WHAT WE DID TODAY (SEMESTER #2-23): FRIDAY; MARCH 4, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2,3,6

OBJECTIVE:

1. NO QUOTE/START OF MUSICAL REPORT ON "OLIVER"
.....a. Review first few sections of information on the report (title, composer, short summary of story, etc.)
.....b. Wrote down and discuss names of main characters we have met so far
.....c. Wrote down the names of songs we have heard so far

2. Watch the next section of the film

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5:

OBJECTIVE:

1. TUNE
2. SONG: YEAR WITHOUT RAIN
3. SONG: CIELITO LINDO
.....a. Worked on combining harmony and melody parts together

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4:
OBJECTIVE:

1. TUNE
2. SONG: NUMB
.....a. Worked on some difficult rhythmic passages
..........1)Subdivided rhythm by counting eighth notes instead of quarter notes
..........2)Placed the beat numbers under each note
..........3)Circled the starting eighth note beat (number) of each rhythmic note
..........4)Counted the numbers out loud while clapping on those circled numbers (eighth note beat)
..........5)Repeat again only a little faster then keep repeating and speeding up
..........6)Change the numbers to a sound (like "tah") and continue to clap on the circled eighth beats speeding up until am automatic reflex is produced

The object of this exercise is to first intellectualize (think through) a difficult rhythmic passage and then to completely learn it by transfering the knowledge from the thinking side of the brain to the reflex side (memory). I have previously taught the concept of "subdivision of the beat" setting the ground work for the use of this technique in learning difficult rhythmic passages. Not only does this technique help learn difficult rhythmic passages it will drastically reduce the amount of practice time spent learning them.