Assignment:
Produce a music video using an instrumental song
Purpose:
To make a clear connection to a: composer, a musical era, composition OR genre (style) of music through the use of a music video. Specifically, we will understand how the music used represents the composer or culture it was written in. We will also understand clearly how the video represents the title of the song, the composer, or the culture. And it will be memorable for us!
Details:
Musical composers representing several musical eras are listed on the lime green sheet. You will choose only one and use that song to be the background music to your video. Creativity for the type of video is encouraged – examples are listed below.
Step 1: The era and song to be researched is to be determined in class with your teacher and your partner. The sooner you decide on one, the more options you have.
Step 2: Listen to each selection for a few minutes. Some are too long and will need to be shortened. Ideal length is 2-3 minutes long but may be slightly longer.
Step 3: Choose only 1 selection. Bring a blank CD or flashdrive to the next class so you can get a copy of the music chosen or you can download your own music.
Step 4: Background research – Fill out the sheet called “Research Sheet Summary”. Take notes in your own words. This will be used to present information to your class. Some handouts will be provided in class and you can also find a lot of good information in library books or online. Some great websites to start with are:
1) classicsforkids.com
2) dsokids.com
3) www.nyphilkids.org
Step 5: AFTER the research is completed (except for the last question) then create a music video using the song chosen. Whatever you video must relate to the music in some way and represent well the era in which it was written. The goal is to reveal something about the culture and/or composer that the music belongs to, as stated above in the purpose. This must be clearly shown in your answer to the last question – answer “what is the connection you made?”
Step 6: Prepare a presentation (which will be done by both partners) for class. You must give an EXPLANATION of your music video (either before viewing or after). You must also share information from your lime green sheet - biographical details about your composer such as: name, date of birth/death, country of origin and any other places they lived, what kind of music compositions (ie. Organ, symphony, etc) they were famous for, several other titles of their music compositions, and of course, 3 interesting facts not already mentioned! You also need to explain HOW this music selection represents the culture of the time it’s written in – answer “what is in the song that was commonly done?” Note: The rest of the class will be taking notes on this information.
The video must have:
-representation of BOTH partners (ie. Each has been assigned equal responsibilities)
-the instrumental music playing in the background
Playback info:
**The video will need to be copied onto the teacher’s school laptop in order to play back. If the video is saved on an Apple product (computer, iPod, iPhone), please make sure it is also saved correctly as a file that can be easily played on a PC computer. Ask Ms. Carrie A if you are unsure about this. Common files that work are: .mov (Quicktime movie), .mp4 (MP4 video)
**Some ideas for video presentation: instruments (solos, groups), movement, colour, poster signs, collage of pictures, talking, skit, commercial, interview, air band, written lyrics sung along to the melody, still-motion, cartoons, newscast. There are many other options – be creative!**
