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Thursday, 27 August 2015

The Staff

The staff consists of five lines and four spaces. Each of those lines and each of those spaces represents a different letter, which in turn represents a note. Those lines and spaces represent notes named A-G, and the note sequence moves alphabetically up the staff.

Treble Clef

There are two main clefs with which to familiarize yourself; the first is a treble clef. The treble clef has the ornamental letter G on the far left side. The G’s inner swoop encircles the “G” line on the staff. The treble clef notates the higher registers of music, so if your instrument has a higher pitch, such as a flute, violin or saxophone, your sheet music is written in the treble clef.  Higher notes on a keyboard also are notated on the treble clef.
We use common mnemonics to remember the note names for the lines and spaces of the treble clef. For lines, we remember EGBDF by the word cue “Every Good Boy Does Fine.” Similarly for the spaces, FACE is just like the word “face.”

Bass Clef

The line between the two bass clef dots is the “F” line on the bass clef staff, and it’s also referred to as the F clef. The bass clef notates the lower registers of music, so if your instrument has a lower pitch, such as a bassoon, tuba or cello, your sheet music is written in the bass clef. Lower notes on your keyboard also are notated in the bass clef.
A common mnemonic to remember note names for the lines of the bass clef is: GBDFA “Good Boys Do Fine Always.” And for the spaces: ACEG, “All Cows Eat Grass.”


Wednesday, 26 August 2015

Grade 5 & 6 - Lesson 1 (Q4) (Film Scoring) - Part 1

The film shows you what is going on…..but the music tells you what to feel. – Bernard Herman, composer for Alfred Hitchcock


Film Scoringfilm score is a broad term referring to the music in a film which is generally categorically separated from songs used within a film. The term film score is frequently synonymous with film soundtrack, though a soundtrack may also include the songs used in the film while the score does not. A score is sometimes written specifically to accompany a film, but may also be compiled from previously written musical compositions.

Music in film consists of small segements and phrases that change with the scenes on the screen
A musical phrase consists of elements of music that produce tension and relaxation. The use of these instruments represent power, strength, courage, etc.
String Instruments
The use of these instruments can represent sorrow, passion, power, reflection, remorse, etc
  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Bass

Woodwind Instruments
The use of these instruments can represent the same along the lines of the string instruments.

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Clarinet
  • Bass Clarinet
  • Saxophone.

Percussion Instruments


The use of these instruments is different from the above. Mostly percussion is used to accent action scenes, war scenes, etc.

  • Drums (All kinds) 
  • Drum Set
  • Percussion Accessories


Electronic Instruments
These instruments can be used in Science Fiction movies, sometimes Horror, Movies about the future.
  • Guitars
  • Keyboards

Musical Elements that Produce Tension
Repetition, Jagged Articulation, Dramatic Devices, Increased Volume, Wide Intervals, Non-Chord Tones, Dissonant Harmony, Ascending Lines, Extreme Register of Instruments, Alternating Directions.

Musical Elements that Produce Relaxtion
Decreased Volume, Notes of Longer Duration, Smoothness, Silence, Descending Lines, Rest or space, Consonant Harmony.


How Music Can Change The Emotion In A Film




How Music Alters Our Perception in Movies






Music Changes Movies

  • Original Version (Trailer for Mrs.Doubtfire)






  • Horror Version (Trailer for Mrs.Doubtfire)


    • Assignment



      Thursday, 20 August 2015

      Grade 4 (Lesson 2/2015/2016) : Transcript of Music Composition


      'Who We Are' 

      • Create your own music compositions
      • Write your time signatures
      • Write down the notes on staff paper
      • You must use quarter notes, half notes, eighth notes and quarter note rests
      • Play it from the score and ask yourself:

      1. Does it sound right?
      2. Are you missing any notes?
      3. Did you write down a different rhythm from your original tune?

      • REPEAT EVERYTHING AGAIN to create new material for your song
      • Make sure you have the right number of beats in each measure. Add rhythm and make sure you have the correct number of beats in each measure
      • Play on the xylophone a piece of music that you have composed
      • Make sure you follow these steps to write down your music accurately!



      Monday, 17 August 2015

      Grade 8 (Lesson 1/2017) : Musician/Singer Research


      DIRECTIONS: Over the next few weeks, you will research information and complete a project based on your favorite musician/musical group/singer. Once research has been completed you will use software programs such as, Inspiration/Google Doc//etc, to organize your information into a coherent outline. Finally, using your outline, you will create a PowerPoint presentation of at least ten (10) slides. You will be presenting your outline and PowerPoint to the class on February 28, 2017

      In addition to having a hard copy of your project with you on the day of your presentation, you will also upload your document and PowerPoint on Google Drive.


