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.

Grade 5 (Q2/L4/2016-2017) - African Music Research Project

Almost all of our jazz, rock, and pop music we listen to today has historic roots in the music of Africa. This project will help you explore the world of African music as you learn the instruments, culture, styles, and rhythms that make African music unique.

 

Describe characteristics of Africa, countries of Africa, culture of Africa, and the traditional instruments of Africa. I can compare the music of Africa with music of other countries and explain why the music of Africa is important in the history of popular American music. 

Facts About Africa

Africa Facts and Figures

Encyclopedia World Africa

Academic Kids Encyclopedia Africa

Countries of Africa

Here are so references that you may use:

Ghana

Botswana

Kenya

Nigeria

South Africa

Tanzania

Instruments Of Africa

Interactive Map

African Folk Music

Ghana Drumming & Dance

In your assignment, you will need to research on:

• Types of dances (at least 2)
• Tribes that are in the country of your choice. What type costumes do they wear. Is there a certain mask for that tribe?
• What is the language spoken in this country?
• Talk a little bit on the culture of the country you are researching. You may want to list down some fun facts about the country
• Music instruments (at least 3)
• List down a song/chant/call and response that is from the country of your choice

You will present your finding to the class. You can choose how you would like to present it. Google presentation, poster, flyer and etc.

Submission Date : November 29th 2016

Grade 6 (Assignment 3/Q2/ 2016/17) - Music Vocabulary

When words fail, music speaks!

Here are some of the music vocabulary that you will need to know in Grade 6. Create a folder called 'Music Vocabulary' in google drive under your individual name. In a document, list down these words and find the meanings.

1. tone color 
2. coda
3. band
4. orchestra
5. form
6. introduction
7. trio
8. verse-refrain form
9. rhythm
10. pitch
11. melodic contour
12. countermelody
13. ledger lines
14. texture
15. tie
16. chords
17. root
18. triad
19. arranger
20. instrumentation

Remember to look for the meaning of these words related to music and not in general. 

E.g) Tie in general is known as a piece of string, cord, or the like used for fastening or tying            something 

         Tie in music is known as a curved, horizontal line that connects two music notes of                   the same pitch 

Writing down the meaning without understanding it will not benefit you in anywhere. You will need to present your findings and understanding to the class with examples at the end of this unit! 

Grade 6 (Assignment 2/Q2/ 2016/17) - Composition

Use proper manuscript paper to create a 16 bar composition on the xylophone.

Here are the specifications:

• This is a three-part assignment. 

1. Part one – composition
2. Part two – performance 
3. Part three – reflection (1 page)

• Composition Length: 16 bars with all correct staff symbols (Clef, bar lines, key signature etc.)

•   Instrumentation: This composition will be written for the xylophone. You may wish to write an accompany percussion part for a 4+ however it is not a requirement. ( This might give you a little push on your way to an 'exceeding')

• All written music must be ORIGINAL

• You will be assessed on creativity, write your composition creatively yet playable.

Here are some details to consider:

• Consider creating a final copy using a music composition software such as Finale, Musescore, Noteflight – if these are not available use manuscript paper and complete the assignment as cleanly and neatly as possible. If you chose to do this be sure to still hand in your hand written copy as that will be marked too.

•  You must submit a completed hard copy of your composition on the due date. A one page reflection will accompany your composition articulating why you chose to write the composition the way you did, what you liked or were proud of in the composition, and what you felt challenging about the assignment.

• You must perform your composition in class for your classmates on an assigned date.

Grade 5 (Q2/L3/2016-2017) - Hip Hop

Part 1

Your job is to create a hip hop song with a partner. You need to do the following: 

• Work with a partner to agree on a topic. 
• You may pick any topic as long as it is appropriate. This means that your subject matter, language and topic is something you’d share at school. 
• List 20 things you can think of that make you think of this subject. 
• Try to list some rhyming ideas. 
• For instance, if you are writing about Sponge Bob – try to think of all of the different things you can talk about with the characters: 

Spongebob SquarePants & Patrick Star 

They take boating lessons, they don’t drive a car 

Squidward Tentacles is the king of sour 

Plankton thinks the crabby patty formula will give him power

Part 2

You should type your lyrics out in Google Doc. So now you need to put your ideas to music. The cool thing about Hip Hop is that there are very few rules [other than making something that sounds cool, getting some good rhythm patterns and finding a riff.] 

