Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Extra Credit Blog: Christmas

Hello Music Appreciators!

Thanks for coming and checking out this extra-credit blog. Above, you have three excellent Christmas music videos. Please watch all three in their entirety, and enjoy the music.

Then write one paragraph for each video (three paragraphs total). Write about what makes these videos enjoyable. Use terminology that we have learned during class. You will receive more credit with more time and thought you put into your paragraphs.

Rubric:
You commented on the blog - 10 pts.
Paragraph about Silent Night that shows insight and uses music terminology - 30 pts.
Paragraph about O Holy night that shows insight and uses music terminology - 30 pts.
Paragraph about 12 Days of Christmas that shows insight and uses music terminology - 30 pts.

Please comment by Monday, December 13 to receive extra credit.

-Mr. Ward

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

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Instruments 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, December 6 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

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Vocal Styles Blog

Hello Music Appreciators!
This week, you'll listen to three videos that show three singers singing in very different ways (the three videos above).
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 comment by Monday, November 29 to receive 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 16, 2010

Classical/Romantic Quiz

Hello class,

During the past couple weeks, we have been discussing Classical and Romantic music. Above, you can see Symphony A and B. One is from a Classical symphony. One is from a Romantic symphony.

As you listen to the two videos, listen for Classical and Romantic characteristics. After listening, write an excellent paragraph (3-5 sentences) that clearly explains which piece is Classical, and which piece is Romantic. Be sure that you paragraph includes AT LEAST three reasons that explain how you identified each piece as that specific style.

Here is a reminder of some very important characteristics:

Classical:
- terraced dynamics
- cadences
- simple meter
- string instruments
- form

Romantic:
- changing tempos
- changing dynamics
- large orchestra, with a variety of instruments
- a lot of emotion and mood changes
- sounds like a sountrack

Rubric:
25 pts. You wrote with correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.
25 pts. You wrote one paragraph (3 to 5 sentences)
25 pts. You correctly identified the two pieces as Classical or Romantic
25 pts. You clearly state three reasons on how you came to your conclusion

Please submit your comment by Monday, November 22 for full credit.

In case you cannot view the videos to the right, here are the URL's:
Symphony Movement A: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejOTIAf-giM
Symphony Movement B: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oms4LvGI7bk

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Go to the Musical

Hi class,

Instead of doing a Blog this week, you're going to see the Providence St. Mel production of Fiddler on the Roof. I hope you enjoy it!

See you there,

Mr. Ward

Monday, November 1, 2010

A Capella Music Blog, Opera Critique

Hello Music Appreciators!

This week, you'll listen to two videos that show some different choral styles. One is from the Renaissance period, and the other is more of a modern day piece. In addition, you'll critique your performance in the opera (find your opera at the bottom of the blog).

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

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

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) - 15 pts.
- Tempo - 15 pts.
- Meter - 15 pts.
- Use of dynamics (gradual changes? terraced?) - 15 pts.
- Good grammar and spelling, and you refer to each piece by it's name/composer - 20 pts.
- A third paragraph should critique your performance in the musical. Be sure to mention specific things that you could improve on - 20 pts.

Make sure to have accurate information!

Turn in by Monday, November 8 for full credit.

-Mr. Ward

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Fiddler on the Roof Blog

Hello Musicians,

First, watch the two clips from Fiddler on the Roof. The first video, "Matchmaker," shows us Tevye's three daughters singing about their futures. The second video, "To Life," occurs right after Tevye has promised his daughter's hand to the butcher, Lazar.

Second, answer each question with complete sentences. Each question is worth 15 points.

If you would like to see a bigger picture, just double-click on the video, and it will open up in YouTube.

1. Who is Yente?

2. What are the three girls terrified about?

3. When the Russians start clapping (after the soloist), which beats are they clapping on?

4. Describe two of the dance moves that you see.


Rubric:

Question 1: 20 points

Question 2: 20 points

Question 3: 20 points

Question 4: 20 points

Grammer, Spelling, Complete sentences: 20 points


Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, November 1 for full credit.

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

Matchmaker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59Hj7bp38f8

To Life (Lechaim): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vvr8AjT0aD0

Monday, October 18, 2010

Opera Blog #2: Porgy and Bess

Hello class,

This week, you will listen to two videos to the right. They are each different arias from Porgy and Bess, an opera written by an American composer, George Gershwin. When you discuss the songs, please refer to them as "Summertime" and "I Got Plenty of Nothin'" or you may refer to the singer.

