WHAT WE DID TODAY (SEMESTER #2-05): FRIDAY; FEBRUARY 4, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2, 3, 6:

COMPOSER: Chopin mazurka A minor opus 68-2 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL6xFZ3-t6U 

played by the famous Russian pianist/composer Sergei Rachmaninoff )

OBJECTIVE: Intro to Percussion

1. Quote: Students may write their own response or use one of the others discussed in
class/first 5 minutes
.....a. Each quote worth 1 point. This week points earned will be for extra credit as we are new at doing them. Next week the points will count toward the grade.
.....b. Quotes will be posted on this BLOG so if any are missed they can be made-up
.....c. Author of the quote today: Paul Hindemith; a famous modern composer who also was known for playing a string instrument called a viola.
.....d. Discussion of term "Classical" and how it relates to the arts.
2. Solfege Roll: Teacher asks with hand signals: Sol-Mi-Sol-Sol-Mi ("Mar-y are you here?")/Student answers with hand signals: Sol-Mi-Sol-Mi ("Yes I am").
3. Percussion Instruments Demonstration: slapstick, tambourine, cabasa, jingle bells, hand drum, guiro, triangle, finger cymbals, spoons, castinets, bell tree, claves, woodblock, sandblocks, cowbell, ratchet, maracas, and vibra tone (wah-wah)
4. If time, try out instruments while following conductor's silent cues (signals)..To continue next week.
5. Do not forget to turn in signed rule sheets: worth 1 point

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5:
OBJECTIVE:
1. TUNE
2. 21 GUNS


ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4:
OBJECTIVE: Preparation for performance on
1. PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT HISTORY
2. TUNE
3. 21 GUNS

LAST SEMESTER'S VIOLIN CLASSES: NEED TO GET PERMISSION SLIPS BACK FOR FIELD TRIP TO THE DISNEY HALL CONCERT IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 24th!

WHAT WE DID TODAY (SEMESTER #2-04): THURSDAY; FEBRUARY 3, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2, 3:

COMPOSER: CHOPIN/Waltz in C# Minor Opus 64-2 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTQbShIfAU8&feature=fvw

OBJECTIVE: Rules and Procedures
1. Pink quote sheets passed out and students write names on them and prepare to copy quote from overhead projector. After copying quote and author's name students are to write what they think the quote means in the space provided. If unsure, there will be a short discussion and others in the class will give their ideas and the teacher will give hers. Students may write their own response or use one of the others discussed in class/first 5 minutes
.....a. Each quote worth 1 point. This week points earned will be for extra credit as we are new at doing them. Next week the points will count toward the grade.
.....b. Quotes will be posted on this BLOG so if any are missed they can be made-up
.....c. Author of the quote today: John Cage; a famous modern composer known for his experimental music (like the "prepared piano").
2. Solfege Roll: Teacher asks with hand signals: Sol-Mi-Sol-Sol-Mi ("Mar-y are you here?")/Student answers with hand signals: Sol-Mi-Sol-Mi ("Yes I am").
3. If time: "Jorge the Gila Monster" solfege movement exercise
4. "Beat Goes On" music graph
.....a. Using posted graph and recorded music, everyone counts the colored squares while they perform different types of BP (body percussion) for the different graph colored squares (purple: snap/pink:heartbeat/ blue:head tap/ green: patsch).
.....b. After performing, students view chart and examine the "form" (beginning: introduction/middle/end: coda). The "form" is like a sandwich (beginning and end are the bread; the pink, blue, and green melodic ideas are like ham
cheese, and mustard)
.....c. What other things have form?
.....d. After looking at the graph, look carefully at the numbers of beats (1 square=1 beat) in each pattern (or graph color). .........1)Is there a mathematical pattern? MUSIC IS MATH
5. Do not forget to turn in signed rule sheets: worth 1 point
TERMS:
PERCUSSION
CODA
INTRODUCTION
MEASURE
TUNEABLE HAND DRUM
CAGE, JOHN
PREPARED PIANO
CLASSICAL
FORM
BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5:
OBJECTIVE: TECHNIQUE THROUGH ROTE SONGS
1. TUNE
2. SONG: HOEDOWN
3. SONG: 21 GUNS

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4:
OBJECTIVE: Preparation for SPRING CONCERT
1. TUNE
2. SONG: NUMB
.....a. All play the harmony part
...........1)Work for 4th finger intonation
...........2)Worked on "road sign" directions
3. SONG: BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS
4. SONG: 21 GUNS


LAST SEMESTER'S VIOLIN CLASSES: NEED TO GET PERMISSION SLIPS BACK FOR FIELD TRIP TO THE DISNEY HALL CONCERT IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 24th!

GENERAL MUSIC CLASS INFORMATION SHEET

GENERAL MUSIC CLASS INFORMATION SHEET
INSTRUCTOR: MISS JACOBSON
ROOM: 43

OVERVIEW OF CLASS
This year long class is designed as an introduction to music through the playing of instruments: piano, recorder, violin, guitar, and percussion.

