Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Extra Credit Blog: The Princess Bride

Hello class,

This week, you will be listen to TWO videos to the right. They are both clips from the movie The Princess Bride.

Write one excellent paragraph that discusses how the music helps to tell the story.

In your paragraph, discuss how the music (1) helps to establish character, (2) how it provides insight into a particular character or event, or (3) how it intensifies the overall impact of the film. Use specific references to the scene, what is happening, and what about the music helps to tell the story.

Rubric:

10 pts: You wrote a blog, and I can tell that you watched the videos.

10 pts: You discuss how the music helps to establish character.

10 pts: You discuss how the music provides insight into a particular character or event.

10 pts: You discuss how the music intensifies the overall impact of the film.

10 pts: You wrote at least 5 excellent sentences.

10 pts: You used excellent grammar and vocabulary.

This is an extra credit assignment. You cannot lose credit for posting. You can gain up to 60 points.

Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, December 14 for full credit.

In case you can't watch the videos to the right, here are the URL's for the videos:

The Chatty Duel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3gfFVmw0kA

Battle of Wits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EkBuKQEkio

Monday, November 30, 2009

Vocal Styles!

Hello Music Appreciators!

This week, you'll listen to three videos that show three singers singing in very different ways.

Write four sentences about each style that you see (you should have a paragraph for each piece, with four sentences in each paragraph):

- One sentence that describes the timbre - 20 pts.

- One sentence that describes the style of the piece - 20 pts.

- One sentence that describes something unique about the singer or the song - 20 pts.

- One sentence that tells what you appreciate about the video - 20 pts.

- Good grammar and spelling, and you refer to each piece by the vocalists' names or the song titles - 20 pts.

Please turn in by Monday, December 7 for full credit.

-Mr. Ward

Here are the URL's, if the videos to the right are not working correctly:

Kongar-ol Ondar (Tuvan Throat Singing): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVyyhHFKI8E

Franzl Lang - Einen Jodler hor i gern: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67rc96joOz8

Bobby McFerrin - Drive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=codmxk7uLv8

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Music from around the World

Hello Music Appreciators!

This week, you'll listen to three videos that show some different styles and instruments from around the world.

Write four sentences about each style that you see (you should have a paragraph for each piece, with four sentences in each paragraph):
- One sentence that describes the texture (monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic) - 20 pts.
- One sentence that describes the instrument (timbre, type) - 20 pts.
- One sentence that describes the mood of the piece - 20 pts.
- One sentence that describes composition (improvised or composed - how can you tell?) - 20 pts.
- Good grammar and spelling, and you refer to each piece by the instrument names - 20 pts.

Make sure to have accurate information!

Please turn in by Monday, November 30 for full credit.

Here are the URL's, if the videos to the right are not working correctly:
Japanese Koto: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tczxw8bVMZM
Irish Fiddle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndd8bhlo-9E
Northern Indian Sitar, Tabla and Tanpura: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gWCiLexilY

-Mr. Ward

Monday, October 19, 2009

A Cappella Choral Pieces

Hello Music Appreciators!

This week, you'll listen to two videos that show some different choral styles. One is Renaissance, one is more of a modern day piece.

The first piece is Ave Maria by Franz Biebl - written in 1964 (also to the right):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCXnhYgoHDw

The second piece is Sicut Cervus by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina - Renaissance piece (also to the right):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYU8uomYaiM

Listen to each of the pieces. Write one sentence that describes the following in each piece (you should have a paragraph for each piece, with four sentences in each paragraph):
- Texture (monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic) - 20 pts.
- Tempo - 20 pts.
- Meter - 20 pts.
- Use of dynamics (gradual changes? terraced?) - 20 pts.
- Good grammar and spelling, and you refer to each piece by it's name/composer - 20 pts.

Make sure to have accurate information!

Please turn in by Monday, October 26 for full credit.

-Mr. Ward

Friday, October 9, 2009

The Barber of Seville (by Rossini)

Hello class,

This week, you will listen to two videos to the right. They are each different arias from The Barber of Seville. When you discuss the videos, DO NOT call them "video 1" and "video 2," as some of you have in the past. Please refer to them as "Figaro's Aria," "Largo al factotum della citta" or refer to the singer.

