Music 1A: Dan Mitchell: Intro to Music

Dan Mitchell: Intro to Music

Monday, September 22, 2008

Welcome to Fall 2008 Music 1A: Introduction to Music
Today is the first day of fall and the first day of the fall quarter at De Anza College. Welcome to my Music 1A: Introduction to Music classes.

A few announcements and reminders:

Enrollment and adding Music 1A

As of this morning it appears that both of my Music 1A sections are fully enrolled. If pre-enrolled students drop or fail to come to their class this week I may be able to replace them with students who wish to add. If space is available I'll offer open seats to students who are in attendance, with the following priority:

Students on the official waiting list for the class.
Students who are present at the first class meeting.
Students who ask to add at class meetings later in the week.
Students who I dropped for non-attendance at the first class meetings, but who want to rejoin the class.

As of this morning it appears that all sections of Music 1A at De Anza are full, but you may find that space is available to add if you attend the first class meeting of the class you would like to take.

Alternative class options

Several other music classes fulfill the same certificate, graduation, and transfer requirements. These include other courses in the Music 1 category (World Music and Jazz Styles) and the new Music 59 section. As of this morning there were openings is some of these classes. I urge you to enroll in one of them as an alternative to Music 1A.

Getting started in Music 1A

We "hit the ground running" in Music 1A. You must come to class prepared to fully participate - this means that you have resolved any schedule conflicts so that you can be in class on time every day, that you have picked up all course materials, that you come to class with a notebook and are ready to take notes, and that you have organized your schedule so that you'll have sufficient time for studying and other outside course work.

There are several links on this web site that you should check out right away. Some of the most critical include:

The course green sheet - the greensheet outlines course requirements and policies.
The First week checklist outlines the steps you must take right away in order to effectively participate in the class.
Use the Join Now link in the Members section of the sidebar on the right side of the page to become a member of this web site. This is a course requirement - not an option - and you cannot complete course assignments without becoming a member.
The Concert Review and Concert Review links are required reading during week 1. (Questions on this material will be included on the first "Monday quiz" next week.
The course calendar outlines all assignments for the term including study assignments, homework, tests, concert reports and more.
Print a copy of the First Week Survey today. Fill it out and return no later than the the due date/time at the start of class on Wednesday of week 1.

The Powerpoint outline of the first day activities is available as a movie: First Day Powerpoint

Other music classes

The De Anza College Music Department offers a wide range of classes for students of all levels and interests. Music classes are open to all De Anza students - you do not have to be a "music major." Classes include the following and more:

Voice and Instrumental performing groups: wind ensemble (band), orchestra, several choirs, vocal and instrumental jazz groups, African drumming, chamber music, and more.
Beginning level classes in keyboard, guitar, percussion, woodwinds, brass, voice and more.
Intermediate and advanced instruction in all of the above.
Music theory classes ranging from Fundamentals of Music for beginners to a two-year Comprehensive Musicianship ("theory") course sequence.
Electronic music.
and more...

I encourage you to consider augmenting your college experience with one or more of these classes. Let me know if you have questions about any of them and I'll try to help you find the right course for you!

Contact Info

You can reach my via email (often the best method) at mitchelldan@deanza.edu. My office telephone is 408-864-8511. (24 hour voicemail, so call any time.) My office is located in A15 in the A1 building - primary office hours are at 11:30-12:30 on MTWTh, but I can meet with you at other times if you are busy then. [ Discuss]