Grade 4: Research and choose a simple instrument to make by hand

Objective:

• Cultural and Historical Context
• Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
• Research to Build and Present Knowledge
• Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
• Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
• Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.

Guideline:

1. Students will complete a search on hand made musical instruments at school during music class. (Students may also search on home computers.)
2. Students will build the instrument. Parents may help with nails or sharp materials, but the final product must be the students’ work.
3. Students will bring completed instrument to their music class during the first week of October.
4. Students should attach the form passed out in class with their projects
5. Students should prepare a short presentational report containing the following:

• Why the instrument was chosen
• How instrument was made
• Demonstration of how instrument works
• Short description of the learning experience

Grade 4 : Composers Guided Research Project (2017/2018)

Students will work in groups of 3 members. Each group will have a group leader. The group leader will communicate with the teacher and oversee the project flow. The group members will be responsible for the following:

1. Research and compile information to share about the composer
2. Include one song by your composer to play during presentation
3. Create a PowerPoint representing the composer
4. Research instrument used by the composer, as well as famous songs
5. include any other background information (history, regions, influences, etc) for the composer
6. Present the data to the class

Class 1

• Students will be assigned to groups and a group leader will be appointed
• Students will select a composer to research
• Students will fill out their presentation rubric

Class 2

• Students will research information for their project
• Students will record informational facts about their genre onto their presentation note

Class 3

• Group leaders will provide an update on groups progress

Class 4

• Each group will create a short PowerPoint presentation to share with their class
• The presentation should conclude with a listening example from the composer

Class 5

• Students present composer PowerPoint to their class

Class 6

• Students will play a game of 'Name that Composer', featuring songs from all 4th-grade composer research presentations

List of composers:

• Adele
• Louis Armstrong
• Johann Sebastian Bach
• Ludwig Van Beethoven
• Irvin Berlin
• Leonard Bernstein
• Georges Bizet
• Johannes Brahms
• John Cage
• Ray Charles
• Kelly Clarkson
• Frederic Chopin
• Aaron Copland
• Duke Ellington
• George Gershwin
• Elton John
• George Fredric Handle
• Joseph Haydn
• Beyonce Knowles
• Scott Joplin
• Francis Scott Key
• Franz Liszt
• Paul McCartney
• Felix Mendelssohn
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Carl Orff
• Dolly Parton
• Franz Schubert
• Camile Saint-Saens
• Clara Schuman
• John Philip Sousa
• Igor Starvinsky
• Taylor Swift
• Pyotr Llyich Tchaikovsky
• Carrie Underwood
• Guiseppi Verdi
• Antonio Vivaldi
• John Williams
• Pharrel Wiliams

Grade 7 (Music Video Project)

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!**

Grade 8: Assignment 2 (Research Project – Musicals / Blues / Jazz)

For this project, you will pick either:  a blues artist  a jazz artist  or a musical  …research it, and do the following:  Create a poster OR  digital presentation (Powerpoint, Prezi, Keynote, etc...) OR  short video  IF YOU CHOOSE A BLUES OR JAZZ ARTIST, you must include the following information:  When they lived (birth, death)  Where they are from  A Brief Biography  Three significant songs  A link to an online version of one of their songs (Youtube)  At least one image (picture of the artist, etc...)  2 Interesting Facts (any other information you think is unique, or cool, not stated elsewhere in your project) IF YOU CHOOSE A MUSICAL, you must include the following information:  When it was written  Who wrote it  A Brief Outline of the Plot (the story)  A song from the musical / a description of what part of the story the song tells  A link to an online version of the song (Youtube)  At least one image (picture of the artist, etc...)  2 Interesting Facts (any other information you think is unique, or cool, not stated elsewhere in your project  You will be required to do a presentation consisting of:  A presentation of your poster / digital presentation / video  A listen to the song  THIS IS NOT A GROUP PROJECT. THIS IS INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT.

Grade 8: GarageBand (Assignment 1)

GarageBand Assignment

• Create a full-length song in GarageBand that is 2-3 mins long 
• The song should work for a specific genre of music as opposed to just random clips assembled together. 

For example, you should create a rock, country, or electronic song.

• The song should have distinctly different parts of the song 

(parts that are emphasized or de-emphasized or repeated).  "Real" music has verse, middle, and chorus sections.