Write one paragraph about Figaro's Aria, and another about Rosina's aria. In each paragraph, explain how the words/stories are displayed in the way that the singer's (Kathleen Battle and Pietro Spagnoli) act and sing.

Figaro's Aria (Largo al factotum della citta) Translation:

Make way for the factotum of the city, Hurrying to his shop since dawn is already here. Ah, what a fine life, what fine pleasureFor a barber of quality!
Ah, bravo Figaro! Bravo, bravissimo! A most fortunate man indeed! Ready to do everything Night and day, Always on the move. A cushier fate for a barber, A more noble life, is not to be had.
Razors and combs, Lancets and scissors, At my command Everything's there. Here are the tools Of my trade With the ladies...with the gentlemen...
Everyone asks for me, everyone wants me, Ladies, young lads, old men, young girls: Here is the wig...the beard is ready...Here are the leeches...The note is ready...Here is the wig, the beard is ready, The note is ready, hey!
Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!, etc. Ah, what frenzy! Ah, what a crowd! One at a time, please! Hey, Figaro! I'm here. Figaro here, Figaro there, Figaro up, Figaro down,
Swifter and swifter, I'm like a thunderbolt: I'm the factotum of the city. Ah, bravo Figaro! Bravo, bravissimo, You'll never lack for luck!

Io sono docile Translation:

I am docile, I am respectful, I am obedient, sweet, loveable

I am held down, I will take control, But if they hold me back where I have a partiality

If I’m thwarted, I will be a viper and have a hundred tricks

Before giving up I will make fools of them. Yes, yes, I will win him. If I at least will be allowed to have the chance.

Rubric:

20 pts. You wrote a blog!

30 pts. You described the acting and singing in Figaro's aria.

30 pts. You described the acting and singing in Rosina's aria.

20 pts. You used good grammar when writing.

Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, October 19 for full credit.

In case you can't watch the videos to the right, here are the URL's for the videos:

Figaro's Aria (sung by Pietro Spagnoli) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=012dIqLM_qo

Rosina's Aria (sung by Kathleen Battle) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8LFUDwZhvQ

Monday, September 28, 2009

Extra Credit Blog: Copeland vs. Gershwin

Hello class,
This week, you will be listen to TWO videos to the right.

Write one excellent paragraph that compares the two pieces. In your paragraph, describe the style of the music played, and discuss how the two pieces are different, and how they are similar.

Rubric:
10 pts: You wrote a blog.
10 pts: You compared the two pieces.
10 pts: You contrasted the two pieces.
10 pts: You contrasted the two pieces in a different way.
10 pts: You wrote at least 5 excellent sentences.
10 pts: You used excellent grammar and vocabulary.

This is an extra credit assignment. You cannot lose credit for posting. You can gain up to 60 points.

Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, October 3 for full credit.

In case you can't watch the videos to the right, here are the URL's for the videos:
Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhj9W9CoNfQ
Copeland, Appalachian Spring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RXLwtvGH9c

Monday, September 21, 2009

Blog #6 - Keyboard Instruments

Hello class,
This week, you will be listen to THREE videos to the right.

Write one paragraph about each video. In each paragraph, describe the timbre of the instrument and the style of the music played in the video.

Here are some good timbre words:

light or heavy; dark or bright; breathy; punchy; clear; focussed or unfocussed; piercing; harsh; warm; mellow; resonant; flat; vibrato (do you hear it vibrating?) or no vibrato

Rubric:
20 pts. You wrote a blog!
20 pts. You described the timbre of all three instruments.
20 pts. You described the style of the music played.
20 pts. You used good grammar when writing.
20 pts. You wrote three paragraphs.

Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, September 28 for full credit.

In case you can't watch the videos to the right, here are the URL's for the videos:
Organ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR9YMUE7OMM
Harpsichord: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgeTIe19p_c
Piano: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUx4t4W4eVY

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Blog #5: Non-Traditional Rhythm Instruments

Hello class,

This week, you will watch just two videos you see to the right - another stomp video, and a video from the Blue Man Group.

As you listen, think about the rhythms that you hear and see. Use at least 5 of the words you see here:
improvisation
solo
ostinato
tutti
polyrhythm
syncopation
accent
coordination
meter
beat
Write 2 paragraphs - one about Stomp, and one about the Blue Man Group.

