Chord Theory

Theory test on October 29, 2019 (items covered)

Theory Test #2

October 29, 2019

Students,

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect on the test next Tuesday.

There will be 8 questions on transposition and each is worth 5 points for a total of 40 points in this section.

There will be 5 questions on intervals (we covered this last 6 weeks) and each is worth 1 point for a total of 5 points in this section.

There will be 6 questions on minor scales and each is worth 5 points for a total of 30 points in this section.

There will be 6 questions on chords that are worth 5 points each and 1 additional question with 5 parts that is worth 5 points in total for a total of 35 points in this section.

There are 110 total points on this test. You will need to prepare for this as there are only 10 extra credit points available. Most of the questions will be quite difficult to answer if you have not prepared.

Theory (Transposition) 10-16 & 17-2019

Citywide Audition Information

Students,

I am forwarding the information on Citywide auditions to you. Remember that if you audition for one of these groups there is 10% added to your semester theory grade. If you are accepted and play the concert, you will receive 35% added to your semester theory grade. I think these are really great groups to be part of and of course are good to include on your college resume whether or not you go into music.

The audition times for East High are :

String Orchestra --- Friday , October 25   from 1:00-2:45 pm in the EHS band and orchestra room

Band—Wednesday, October 23   from 1:20-2:55pm in the EHS band and orchestra room

See below for links to audition music and text below for information concerning what you will need to prepare.

I will talk to you about this more next Tuesday. I hope you all will try out.

KJO

From: Dyste, Anna <ANNA_DYSTE@dpsk12.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 1, 2019 2:20 PM
To: Dyste, Anna <ANNA_DYSTE@dpsk12.org>
Cc: Crowley, Jacqueline <JACQUELINE_CROWLEY@dpsk12.org>; Martinson, Amy <AMY_MARTINSON@dpsk12.org>
Subject: Citywide Orchestra + Band Auditions

Hello, Band and Orchestra teachers –

Happy Tuesday!

Thank you for your patience as we compile and finalize audition material for Citywide. This year, as always, excerpts are taken from the 2019-20 music selections. You can find audition material at the direct links below:

Orchestra: https://tinyurl.com/yxbyvrt2

Band: https://tinyurl.com/yxtzuvpx

All auditions will be composed of 1) scales, 2) excerpts, and 3) sight reading – provided day-of. Remember that you will need to sign up for an auditioner to come to your school Orchestra and Band Intermediate and Advanced groups. New this year: teachers will be holding their own in-school auditions for Beginning ensembles. We’ll send out a separate communication on that.

Thanks, and have a great week!

Anna

Anna Dyste

Citywide Arts Event Coordinator

Denver Public Schools

1617 S. Acoma St

Denver, CO 80223

720.423.1765

Music Theory Notes (10-2 and 3-2019)

I.                     Minor Scales (3 forms):

a.       Natural Minor – This is derived from starting on the 6^th step of a major scale and using the major scale pitch collection with no alterations, consequently  the name “natural”.

If you have an A Major scale: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A   you would derive the natural minor scale by starting on the 6^th scale degree which in this case is F#. Your F# natural minor scale would then be  F#, G#, A,  B, C#, D, E, F#.

b.       Harmonic  Minor – This is the natural minor scale with the 7^th step raised by one half step.  The F# harmonic minor scale would be : F#, G#, A,  B, C#, D, E#, F#. The seventh step (E) has been raised one half step to E#.

c.       Melodic Minor – This is the natural minor scale with the 6^th and 7^th steps raised while ascending and lowered back to their natural form while descending. The F# melodic minor scale is: (ascending) F#, G#, A,  B, C#, D#, E#, F#. When descending it would be: F#, E, D, C#, B, A, G#, F#.

II.                   Relative Minor or Relative Major

A minor and major scale are relative to each other  if they share the same key signature. Relative is not a type of key signature. It is only a condition that exists when two scales (one minor and one major) share the same key signature. A Major and F# minor are relative to each other because they share the same key signature of 3 sharps (F#, C#, and G#).