• The song must contain at least 6 different tracks. Most songs will have have more than six sections.
• You should include at least one sample, voice, or musical instrument
• At least 2 of the tracks must change volume multiple times throughout the song
• At least one track must include a segment that loops –

usually created by clicking in the upper left corner of a region and dragging to the right.

Grade 7 - NoteFlight

What is NOTEFLIGHT?

Noteflight is an online app that allows users to compose, view, and share music notation from any web browser. However, rather than basic composition software, Noteflight allows users to edit, print, and playback written music from any connected device. With a free account you become part of a global network of musicians who are able to write music directly on their computers, tablets, and smartphones. But, in addition to the free access, students have the option to enroll in a premium subscription that includes many other features that really stimulate creativity.

These are the steps to take:

• Go to this website: http://www.noteflight.com/login
• Click on "sign up" at the top of the page if you do not have an account.

Fill out the next page with your details. You need to give your email address and an email will be sent to you with a link to finalise your registration. You will have to click on the link in the email you will be sent, then you will have access to this great site. It does not cost any money, so don't worry!

Here is a link to a little piece of music as an example: Grade 7 Activity 

It's only simple, but it shows how nice the score looks and you can listen to it played back by clicking the orange playback button which appears when you move your curser above the bars!

Here is your activity using Noteflight

• Click on 'New Score'
• Click on 'shared' in the drop down box that appears
• Click on the 'sharing' tab and then check the square box 'Allow others to discover this score by searching and browsing'. Close the tab.
• Click on 'edit title' and type the name of your piece.
• Click 'edit composer' and type your name.

We'll just keep this first piece simple and leave it as a piano score in C Major scale. The 8 bars are ready for you to put notes in. 

• Write a melody in the top line by clicking the notes into the stave with your mouse. 

You can change the pitch of a note by typing a letter on your keyboard A - G or by clicking the note head in. You can move a pitch up and down by using your arrow keys too. You can choose the length of your note by using the orange menu which appears when you click on the stave.

The best way to learn is to experiment yourself and see what you can come up with.

• Make a melody in C major scale for 8 bars. Start your melody on C or G and make sure you finish on a C. Try for interesting rhythm and keep it mostly stepwise.
• Next, write a simple part in the left hand (bass line) as well, if you have time.
• Click the orange playback triangle which appears above each bar in your score and have a listen to your composition. Make changes to improve it.

If you want, you can add all sorts of things to your score, like dynamics and slurs. Check out the 'help' menu or just experiment.

• When you have made your piece, go to the 'sharing' tab (over on the right side of the page.) 
• Click the check box 'Allow others to discover this score by searching and browsing'. 
• Copy the link (there is a copy URL button in the 'sharing' tab) 
• Paste the link in to a page (use Pages) - save the file with your name on it!
• Upload it to me in Google Drive on your folder. 

By the end of two periods period, I want to see something from each of you produced by using Noteflight

Don't worry if your composition is not as good as Mozart! It is the first time you are trying this. You will learn a lot about composing just using the notation tools. Have fun!!

Grade 8: Instrument Research Assignment

In this assignment you are required to do research on your instrument. This will give you a better understanding of the history of your individual instruments, as well as some helpful tips to keep you improving in your musicianship.

There are two main parts of this assignment.

• First, your Preliminary Research. Preliminary Research has three sections of questions that are detailed below. Make sure you answer them fully.
• Second, Dig Deeper. Your Second is your Dig Deeper section. This requires that you find at least two websites for EACH of the categories listed below. Each website must also include a short paragraph presenting a summary (this means in your OWN words) of the research in each category. For the categories that require you to get videos, you need to have at least two for EACH of the categories.

Preliminary Research

Before you begin your website research, answer the following questions. You can either type the question and then the answer, or use the question in the answer. For example, if the question is how many trombones in are in a typical orchestra, your answer could be, “In a typical orchestra there are usually ____ trombones”.

Section I: Family Ties, Size, Shape and Differences

• What family is the instrument in (strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion)?

• What is the instrument made of (brass or other metal, wood, etc.)?
• How is it shaped?
• How is it different from other members of that family (Size, shape, range, how the sound is started)?