OBJECTIVES
01. To learn about note/rhythm reading and other elements of music
02. To gain knowledge of the history of music
03. To be exposed to different genres: musical theatre, classical , folk, and popular music styles
04. To understand basic music terminology
05. To develop listening and focusing skills
06. To work and behave cooperatively in a structured group format
07. To be able to connect music to other subject disciplines such as history, literature, math, and science

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
01. RULES:
a. No one stops a student from learning.
b. No one stops the teacher from teaching.
c. The classroom must be a safe and respectable learning environment.
d. School rules are to be followed at all times.
02. CONSEQUENCES:
a. Verbal warning
b. Parent contact
c. School discipline rules
03. ADDED WRITTEN WORK ASSIGNMENTS:
a. Use of these assignments will replace points lost by non-participation in the instrument playing activities
b. Maybe assigned to students who are unable to play instruments due to medical issues
c. Will be assigned to students with behavioral issues
d. Can be used to earn extra credit or make-up points toward the final grade

CLASS PROCEDURES
01. CLASSROOM SUPPLIES:
a. Pencils, pencil sharpeners, paper, and other instructional materials will be supplied for each student.
b. These materials are intended for proper classroom use and not to be used for any other purpose.
c. These supplies are to remain in class at all times and not taken out of the classroom without the teacher’s permission.
02. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS:
a. All instruments will be supplied for students to use for free.
b. These instruments to be used in class either belong to the school or are supplied at the teacher’s personal expense.
c. Rules and procedures for the use of the instruments will be taught and followed at all times.
d. Deliberate misuse of the instruments will not be tolerated.
e. All instruments are to remain in the classroom and never taken home with the exception of instruments loaned out with parent –signed permission forms.
f. Students will not be held accountable for the general maintenance of the instruments.
g. Personal Instruments:
01. No personal instruments are required to be supplied by parents.
02. Any personal instruments are brought to school at the student’s own risk.
03. These instruments should not be taken to school without parent permission.
04. Instruments should have proper identification on them.
05. Given allowable space, instruments may be stored in the music classroom during the school day and picked-up after school.
03. PERSONAL BELONGINGS:
a. All personal belongings (backpacks, books, etc.) will be placed at the back of the room upon entering class.
b. General classroom space will be taken up by the use of the instruments so personal belongings, possibly left in walk paths, could create accidents or cause breakage to the instruments.
04. BATHROOM, WATER, NURSE:
a. To keep the classroom a safe environment in which to work, there will be no unnecessary leaving of seats without permission during class instructional time.
b. Students with signed-parent permission notes will be exempt from this rule.
c. Students with emergency needs will be sent to the nurse with a note which will be returned (signed by the nurse) to the teacher upon returning to class.
d. Use of bathroom facilities follow procedures set down by the school (sign-out sheets posted by the door and bathroom pass are to be used).
05. CLASSROOM TEMPERATURE:
a. Due to wooden instruments that are affected by climate, the classroom temperature is kept deliberately on the cooler side.
b. Students need to dress for class accordingly.
c. If needed, any student may bring to class an old sweater, sweatshirt, etc. to store in class permanently to use.
06. ASKING QUESTIONS:
a. Classroom/Topic Related
01. Students are to raise hands and wait to be called upon to ask questions.
02. Questions should be related to the topic being discussed.
03. “What-if” type questions used deliberately to waste time in class should be avoided.
04. The teacher will be available most lunch periods and after school hours to meet with students who want further explanations or extra instruction.
b. Personal
01. Personal questions are those related to a student’s personal grade, missing class work, etc.
02. Personal questions should be asked during non-instructional time, preferably after class hours.
GRADING
01. Point Percentage Grading for Both Academics and Work Habits:

100%-90% “A”
89%-80% “B”
79%-70% “C”
69%-60% “D”
59%- “F”

02. All points need to be made up if absent except “Participation” points

03. Ask teacher after class hours for missed and/or make-up work

04. Daily Participation: 1 point
a. Student participates in the group activity cooperatively
b. Student tries to follow proper procedures as taught by the teacher
c. Point taken away as a poor choice behavior consequence
d. This point does not need to made up if absent

05. Daily Quote (starting activity): 1 point
a. Students copy quote and write their own interpretation of the meaning
b. Short classroom discussion to help formulate answer
c. This activity done while listening to classical music of different composers

06. Composer Reports: points to be announced
a. 1 point for each completed page, 2 points for the personal reflection
b. Reports done in class with teacher guidance
c. Report based on a classical composer’s music listened in class during the quote activity

07. Tests and/or Quizzes: points to be announced

08. Theory Worksheets: 1 point per page (unless otherwise specified)
a. Theory work consists of note reading, rhythmic counting, musical form analysis, terminology, etc.
b. All worksheets to be discussed and worked on together in class

09. Musical Theatre (Opera) Notes/Reports/Quizzes: points to be announced.
a. Notes taken in class with teacher guidance
b. Students introduced to a famous musical (or opera)
c. Students watch, take notes, and discuss sections of the musical each week
d. Report and/or quiz at conclusion

10. Other assignments (instructional documentaries, demonstrations, etc.) to be announced.

SPECIAL NOTE ON GRADING
EVERY STUDENT SHOULD RECEIVE THE GRADE THEY WANT BECAUSE ALL POINTS CAN BE MADE UP.

