Friday, March 4, 2011

WHAT WE DID TODAY #2-28: FRIDAY; MARCH 11, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2,3,6

COMPOSER: BACH 


Nigel Kennedy - Bach - BWV 1042 - I - Allegro

OBJECTIVE: Keyboard muscle/finger coordination; songs by number
1. QUOTE AUTHOR: Robert Schumann
.....a. Schumann Documentary:




2. SOLFEGE DO-RE-MI(while checking for finishing quotes)
3. KEYBOARDS: TEACHER WILL BE GOING AROUND TO CHECK STUDENTS FOR:
.....a. Understanding how to "D" on the keyboards
.....b. Demonstrating how to play a "B" "A" "G" song (Mary or Hot Cross Buns)
.....c. Ear training on one pentatonic (black key note song)
.....d. Understanding on how to start reading songs by number on the keyboard (used to teach the "frame" position of the hands and also to be able to use the sense of touch rather than the eyes looking at the keys while playing).
This lesson will continue into tomorrow.


BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5:
OBJECTIVE: PREPARATION FOR HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE/FINGERING DO-RE-MI (MAJOR)
1. TUNE
2. Passed out packets of holiday music to each student without colors on them
.....a.Students are to color in the notes (colors stand for which string the notes are played on) for Coventry Carol but wait for directions before coloring in the notes on the next songs until we have a chance to go over the music in class)
3. HOLIDAY PROGRAM SONG: COVENTRY CAROL
4. HOLIDAY PROGRAM SONG: HAVA NAGILA
.....a. This is an open string, bowing (arco) harmony part and will be played with the advanced violins (from the period 4 class) playing the melody at the concert.
.....b. Listened to the recorded accompaniment and teacher demonstration.
.....c. Explained about whole notes, half notes, and quarter notes (using money as examples: whole note=4 quarters; half note=2 quarters; quarter note =1 quarter
.....d. The class read the open string notes as teacher wrote the letters down on the chart.
.....e. Instructions were given to use the boe (UH) if comfortable; if not, can first learn the song using pizzicato in guitar and/or regular position.
5. MARY (DO-RE-MI SONG) played on each string in the cycle of strings with bow (UH)

Coming Up:

we will be replaying DO-RE-MI songs: Mary and Hot Cross Buns on the G, D, and A strings but adding the next higher open string with it [example playing Mary (DO-RE-MI) on the "D" string but bowing open A with the D string at the same time]. By adding the neighboring (next highest) open string while playing the melody on the lower string, harmony is produced. Using this technique on these DO-RE-MI songs helps students to listen for intonation because it is easier to hear a finger going out of tune when there is another note harmonizing with it.

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4:

OBJECTIVE: Preparation for Harvest Day performance on October 28th
1. TUNE
2. WE USED MUSIC STANDS and PASSED OUT MUSIC BINDERS TO THE VIOLINS THAT WILL BE USED IN THE PERFORMANCE
.....a. These binders are to remain in class at all times
.....b. Music to remain in plastic sleeves at all times
3. DE COLORES

.....a. Read through with music on the stands instead of on posters
.....b. Worked for balance of harmony and melody.
.....c. Worked for independence of harmony parts.
4. HOEDOWN
.....a. Ran through the music a few times.
.....b. Electric guitar was able to stay on the beat with the violins; I think the amp was adjusted better the guitar and violins could hear each other better.
.....c. Keyboard did not play so we will have to see if we can secure the same sound blend (where everyone can hear one another) tomorrow
5. ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL.....a. Again, music was on the stands and played without posters.
.....b. The volume was turned up a little on the recorded accompaniment which allowed both harmony and melody parts
to stay together
.....c. Again the electric quitar seemed to have the amp more in balance which helped considerably so everyone could hear each other to stay together.
.....d. The keyboard part was not in the mix so (as in the other piece) we will have to see if the accompaniment will be able to be heard by him as well.
4. Preparation for the Harvest Festival Performance
......a. There are 12 practice sessions (days left) before the concert
......b. We will be performing on the outside stage in the early part of the festival
......c. When we are finished we can put our instruments away in the room and enjoy rest of the festivities
......d. More information to follow when I get it.