Rubric:
20 pts. You wrote a comment!
20 pts. You used correct grammar, punctuation, capital letters, etc.
20 pts. paragraph one (at least 3 sentences)
20 pts. paragraph two (at least 3 sentences)
20 pts. 5 of the above words were used correctly

If you cannot see the videos, here are the URL's
Stomp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu15Ou-jKM0
Blue Man Group: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOL8-qIYemg

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Blog #4 - String Instruments

Hello class,

This week, you will be listen to FOUR videos to the right. As you listen, you should think about how the timbre (the tone color) and pitch (highness/lowness) of the instruments are different. Which one creates the highest sounds? Which one creates the lowest sounds?

Here are some good timbre words:light or heavy; dark or bright; breathy; punchy; clear; focussed or unfocussed; piercing; harsh; warm; mellow; resonant; flat; vibrato (do you hear it vibrating?) or no vibrato

Write four sentences: One sentence about each instruments that describes how it is uniquely different than the other three.

You WILL be graded on your spelling, punctuation, and use of complete sentences. Each sentence will be worth 25 points for a total of 100 points.

Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, September 14 for full credit.

In case you can't watch the videos to the right, here are the URL's for the videos:

Violin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0pkigApKEw

Viola: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ_BQa1NHa8

Cello: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GczSTQ2nv94

String Bass: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4Hx0VfUbTw

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Music Appreciation Blog #3 - Woodwind Instruments

Hello class,

This week, you will be listen to FOUR videos to the right. As you listen, you should think about how the timbre (the tone color) and pitch (highness/lowness) of the instruments are different. Which one creates the highest sounds? Which one creates the lowest sounds?

Here are some good timbre words:
light or heavy; dark or bright; breathy; punchy; clear; focussed or unfocussed; piercing; harsh; warm; mellow; resonant; flat; vibrato (do you hear it vibrating?) or no vibrato

Write four sentences: One sentence about each instruments that describes how it is uniquely different than the other three.

You WILL be graded on your spelling, punctuation, and use of complete sentences. Each sentence will be worth 10 points for a total of 40 points.

Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Tuesday, September 8 for full credit.

In case you can't watch the videos to the left, here are the URL's for the videos:
Flute:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6SHsF1n9Qw
Oboe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P21b0akcaq8
Clarinet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXrwIHcNB5o
Bassoon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-z7T5MdER0

Have a great day!
-Mr. Ward

Monday, August 24, 2009

Blog #2 - BRASS INSTRUMENTS!

Hello again,

This week, you will be listen to FOUR videos to the right. As you listen, you should think about how the timbre (the tone color) and pitch (highness/lowness) of the instruments are different. Which one creates the highest sounds? Which one creates the lowest sounds?

Write four sentences: One sentence about each instruments that describes how it is uniquely different than the other three.

You WILL be graded on your spelling, punctuation, and use of complete sentences. Each sentence will be worth 10 points for a total of 40 points.

Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, January 18 for full credit.

In case you can't watch the videos to the left, here are the URL's for the videos:
Trombone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHw8P8NnUvI
French Horn:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB7FX1TBv34
Tuba:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONrOhMW7y4s
Trumpet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuZ5Xbt8-00

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Welcome to Music Appreciation!

Hello Music Appreciation Students!

This blog will be used to communicate, to listen to musical examples, and to work on special homework assignments and projects over the course of the semester.

In music, a cadenza (Italian for cadence) is, generically, an improvised or written-out ornamental passage played or sung by a soloist or soloists, usually in a "free" rhythmic style, and often allowing for virtuosic display.(taken from Wikipedia)

View the two videos to the right and then leave a comment about the two different cadenzas. How do they differ? I will be assessing your response for accuracy, so be sure to listen to the entire cadenzas and write at least a few sentences that fully answer the question.

If they do not show up to your right (and there is a white square instead), click on the following links to view on YouTube:

Traditional:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWnThnkmW7c&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpsmmusic%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded

Creative:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmJ7jyIJnn4&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpsmmusic%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded

To comment, just click on the link below that says "comments." Then make sure you sign your name by clicking "Name/URL" so that I know it is you leaving the comment.

Have a wonderful day!

- Mr. Ward

Evolution of Music

Background - Lecrae

Hansel and Gretel