Welcome new and returning students to General Music for the 2011-12 school year!  I have a new name, Mrs. Spicer, this year after getting married this summer (formally Ms. Pahnke) and am looking forward to the upcoming school year. 

General Music is an elective class offered in both 7th and 8th grades.  The class meets every other day for 45 minutes.  General Music is a hands-on exploratory course where students learn about music through instruments, singing, computer research, and writing.

In 7th grade, we take a "journey through time" in studying composers from the middle ages to today.  We also make music through units in computer/sound composition, keyboard, guitar, and Latin music. 

In 8th grade, we take a "journey around the world" and study music from various cultures.  Our units include STOMP composition, ethnomusicology, world drumming, and swing/rock music.  Through these music activities as a whole class and in groups, students learn to respect each other and build social skills they will need in the future. 

 "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."  -Victor Hugo