MUSIC THEORY III
2014-15 SCHOOL YEAR
INSTRUCTOR: PAUL THOMPSON
CLASS HOURS:
CLASSROOM:
10 th Period MON & WED
Room 345, 3 rd Floor
E-MAIL ADDRESS: pthompson1@pghboe.net
A. DESCRIPTION
This course involves a careful examination of musical conventions and understanding written music with a given key signature, clef, or in some cases, a number.
B. ORGANIZATION
This is a lecture-type course in which topics are presented by the instructor.
Students are expected to take notes each class, along with completing homework assignments, class projects, quizzes, and tests. There is an exam given for each period studied and a comprehensive final exam given at the end of each semester.
C. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1.
To introduce students to different clefs.
2.
To introduce students to the CIRCLE OF FIFTHS and varying key signatures.
3.
To understand how to construct MAJOR and MINOR scales.
4.
To identify intervals.
5.
To create chords and inversions of those chords.
6.
To identify chords and inversions based on a number given.

D. COURSE TOPICS
The course will cover the following topics:
1.
Clefs
2.
Key Signatures
3.
Constructing major scales and the 3 types of minor scales
4.
Identifying intervals
5.
Triads and triad inversions
6.
Roman and Arabic numerals in music
7.
Moving voices in 4 parts
E. REQUIRED SUPPLIES
Each student is required to have a writing utensil (i.e. PEN, PENCIL, MARKER, etc) and something to take notes on (i.e. PAPER). They are REQUIRED for each class.
F. GRADING PLAN
Coursework will be weighted as follows:
1.
HOMEWORK/BELL RINGERS 30 pts
2.
QUIZZES 50 pts
3.
TESTS 100 pts
4.
FINAL EXAM 200 pts
HOMEWORK:
Homework assignments should be expected on a regular basis, with due dates given at the time the assignment is given. Homework assignments are NOT accepted late, except on the basis of absence. Unless you are absent on the day an assignment is due, it will NOT be accepted later than at the beginning of the class period when it is due. Homework assignments are usually written assignments consisting of worksheets – this includes “BELL RINGERS” which will be administered at the start of class and completed before the lesson begins.
QUIZZES:
There will be many quizzes based on what students have learned (and taken notes on) in class. Quizzes will relate to current and previous topics of study.
Students are usually NOTIFIED at least one class prior to having a quiz.
TESTS:

Tests are given at the end of study of each period, usually at the end of a report period. Tests culminate subjects covered in quizzes.
FINAL EXAM:
The final exam is given at the conclusion of the semester, or twice each school year. The final tests knowledge from the ENTIRE semester, culminating 2 or 3 historical periods of study, along with identifying types of music and an essay question.
GENERAL:
Recorded grades will be available for review at any convenient time. Remember to keep all homework assignments and quizzes returned to you so that any discrepancies can be easily and fairly straightened out. Except in cases of actual error, final grades are permanent.
G. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT
Students are expected to abide by CAPA 6-12 School rules of conduct while in class.
1.
No radios, ipods,, cell phones, or other electronic devices are to be seen during class.
2.
No food, chewing gum, candy, and/or beverages are permitted in the classroom.
3.
No whispering, singing, humming, or talking in class (if you have something to say, RAISE YOUR HAND, and you may say it or ask a question WHEN I CALL ON YOU)
4.
Be RESPECTFUL to both your instructor and the other students in the class.
Any violation of these rules will result in a phone call to the student’s parents, a lower grade, and/or an immediate DISCIPLINARY REFERRAL to the Vice Principal.
H. SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS
For most students, this will not be a “difficult” course. I would recommend being as thorough as possible while taking notes and attentive in class. Some of your exams will allow you to use your notes, so be as detailed as you can with them. If you miss a class, for absence or otherwise, you are responsible for getting the work that you missed, be it notes or a homework assignment. If you miss class, please see Mr. Thompson or consult

a classmate about missed material. You can always contact Mr. Thompson for up-todate homework assignments, due dates, and test dates. Homework is due at the beginning of class if you are in the building. If you can’t make class, make sure I have your homework before class starts. NO STUDENT IS PERMITTED TO MISS CLASS
DURING A TEST OR QUIZ. Unfortunately, I cannot offer extra credit. Students are required to turn in all assignments, on time, and complete all quizzes and tests. You’ll find that a little work goes a long way in this class. Good luck.
TENATIVE SCHEDULE
SEPT
OCT
NOV
CLEFS, KEY SIGNATURES
MAJOR, MINOR SCALES/INTERVALS
TRIADS/INVERSIONS
DEC NUMERALS/HARMONY
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
I. AFFIDAVIT
My signature below indicates that I have read and understand this syllabus.
__________________________________________ __________________
Student Signature
Date
__________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature