Wednesday, October 27, 2010

WHAT WE DID TODAY #1-40: WEDNESDAY; OCTOBER 27, 2010

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2,3,6
OBJECTIVE: KEYBOARD
NO QUOTE due to special school schedule and shortened class periods
2. BACH COMPOSER REPORT #2
.....a. Due to schedule changes and the resultant time constraints we will finish the Bach report on Thursday by writing our opinions about Bach's music.
.....b. Included with the report that will be turned in will be the notes taken yesterday during the film about Bach.
..........1)Those not turning in Bach film notes will be completing the Bach composer report with the sections we have not already completed (the report is found on this Blog).
..........2)Students not turning in the Bach film notes will complete the composer report during class while the others will be going to the keyboards to work on practicing their songs for our mini-recital.
3. BECAUSE WE HAVE STUDENTS AT VARYING ABILITY LEVELS I DECIDED THAT WE ARE GOING TO PUT ON A MINI-RECITAL THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 8, 9, 10.
.....a. Students will choose a song to play from the music we have been working on in class and/or a piece that I pre-approve of at their ability level.
.....b. During the next few weeks, when we have our keyboard playing days in class, students will practice the pieces theyhave chosen to play at our recital.
.....c. I will divide the class into groups of thirds and students in each group will perform on one of the scheduled days.
.....d. Students will perform their chosen song by themselves (solo).
4. In preparation for our mini-recital I had the students sign-up for the song they wanted to play and then they practiced their songs on the keyboards as I walked around and helped as needed.

DECEMBER 9th is the holiday concert for chorus, band, and strings. Recorder students are invited to play their instruments ("recorder carolling") as the pre-concert activity outside of the gym. This is not mandatory; just a fun way to celebrate the holidays through music. We will play the holiday music learned in class. All students need to bring is their recorder; music and accompaniments will be already set-up. More details to follow as I get them.

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5:
OBJECTIVE: PREPARATION FOR HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE ON DECEMBER 9th
1. TUNE

2. HOLIDAY SONG: GREENSLEEVES (both sections)

.....a. Reviewed note names and fingerings and sight read through.3. HOLIDAY SONG: COVENTRY CAROL
.....a. While most of the class played their harmony part, a few 7th grade students (also in the 7th grade violin homeroom) tried to play the melody as they had been learning it in homeroom.
.....b. Others in class asked if they could try the melody too so I decided that I would teach the melody (the more advanced part) to everyone and those who feel comfortable playing the harder part may play it at the holiday concert.
.....c. We will start to look at individual parts of the music next week.
VIOLIN PERIOD 4:
OBJECTIVE: Preparation for: Harvest Day performance on October 28th
1. Music equipment was brought to outside stage area (just inside) to prepare for the concert tomorrow.

2. Chairs were also placed just near the stage opening as well.
3. Students then were given the seating chart directions for tomorrow.

HARVEST FESTIVAL INFORMATION
..1 SCHOOL PRACTICE DAYS LEFT FOR THE HARVEST CONCERT
..ALL STUDENTS ARE TO REPORT TO THE MUSIC ROOM BY 5:00 PM ON THURSDAY FOR TUNING.
..WE WILL BE PLAYING PROBABLY WITHIN THE FIRST HALF HOUR OF THE FESTIVAL (BETWEEN 5:30 PM AND 6:00 PM ON THE OUTSIDE STAGE (UNLESS WEATHER FORCES US INSIDE THE CAFETERIA)
..MR. DORSEY SAID THAT ANYONE WHO WANTS TO WEAR A COSTUME CAN DO SO; PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THE COSTUME IS COMFORTABLE ENOUGH SO YOU CAN PLAY YOUR INSTRUMENT.
..AFTER WE ARE FINISHED PLAYING, STUDENTS ARE TO BRING THEIR INSTRUMENTS BACK TO THE MUSIC ROOM AND THEN THEY MAY GO ENJOY THE CARNIVAL.