Section II: Sound Production and Changing Notes

• How is it played (how held, mouth or hand etc.)?
• How does the player start the sound (how is the initial vibration made)?
• How do you make the different pitches to play a melody on the instrument (different fingerings, valve combinations, moving fingers up and down the neck, or maybe the instrument is unpitched) ?

Section III: Use In The Orchestra and Interesting Facts

• What is the instruments role in the orchestra (melodic or supportive, how many usually found in the orchestra)?
• Where do players usually sit in the orchestra?
• What is something interesting or unique about the instrument?
• What are some accessories you might need to play it (mouthpiece, bows, mutes, rosin, reeds, mallets, etc.)?

Dig Deeper

Your task is to find and submit ten (10) Web sites/video URLs related to your instrument. Wikipedia is NOT considered a reliable source, however it may be a good place to get some initial information to broaden your search. Your assignment submission needs to include:

Two sites for each one of the categories listed below, and a short paragraph presenting a summary of the research in each category. The categories are:

• History and/or Manufacturers:

Information about well-known makers and the instrument's history. This can also include the best brands of your instrument and why they are considered top of the line.

• Famous Performers:

Find a performer famous for playing your instrument. You are not restricted to any particular period or style. I would highly recommend before you research the first name that pops up in your google search, you also check YouTube to see if you enjoy the way they play.

• Repertoire:

What are the most famous pieces written for your instrument? Submit a list of five famous pieces written for the instrument, and two (2) sites that were sources for the information. Here's a site that might help: www.naxos.com

• How To Videos:

Find some how to videos on YouTube that you would recommend to someone who wants to learn to play your instrument. This might include how to put the instrument together, how to play (what embouchure to use), what the fingers are, how to get started, all the things you think are important for a beginner to know. Make sure you include a description of what these videos are about and why you feel they are useful above each video. How To For You: Finally, choose something you are having difficulty with (fingering, high notes, low notes, breathing, rhythm, etc) and see if you can find videos/websites that will help you overcome this problem. Detail what issues you are having and how the video addresses these issues.

Webpage Setup:

To present your paper you are going to create a website! Your websites have already been set up for you and your passwords chosen. Your website will consist of FOUR pages which you are to create:

1) Biography - tell me something interesting about yourself. Tell me who you are, where you were born, how old you are, where you’ve lived, what you are studying, what you want to do when you graduate, anything interesting you might read in someone’s biography. Be sure to include something musical! Please leave out anything identifying, like your last name.

2) Preliminary Research - answer the questions in Sections I, II, and III below, right on your website.

3) Dig Deeper - For each of the headings History/Manufacturers, Famous Performers and Repertoire you need to submit a paragraph and the links where you find your research. Include these under the appropriate headings on the Dig Deeper Page.

4) Videos - Finally, your last page will include your How To Videos and your How To For You. Be sure to include descriptions.

Website Creation

1) First, go to students.weebly.com ​to sign in to your website. Click on Edit Site. Start with your first page, your biography. Slide your mouse to the left hand side of the site. Drag the element you want (start with a title) over to your page. Click on it to edit and add your title.

2) Now drag a text box from the left hand side under your title and in this box you will complete your biography.

3) weebly.com does save everything automatically but every so often you should hit Publish in the top right hand side, to make sure your page is published to the web.

4) Once it’s complete, move to your Preliminary Research page by clicking on it at the top. Once on this site, follow the same steps using the Title and Text boxes. Feel free to add pictures where you think they will add to your assignment using the image feature.

5) Next, move to Dig Deeper and complete the first three items using the Title and Text features. Be sure to add your links as your references.

6) Finally, on your videos page, use the Title and Text features to explain what your video is about and why you are showing it. Then use the YouTube feature to insert your YouTube videos into your site. This can be a bit tricky so the instructions are below.

7) Make sure your site is published!

8) Any time you want to delete an element just click on it or hover over it and click the X to delete it.

9) You can also use the divider elements to make sections within your web pages.

Inserting YouTube Videos

1) To insert a YouTube Video, drag the YouTube element over to where you want it on your site. In another tab, open the YouTube video you’d like to insert. Copy the URL. Go back to your website and in the little box paste the URL in.

2) Click in the grey area beside that and your video should pop into the frame above. Now publish your site again.