      By Tuesday, January 10, 2017, you must confirm with the teacher the musician(s)/singer(s) you have decided to research since no two students may research the same musician(s)/singer(s) 

      BREAKDOWN OF ASSIGNMENTS:

      I. RESEARCH: You will be using the resources, including reference books, databases, and the Internet to research the following information pertaining to your musician(s)/singer(s) : (Due Date : January 31, 2017)    

      1. Birthdate/ current age
      2. birthplace
      3. family (names of parents/ names of siblings)
      4. family (is s/he married/names of any children)
      5. where s/he lives now
      6. how s/he got started in the music business (if group, include how group met & formed) 
      7. why s/he got started in the music business
      8. who inspires/influences her/his music
      9. first song released
      10. first number one hit
      11. how many other number one hits has s/he had
      12. all cd’s that s/he has released, including titles and year in which released
      13. numbers of copies sold for each cd (*Bonus points if you can locate this information)
      14. future cd’s to be released/future projects (*Look at Musician’s website for this info.)
      15. upcoming concert tours (*Look at Musician’s website for this info.)
      16. any other interesting information related to the musician that you feel would add to your project 


      II. INSPIRATION: You will be using your notes as a reference in order to o create a diagram and outline of your research. (Due Date : January 31, 2017)   


      Your diagram should be set up as a visually-organized display of your research and include the following: 


      1. a main topic (in this case, the name of your musician/group)
      2. at least three (3) subtopics based on your research
      3. additional subtopics under those three (continue creating the hierarchy of information)
      4. links should be clearly defined between topics/subtopics
      5. a variety of shapes to indicate visual changes in subtopics
      6. BONUS FEATURES: (these will be considered for extra points)
      7. Use of color to signify differences in subtopics/links 
      8. Use of symbol/graphic to enhance diagram
      9. Use of “Notes” to provide further information
      10. Use of Hyperlink to link to a related Internet site 



      III. PowerPoint: You will be using your diagram/outline as a reference in order to create a ten (10) slide PowerPoint about your favorite musician/group/singer.(Due Date : February 27, 2017)

      Your PowerPoint presentation should be set up as a visually-organized display of your research and include the following:


      • At least Ten (10) slides
      • 1 Title Slide that includes the name of your musician/group, your name, Study Skills, Mods ____, and date
      • 8 (or more) slides using the subtopics you created  as your guide for conveying your research
      • 1 Works Cited slide that includes all references used to gather your research (i.e. websites, image/graphic sources, periodicals, books, and other reference materials) **MUST USE AT LEAST THREE DIFFERENT REFERENCES
      • At least three (3) pictures pertaining to your research (i.e. picture of musician/group, one of his/her cd covers, one of the house he/she grew up in, etc.)
      • A professional-looking color scheme that enhances your content rather than detracts from it.
      • Keep the slide transitions and sound effects to a minimum to avoid distraction from your content.
      • BONUS FEATURES: (these will be considered for extra points)
      • Use of Hyperlink to link to a related Internet site
      • Use of one of the musician’s/group’s/singer's songs as the looped sound throughout presentation 

      IV. WORKS CITED: As part of the PowerPoint presentation, you will need to create a slide. This slide should contain an alphabetical list of all sources used during the research phase, as well as any image sources used to create the diagram and/or PowerPoint presentation. Your slide should have the title, Works Cited, centered in the middle of the slide and your list of sources should be in alphabetical order. Note that if a source is too long for one line, the second line should be indented one tab stop. 

      V. RUBRIC:

      A) RESEARCH

      • Required information has been researched
      • a variety of resources are used to complete research    
      • class time is managed efficiently to ensure all research is completed 
      • bonus information is provided in research       
      B) INSPIRATION
      • main topic is easily identified
      • at least three major subtopics are identifiable and linked to the main topic
      • additional minor subtopics are designated under the major subtopics 
      • links are properly established and easily followed 
      • a variety of shapes to indicate visual changes in subtopics are used 
      • bonus features are included
       C) POWERPOINT
      • 10 or more slides are included in presentation
      • Works Cited slide includes accurate listing of all resources utilized 
      • at least three pictures/graphics pertaining to research are included 
      • color scheme is professional-looking & enhances presentation rather than detracts from it  
      • slide transitions and sound effects are minimal and not distracting
      • bonus features are included   
       D) CLASS PRESENTATION
      • Knowledge of material contained within PowerPoint
      • Eye Contact
      • Voice/Communication 
      • Posture 
      • Attitude             

      Sunday, 16 August 2015

      Grade 6 (Q1/L1/2016/2017) : Composer Research Project





      You will choose a composer to research from this list (composer list).  After completing research on your composer, you will answer questions on a planning sheet, write a paper and then make a visual aid to present to the class and play a composition written by the composer.  This project will be broken down into manageable steps over the course of a 2-3 weeks.

      Planning

      Once you are done researching your composer, fill out the planning sheet (which can be downloaded from google drive).  This will help you to organize your thoughts for your paper but will also be turned in as part of your final project grade.

