts have value and significance for daily life. They provide personal fulfillment,
whether in career settings, a vocational pursuits, or leisure.
 the arts provide forms of nonverbal communication that can strengthen the
presentation of ideas and emotions.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Music
Students will
 compare and explain purposes for which music is created to fulfill (ceremonial,
recreational, artistic expression)
 create new, listen to, choose and perform music to fulfill a variety of specific
purposes
Processes
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 there are three distinct processes for involvement in the arts; creating new
artworks, performing works previously created and responding to artworks and

Student will demonstrate the ability to hear and correct intonation issues on my
instrument.

Student will demonstrate the ability to identify duple, triple and compound meters.

Student will demonstrate the ability to analyze music using musical terms.

Student will demonstrate knowledge of easy melodic and rhythmic dictation
Music Reading Skills

Student will demonstrate the ability to perform notes on all four strings.

Student will demonstrate the ability to perform music with DC al fine, D.S. al Coda and
fermata.

Student will demonstrate the ability to perform music in 4/4, ¾, 6/8, 2/4 time signature.

Student will demonstrate the ability to clap and count whole, half, quarter, dotted
quarter, dotted half, dotted eighth,
simple sixteenth note patterns and eighth note triplets.

Student will demonstrate the ability to clap ,count (subdividing) and play easy
rhythmic patterns using whole, half, quarter, dotted quarter, dotted half, dotted
eighth, sixteenth notes and eighth note triplets.
Musical Expression

 Student will demonstrate the ability while performing using crescendo,
decrescendo, ritardando. marcato and
accents.

 Student will demonstrate the ability to replicate Baroque style bowing.

 Student will demonstrate the ability to play with phrasing and dynamic variation.
Ensemble Playing

Student will demonstrate independence in playing in small and large ensembles.

Student will demonstrate the ability to play musically with balance in small and large
ensembles
CVUSD MUSIC CURRICULUM MAP: ORCHESTRA
performances.
 full understanding and appreciation of the arts requires some degree of
involvement in all three processes.
 openness, respect for work and an understanding of how artists apply elements
and principles of design in creating and performing are personal attitudes and skills
that enhance enjoyment of the observer.
 existing and emerging technologies can extend the reach of the art form to new
audiences.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Music
Students will
 be actively involved in creating, notating, improvising and performing music (e.g., similar style
answers to musical phrases, variations on given melodies, demonstrating unity/variety,
tension/release, and balance) alone and with others
 use knowledge of musical elements to create and perform music in an expressive manner
 sing or play alone and with others examples of music with increasingly complex melodies and
rhythmic patterns in treble and bass clef (with practice)
 use knowledge of the elements of music and music terminology to describe and critique their
own performances and the performances of others
 identify and apply criteria for evaluating music (e.g., skill of performers, originality, emotional
impact, variety, interest)
 demonstrate behavior appropriate for observing the particular context and style of music
being performed; discuss opinions with peers in a supportive and constructive way
 demonstrate behavior appropriate for observing the particular context and style of music
being performed; discuss opinions with peers in a supportive and constructive way
Interrelationships among the Arts
6-8 grade Enduring Knowledge – Understandings
Students will understand that
 the arts are basic forms of human communication.
 music, dance, drama and visual art created in common cultures and/or common historical
periods tend to reflect common attitudes, ideas, beliefs and feelings.
 the arts provide forms of non-verbal communication that can strengthen the presentation of
ideas and emotions.
 the modes of thinking and methods of the arts disciplines can be used to
illuminate situations in other disciplines that require creative solutions.
6-8 grade Skills and Concepts – Arts
Students will
 recognize common terms and concepts used in various arts (e.g., tempo in dance and music)
 identify communication of common themes or ideas across different art forms
 identify and explain connections between and among different art forms from the same
culture or from the same time period
 describe commonalities between the arts and other subjects taught in the
CVUSD MUSIC CURRICULUM MAP: ORCHESTRA
school (e.g., observation skills in visual arts and science, historical and
cultural perspectives in the arts and social studies, shape in visual art and
mathematics, dance and a healthy lifestyle, fractions in music notation and
mathematics, composing music and writing) communicate common meaning
through creating and performing in the four art forms
hdahms@cv.k12.ca.us/stringorchestracurricularmap