The Eisenhower High School IB Music program will offer Standard level and Higher level Music. The Standard level may be completed in one or two years. The students will study either choral or instrumental music in which the focus will be on the development of performance skills. Music theory and musical analysis will be introduced in the Band and Choral programs.

The Eisenhower IB courses are designed to broaden the perception of students’ views on music. The course will encourage students to develop perceptual skills through a wealth of musical experiences where they will speculate, analyze, identify discriminate and hypothesize in relation to music. The course will further enable the students to develop their creativity and knowledge of composition. The course will encourage the students to explore emotions and understanding the cultural and creative nature of musical artistry and making connections among music and other aspects of social life.

Students will take a music theory course for one or two semesters prior to the final year of IB music. The final year of IB music will be taught by the choral or instrumental teacher and will include music analysis and composition, the student will demonstrate:

1. use of appropriate musical language and terminology to describe and reflect
critical understanding of music through their study of music and history.
2. development of perceptual skills in response to music through their ability to
evaluate music performances of various groups/soloists verbally and written.
3. knowledge and understanding of music in relation to time and space through
composition and evaluation.
4. development of their performance skills through solo music making (SLS) or
ensemble participation (SLG) including stage etiquette, instrumental,
vocal technique, diction, phrasing, and articulation
5. development of music composition skills through exploration and
investigation of music theory, history, and the dynamic relationship of
music and cultures that have produced the world’s most influential traditions.
6. personal and professional development through reading of current articles,
various media and evaluations thereof to gain an understanding of music
from a historical and international perspective.

Students will develop analytical skills necessary to perceive musical artistry. Through written and oral notes of listening exercises, class and or/individual repertoire, students will develop the necessary skills to perceive music in an educated and professional manner. Music Theory will address the needs of and prepare IB students for the preparation of the prescribed work.

1. Study of Prescribed Work
Students will use analytical skills to study the work prescribed by the IBO as found in the Vade Mecum. Students will be encouraged and guided in the study of a substantial piece of music
2. Study of Musical Genres and Styles
Students will study a wide range of musical examples from different parts of the world, different genres, and different styles. Students will learn about structure, function, expressive character, melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, tone color, musical terminology/notations, and historical and cultural contexts. Students will be required to study a minimum of two selections per semester from their ensemble or solo literature in preparation for performance.
3. Musical Investigation
Students will carry out an individual musical investigation into the relationship between two identifiable and distinct musical genres, from any tradition, cultures or regions of the world, focusing on one or more pieces of music from each investigation topic and pieces chosen to be approved by Eisenhower High School IB Music teacher. Resources can be obtained from the EHS Media center and local University Media Centers.

1. Solo Performance (SL & HL)
Students will study and prepare solo literature with one or more recital(s) performed and recorded. Solo literature shall be chosen by the student and their solo instructor as appropriate. No more than one piece may be included which does not feature the student as a soloist and the program for presentation will be suitable for the chosen instrument as appropriate.
2. Group Performance (HL)
Students following this option are expected to be active, participating members of a musical ensemble which performs in public two or more occasions during the course and will be recorded. Students will exhibit stage decorum, flow, breathing, posture, articulation, rhythmic accuracy, style interpretation and general ensemble skills. IBO students within the same ensemble will receive the same mark.

External Assesment HL [50%]
Listening Paper 2 ½ Hours 30%
Five musical extracts and five compulsory questions
Based on the Musical Perception and Analysis part of the syllabus
• One question on the prescribed work [10%]
• Four questions on other works [20%]
Musical Investigation 20%
• Written media script of 1200-1500 words investigating the relationship between two musical genres

Internal Assessment HL [50%]
Both of these components to be assessed by the IB teacher and externally moderated
By the IBO at the end of the course:

• Solo Performance 25%
Presentation of one or more solo recitals (approximately 20 minutes)

• Composition 25%
Three contrasting compositions (5-15 minutes total when performed) with recordings and Written statement

Students will present one or more solo recitals which display the best student can achieve, and should be approximately 20 minutes.
• A single instrument, or voice, meets the requirements, but one or more is permissible.
• Any instrument, voice, style or musical genre is permitted
• The presentation may be complied from pieces recorded on more than on occasion
• Students will record performances on several occasions to select a number of contrasting pieces.

Students will need sustained practice and rehearsal, as traditionally associated with instrumental and vocal training. They will be given guidance on repertoire in order to develop their performing strengths.

This course is aimed at developing composition skills through practice and
experiment. The final notated version of two compositions and an audio cassette
recording of a performance is required.
• Compositions should demonstrate contrasts in content, nature and intent.
• Students may choose a wide range of media, including traditional or electronically or computer-generated sounds, and digital sound sources or modifiers.
• Each student will be encouraged to write at least one piece where a version in sound is possible, through whatever means are available. Other pieces, however, may be composed performers, instruments and other resources.
• The final notated versions of three compositions and an audio recording of a performance of them are required.
• Composition demands self-discipline and focus on the part of the student in order to assemble the musical elements need for the final compositions. Student will be encouraged to keep notes about their intentions in their work, and their success or otherwise in achieving these.
• Ideas, sources, working drafts and commentary on the nature and the process of composition should be kept in students’ notebooks or files. These materials will used to develop the candidate’s written statement, which is required part of the assessment at the end of the course.