      Rough Draft


      Using the information on your planning sheet, create a rough draft of your paper.  Your paper should be at least 1 page double spaced in 12 point Times New Roman font.
      Rough draft must be printed out.  We will be editing them with a partner in class.

      It should include the following information…
      • Composer’s place and date of birth.
      • The period of music during which the composer wrote.
      • Instruments the composer played, how he/she learned to play those instruments, and how he/she became involved in music.
      • At least two examples and descriptions of important pieces written by the composer.  What do they sound like?  What are they written for? (You will want to include one of these as a listening example)
      • At least two events that happened during the composers career.  What interesting things happened during the composer’s lifetime?
      • A description of at least one other thing that was going on in history during this time period.
      • When and how the composer died.

      Final Paper

      After peer editing, create a finalized version of your paper.  This should be…
      • 1 page in length
      • Double spaced
      • Times New Roman font
      • 12 point font
      • Written in complete sentences

      Visual Aid

      With your project, you should include a visual aid to assist in your presentation.
      This can be an image, slide show, poster, or print out of a piece written by the composer.
      A detailed explanation of this visual aid must be included in the presentation.  If you chose to include a picture of a piece of music, why is that piece of music significant?

      Presentation and Listening
      Everyone will be asked to give a short presentation on their research to the class.
      This will include a short listening example of a notable work by the chosen composer. Please select a piece of music that is highlighted in your paper.

      Due Date : 23rd September 2016

      Grade 5 (Q3/L1/2015/2016): Beatles


      On YouTube or another website, view a video or recording of a Beatles song and answer the questions below.  


      Some of the questions may require you to do some additional research. Happy listening!

      • What song did you listen to?
      • When was this song first released?
      • What is this song about?
      • Write down one line of the lyrics from this song.
      • Who performed the song you listened to?  Is it the Beatles themselves or someone else?
      • Find the name of the people who were part of the group.
      • Find 4 additional facts about the Beatles.
      • Be sure to include the url for where you found your information



      Assignment Submission Date : February 14, 2016

      Thursday, 13 August 2015

      Grade 4 (Lesson 1/2015/2016): Exploring the Families of Instruments

      Objective

      Students will learn about the families of instruments and conclude by constructing a model instrument from one of the families studied.

      Learning Outcomes

      Students should learn specific sounds made or created by each of the five families of instruments. They will make a drum and play the instruments as a group activity.

      Materials

      Students will need materials based on how complex they wish to make their project.

      Lesson

      1. Each student will write a short paragraph describing their favorite musical instrument. After writing the paragraph, the student will draw a representation of the instrument









      Wednesday, 12 August 2015

      Welcome Back (2015/2016)


      Welcome back, Music Cave students!  I am so excited for a new school year and to be writing in my blog again. 

      The new National Core Arts Standards, which were just released in June 2015 focus on creating music, performing music, responding to music, and connecting music to other experiences.  Feel free to read more about the new standards here, or just admire the posters below.



      Now that the room is ready, I look forward to seeing all of the Music Cave students in music class and to meeting their families at the RAS Open House on Thursday, August 20, 2015 from 3.30pm to 5.00pm.

      Happy Singing!

      Tuesday, 11 August 2015

      Grade 7 (Term 1/L1/2015/2016): Music Genre

      Assignment 1


      1. Choose a song from any genre to present to your class. 
      2. Genres may include Pop, Rock, Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rap, R&B, Country, Gospel, etc. 
      3. The song may be instrumental or contain lyrics.
      4. If the song you choose has lyrics, it must be suitable and appropriate for a school audience. This means that the song must not contain swear words or actively promote the use of drugs and/or alcohol. Songs that contain lyrics of a sexual nature will not be considered.
      5. Have the song approved by Ms. Carrie by 13th August 2015.
      6. Prepare a short oral presentation of the song (approximately 5mins. No powerpoint or anything formal necessary)
      7. Recordings of your song may be played  from www.youtube.com or another online source during your presentation. If you would like to bring in a personal recording on a CD, that is fine.
      8. Consider and include the following items:


      • The name of the composer/artist with a small amount of background information (ex. What the group/artist is best known for, what country the group/artist is from, etc. Look it up!).
      • The genre of the song, and why you chose to classify it as that genre (see above for a list of possible genres). If your selected piece does not fit in any of the genres listed above, describe what genre you think it is and why (ex. “Techno”, because of the beat; “Country” because of acoustic guitar).
      • What the song is about. Even instrumental works often have a theme or a reason for being written (ex: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 was originally written about the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The Beatles wrote “Blackbird” with reference to African American civil rights). Is there a story? If the story isn’t obvious, what do YOU think it’s about? 
      • Any other points of interest about the song. Why do you like it? Do the words mean anything to you, personally? What do you like about the song? The melody/melodic line? The beat? Is it the harmonies that stand out to you? Or the difficulty it would take for someone to perform the piece?




      Presentation Dates:  26th August 2015 (last names A-Z)