Write one paragraph about Summertime, and another about I Got Plenty of Nothin'. In each paragraph, explain how the words/stories are displayed in the way that the singers (Harolyn Blackwell and Willard White) act and sing. Listen carefully to the words, and then specifically discuss how their voices, their bodies, and their facial expressions show what they are singing about.


Rubric:

20 pts. You wrote a blog!

30 pts. You described the acting and singing in Summertime.

30 pts. You described the acting and singing in I Got Plenty of Nothin'.

20 pts. You used good grammar when writing.


Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, October 25 for full credit.

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

Summertime, sung by Harolyn Blackwell - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7-Qa92Rzbk

I Got Plenty of Nothin', sung by Willard White - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwmyJAEnz4s&feature=fvw

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Percussion Instruments

Hello Music Appreciation Students!

This week, you will listen to two different videos.

Video 1 - Percussion Section
In the first video of the Percussion section, you will see the following instruments (among others):
  • Timpani
  • Bells (Glockenspiel)
  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
For the four instruments above, describe how each sounds, and how it looks.

Video 2 - Drum Set
Explain what makes this musical piece interesting, even though there is no melody.

Rubric:
You commented with your name - 20 pts.
You described the appearance of four instruments - 20 pts.
You described the sound of four instruments - 20 pts.
You explained what made the drum set piece interesting - 20 pts.
You used excellent grammar and spelling - 20 pts.

If you are not able to view the videos to the right, here are the URL's:
Percussion Section:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOIoGJ57GXc


Drum Set:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqHd6FLkhTM&feature=related



Please complete this assignment by Monday, September 27, in order to earn full credit.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

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 of 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. When you use them, make sure you show that you understand what the words mean.
improvisation
solo
ostinato
rhythm
syncopation
accent
coordination
meter
beat
Write 2 paragraphs (at least three sentences in each) - one about Stomp, and one about the Blue Man Group.

Make sure to comment on this blog by Monday, September 20 in order to receive full credit.

Rubric:
20 pts. You wrote a comment!
20 pts. You used correct grammar, punctuation, capital letters, etc.
20 pts. paragraph one about Stomp (at least 3 sentences)
20 pts. paragraph two about the Blue Man Group (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 8, 2010

String Instruments

Hello class,
This week, you will 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. Also, you need to think about the style of music that you are hearing.

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 8 sentences: One sentence about each instrument that describes how it is uniquely different than the other three, and another sentence that describes the style of music that the instrument is playing.

Rubric:
20 pts - Students commented correctly using the blog, and included their name.
20 pts - Students comment on pitch of different instruments.
20 pts - Students correctly comment on the timbre of different instruments.
20 pts - Students correctly comment on the style of the music that each instrument is playing.
20 pts - Students used correct grammar and spelling.

Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, September 13 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=36Xt-XeWnHM
Viola: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzduecTEjiQ&feature=fvw

Cello: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GczSTQ2nv94
String Bass: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4Hx0VfUbTw

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

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

For each video, write two sentences: One sentence about each instrument that describes the pitch and timbre. A second sentence should describe the style of the music in the video as best as you can. You should have a total of 8 sentences.

Rubric:
20 pts - Students commented correctly using the blog, and included their name.
20 pts - Students comment on pitch of different instruments.
20 pts - Students correctly comment on the timbre of different instruments.

20 pts - Students correctly describe the style of the music being played by each instrument.

20 pts - Students used correct grammar and spelling.

Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Tuesday, September 7 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=fjHW5utnuVY
Clarinet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXrwIHcNB5o
Bassoon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-z7T5MdER0

Have a great day!

-Mr. Ward

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Brass Instruments Blog

Hello again,

This week, you will listen to the FOUR videos to the right. As you listen, you should think about how the timbre (the tone quality) and pitch (highness/lowness) of the instruments are different. How are these instruments different from each other?

Here are some good timbre words to use:
light or heavy; dark or bright; breathy; punchy; clear; focussed or unfocussed; piercing; harsh; warm; mellow; resonant; flat; vibrato or without vibrato (do you hear the vibrations?)

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

Rubric:
20 pts - Students commented correctly using the blog, and included their name.
20 pts - Students comment on pitch of different instruments.
20 pts - Students correctly comment on the timbre of different instruments.
20 pts - Each instrument is described to show how it is unique.
20 pts - Students used correct grammar and spelling.

Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, August 30 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

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Styles Blog

Hello Music Appreciators!

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.

To the right are three music videos that have very different styles. Watch each video, decide what style you think the music is, and provide two reasons why you think it falls into that style category. When referring to each video, do not call them "video 1", but call them by the title of the song, or by the musician's/band's name.

If you are unable to view the videos to the right, you may click on the hyperlinks below:
Switchfoot - "Only Hope"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YS5TqZR7_U
Toby Mac and Kirk Franklin - "Lose My Soul"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZG9G68bZO0
The Beatles - "Twist and Shout"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6TIEkB4_F8

Rubric:
These will be graded as follows:
20 pts. You commented correctly, with your name listed.
20 pts. You made an educated guess about the style of each artist.
20 pts. You used two reasons to back up your choice of style.
20 pts. You made reference to band names and/or song titles.
20 pts. You used good grammar and spelling.


Extra Credit (5 points) - Name an appropriate song that could be used to teach a concept in class. Be sure that the content and lyrics are appropriate to receive credit. Also, find an appropriate video on YouTube that could be used, and include the URL address.

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. This assignment is due by Monday, August 23.

Have a wonderful day!

- Mr. Ward

Monday, May 10, 2010

Extra Credit Blog: Vocal Styles

Hello Music Appreciators!

This week, you'll listen to three videos that show three singers singing in very different ways. This is extra credit - you can actually earn up to 100 points extra credit - an entire assignment!

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 comment by Monday, May 17 to receive extra 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, May 4, 2010

Composer Test is Thursday, May 6!

Hello Students,

Be sure to review all of your worksheets, in addition to checking your answers! Make corrections on your Composer Pretest. If you made mistakes, come up with ways to remember the correct facts so you're ready for tomorrow.

-Mr. Ward

Answers to the Composer Pretest:

Baroque, Classical or Romantic:

1. R

2. C

3. C

4. B

5. R

6. B

7. R

8. R

9. B

10. C

11. R

12. C/R

Matching 1:

13. C

14. A

15. B

Matching 2:

16. F

17. D

18. E

Matching 3:

19. G

20. I

21. H

Nationality:

1. German

2. Austrian

3. German

4. German

5. Italian

6. Italian

7. French

8. Polish

9. German

10. Austrian

11. German

12. German

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Bach Blog

Hello Music Appreciators!

This week, you'll listen to just one video of an orchestra playing the music of Bach.

Write a well-put together paragraph that describes the characterisitics that you hear and see to prove that this piece does fit in the Baroque period. Refer to your Baroque characteristics sheet as you answer. You should have at least 5 reasons for why the piece is a Baroque one. Remember, all of the characteristics on the sheet might not fit for this piece, so listen to the entire piece and make sure you pick the ones that are most relevant.

Rubric:
25 points - You wrote a nice paragraph - at least 5 sentences
25 points - You used at least five characteristics to prove that this piece is a Baroque piece.
25 points - You show that you understand all of the characteristics that you mention (include details of what you see and hear!), and they are truly applicable to the piece in the video.
25 points - You used excellent grammar in your writing.

Please turn in by Monday, April 12 for full credit.

Here is the URL, if the video to the right is not working correctly:

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

A Capella Music

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

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

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!

Turn in by Monday, March 29 for full credit.

-Mr. Ward

Monday, March 15, 2010

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, please refer to them as "Figaro's Aria" and "Largo al factotum della citta," or you may 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, March 22 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

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Extra Credit Blog: Gershwin and Copeland

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, 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, March 8 to receive extra 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

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Yesterday Blog

Hello,
Your assignment is to listen to the three versions of "Yesterday" that are listed to the right.
As you listen, think about how the interpretations and arrangements are similar and how they are different.

In paragraph one, write about specific ways (instruments, dynamics, tempo, mood, etc.) that the three versions are similar and different.

In paragraph two, explain which version you like the best, and explain WHY you like it the best. Be specific in your reasoning of why you prefer one version over the rest.

Rubric:
25 pts. Paragraph one has 3 to 5 sentences that describe how the different arrangements are similar and different.
25 pts. Paragraph two has 3 to 5 sentences that explains clearly which version is liked, and there are clear reasons on why.
25 pts. By the way that you discuss the music, it is clear that you did listen to each entire video.
25 pts. You used excellent grammar and spelling in your comments.