A riff is a simple repeated pattern that surfaces throughout a song. Rock songs have them. Country songs have them. Pop Songs have them. Most songs have riffs. Some people also call this part a ‘hook.’ This is a part you hope people will remember about your song. 

Many hip hop songs sample or ‘borrow’ a riff or hook from another pre-recorded song. I will allow you to do this…but you have to play the part on the xylophone or keyboard. If you can play it on the guitar and you can make your case, I will agree to that as well. This should be only 4-10 notes. Keep it short. You will use 4/4 time and you need to draw in the bar lines to end each measure of 4 beats.

Part 3

Now you need a rhythm pattern. You will use an online metronome of your choice or metronome. Pick a rhythm pattern using the metronome. Write down the rhythm setting and the tempo [beats per minute – bpm.] 

Go back and write down where the riff will be played. It should only appear in certain parts of the song. You don’t want TOO much of a good thing!

Assignment Submission : November 28th 2016

Grade 5 (Q2/L2/2016-2017) - Music Invention

Humans have been making and playing musical instruments for thousands of years. New instruments are invented, and existing instruments are modified to produce different sounds. Probably many cultures have used a hollow log as a simple drum. Many instruments are based on vibrating strings. One category of instrument, horns, depends on the vibrating lips of the player to create sound. Other instruments use vibrating reeds. The many flutelike instruments create sound by causing a column of air to vibrate. In this project, you will design, build, and test your own musical instrument. At the end of the project, you will demonstrate your instrument in a class presentation.

Project Rules

You must be able to:

1. Demonstrate how to change the loudness and pitch of the sound produced by your instrument.
2. Your instrument must be made of safe materials. 
3. Cover any sharp edges with tape. 
4. Loud sounds can damage hearing. 
5. Do not play your instrument too near other students’ ears. 
6. You may not use electricity in your instrument in any way. 
7. You must demonstrate and play a simple tune (or rhythm) on your instrument in a class presentation. 
8. Assignment Submission will be on November 29th 2016.

Suggested Materials

1. You may use almost anything to build your musical instrument, such as different sizes of rubber bands, cardboard boxes, different lengths of cardboard tubes or plastic pipes, string, wooden craft sticks or tongue depressors, drinking straws, and bottles. 
2. You may use other materials of your own choosing that you bring from home, as long as you discuss this with your teacher first. 
3. Practically anything can be incorporated into a musical instrument. 

Project Hints

1. Think about whether you will want to play your instrument by blowing into it, strumming it, striking it, or by some other method. 
2. Be creative! Don’t limit yourself to the materials suggested by your teacher. And don’t just copy an existing instrument. 
3. Part of your teacher’s assessment of your project will be based on originality. A
4. s you decide on the design of your instrument, remember that you will need to play something on it. 
5. Your instrument must not only make sounds, but it must make different sounds. 

Planning Your Musical Instrument

Having trouble getting started? The following tasks will help you start the design phase of this project. Use another sheet of paper if you need more room. 

• Brainstorm all the ways you can think of that musical instruments make and modify sound. You might want to begin with instruments that are familiar to you, either because you or someone you know plays them, or because music you like is played on them. Then think of instruments you may not know as much about. 
• As you brainstorm, you may find it helpful to classify instruments into categories, such as instruments with a mouthpiece and instruments in which strings make the sound. 
• Finally, try to think of ways to make and modify sound that may not be used in a conventional instrument.
• Draw a diagram of your proposed instrument. Be sure to label its parts, and the materials you will use.
• How will you play your instrument? Exactly how will your instrument make sounds? What will vibrate to create sound waves? How will your instrument make sounds of different pitch and volume?
• Make detailed notes on the construction of your instrument. Will you need to use other materials for certain parts of your instrument? How will the parts fit together? Will you need glue or special tools to make your instrument?