Be sure to comment on this blog post by Monday, March 1st for full credit!

If you are not able to open the videos, here are the URL's:
Paul McCartney (the Beatles) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONXp-vpE9eU
Boyz II Men - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgtByWlBSdA
Michael Bolton - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAjqxnLlQN8

Monday, February 15, 2010

Mozart Blog

Hello Music Appreciators!

This week, you'll listen to just one video of an orchestra playing the music of Mozart.

Write a well-put together paragraph that describes the characterisitics that you hear and see to prove that this piece does fit in the Classical period. Refer to your Classical characteristics sheet as you answer. You should have at least 5 reasons for why the piece is a Classical one. Remember, all of the characteristics on the sheet might not fit for this piece, so listen to the entire piece and make sure you pick the ones that are most relevant.

Rubric:
25 points - You wrote a nice paragraph - at least 5 sentences
25 points - You used at least five characteristics to prove that this piece is a Classical piece.
25 points - You show that you understand all of the characteristics that you mention, and they are truly applicable to the piece in the video.
25 points - You used excellent grammar in your writing.

Please turn in by Monday, February 22 for full credit.

Here is the URL, if the video to the right is not working correctly:

-Mr. Ward

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

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, February 15 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

Monday, February 1, 2010

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 of 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. When you use them, make sure you show that you understand what the words mean.
improvisation
solo
ostinato
tutti
polyrhythm
syncopation
accent
coordination
meter
beat
Write 2 paragraphs (at least three sentences) - one about Stomp, and one about the Blue Man Group.

Make sure to comment on this blog by Monday, February 8 in order to receive full credit.

Rubric:
20 pts. You wrote a comment!
20 pts. You used correct grammar, punctuation, capital letters, etc.
20 pts. paragraph one about Stomp (at least 3 sentences)
20 pts. paragraph two about the Blue Man Group (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

Monday, January 25, 2010

Blog #4 - String Instruments

Hello class,
This week, you will 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 instrument that describes how it is uniquely different than the other three.

Rubric:
20 pts - Students commented correctly using the blog, and included their name.
20 pts - Students comment on pitch of different instruments.
20 pts - Students correctly comment on the timbre of different instruments.
20 pts - Each instrument is described to show how it is unique.
20 pts - Students used correct grammar and spelling.

Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, February 1 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

Monday, January 18, 2010

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.

Rubric:
20 pts - Students commented correctly using the blog, and included their name.
20 pts - Students comment on pitch of different instruments.
20 pts - Students correctly comment on the timbre of different instruments.
20 pts - Each instrument is described to show how it is unique.
20 pts - Students used correct grammar and spelling.

Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, January 25 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=fjHW5utnuVY
Clarinet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXrwIHcNB5o
Bassoon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-z7T5MdER0

Have a great day!

-Mr. Ward

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Blog #2 - Brass Instruments

Hello again,

This week, you will listen to the FOUR vidoes 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 to use:
light or heavy; dark or bright; breathy; punchy; clear; focussed or unfocussed; piercing; harsh; warm; mellow; resonant; flat; vibrato or without vibrato (do you hear the vibrations?)

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

Rubric:
20 pts - Students commented correctly using the blog, and included their name.
20 pts - Students comment on pitch of different instruments.
20 pts - Students correctly comment on the timbre of different instruments.
20 pts - Each instrument is described to show how it is unique.
20 pts - Students used correct grammar and spelling.

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

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Styles Blog

Hello Music Appreciators!

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.

To the right are three music videos that have very different styles. Watch each video, decide what style you think the music is, and provide two reasons why you think it falls into that style category. When referring to each video, do not call them "video 1", but call them by the title of the song, or by the musician's/band's name.

If you are unable to view the videos to the right, you may click on the hyperlinks below:
Switchfoot - "Only Hope" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YS5TqZR7_U
Toby Mac and Kirk Franklin - "Lose My Soul" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZG9G68bZO0
The Beatles - "Twist and Shout" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6TIEkB4_F8

Rubric:
These will be graded as follows:
20 pts. You commented correctly, with your name listed.
20 pts. You made an educated guess about the style of each artist.
20 pts. You used two reasons to back up your choice of style.
20 pts. You made reference to band names and/or song titles.
20 pts. You used good grammar and spelling.

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