EXAMPLES OF HOW TO MAKE UP MISSING POINTS:
01. RETAKING OR REDOING QUIZZES, TESTS, AND/OR ASSIGNMENTS UNTIL THE DESIRED POINTS RESULT
02. DOING MISSING ASSIGNMENTS
03. FINISHING INCOMPLETE WORK
04. USING MUTUALLY AGREED UPON (ARRANGED WITH THE TEACHER) REPLACEMENT ASSIGNMENTS
05. EXTRA CREDIT ARRANGED WITH THE TEACHER

(UP UNTIL ONE WEEK BEFORE EACH FORMAL GRADING PERIOD ANY MISSING POINTS CAN BE MADE UP)

SCHEDULES

WEEKLY SCHEDULE
01. This class will be taught in sections
02. There will be different days for different activities
03. Schedules may be altered as to specific instructional needs or holiday interruptions

IMPORTANT*****
ADDED INFORMATION ON RECORDERS
01. RECORDERS WILL BE SUPPLIED BY THE SCHOOL
02. EACH STUDENT WILL BE GIVEN A SOPRANO RECORDER.
03. SOME RECORDERS ARE NEW, OTHERS USED BUT CLEAN AND SANITIZED.
04. NO STUDENT WILL EVER SHARE RECORDERS WITH ANYONE ELSE.
05. STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUPPLY A LARGE ZIP-LOCK TYPE PLASTIC BAG TO KEEP THEIR RECORDER STORED IN WHEN NOT IN USE. THIS BAG IS TO BE REPLACED IF IT GETS TORN OR DIRTY.
06. RECORDERS WILL HAVE IDENTIFICATION LABELS PLACED AND KEPT ON THEM AT ALL TIMES
07. SCHOOL RECORDERS WILL REMAIN IN CLASS FOR SAFE STORAGE
08. ANYONE WHO WISHES TO HAVE THEIR OWN SOPRANO RECORDER INSTEAD OF USING THE ONE SUPPLIED BY THE SCHOOL WILL BE ALLOWED TO AS LONG AS THE RECORDER IS SIMILAR (IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THE EXACT BRAND) TO THE INSTRUMENT WE ARE USING IN CLASS AND HAS A STUDENT IDENTIFICATION LABEL ON IT.

Please have the following tear-off signed and returned to the teacher acknowledging that this document has been read and understood. I am looking forward to having a wonderful year!

Thank-You,
Miss Jacobson.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I have read over this music information with my child and understand its content.

Student Name: ___________________________________________________

Date: ________________________

Parent Signature: __________________________________________________

Parent Contact Information: ______________________________

Any questions?

WHAT WE DID TODAY (SEMESTER #2-03): WEDNESDAY; FEBRUARY 2, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2, 3:

COMPOSER: CHOPIN/Waltz in C# Minor Opus 64-2 

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTQbShIfAU8&feature=fvw)
OBJECTIVE: Rules and Procedures
1. Silly Test"of class behavior rules: first 5 minutes2. Solfege Roll: Teacher with hand signals: Sol-Mi-Sol-Sol-Mi ("Mar-y are you here?")/Student answers with hand signals: Sol-Mi-Sol-Mi ("Yes I am").
3. Finish Discussion of "Silly Rules" and turn-in Friday.
4. Discuss important points on the class rule sheets (that are to be taken home to be signed).
Important: bathroom/water usage rules, grading policy, and behavior expectations.
5. "Silly Rules" worksheet to be turned in: 1 point
6. Class Rule sheets to be taken home and signed: 1 point
BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5:
OBJECTIVE:
1. TUNE
2. SONG: YEAR WITHOUT RAIN
....a. Worked extensively on two measures from "Year Without Rain" without accompaniment
....b. Started to put sections together with the accompaniment

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4:
OBJECTIVE:
1. TUNE
2. SONG: NUMB
.....a. Worked on harmony part only
3. SONG: YEAR WITHOUT RAIN
.....a. Worked trying to get the harmony part more solid while the melody part was playing


LAST SEMESTER'S VIOLIN CLASSES: NEED TO GET PERMISSION SLIPS BACK FOR FIELD TRIP TO THE DISNEY HALL CONCERT IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 24th!

WHAT TO WATCH FOR AT AN ORCHESTRA CONCERT

WHAT WE DID TODAY (SEMESTER #2-02): TUESDAY; FEBRUARY 1, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2, 3:
COMPOSER: CHOPIN/Nocturne Eb Major Opus 9-2 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5ZUw78FXpG4)

OBJECTIVE: Rules and Procedures/Introduction to Solfege
1. Manilla folders passed out and students write names and period number on the cover. This is to hold all classwork/then work on "Silly Test"of class behavior rules during roll
2. Seating Charts: Students are allowed to choose their own seats as long as they can maintain proper class behavior
3. Solfege
.....a. What is solfege?
.........1)Explanation
.........2)Demonstration
.........3)Curwen hand signals 
http://web.ku.edu/~cmed/choirF2000/hardeesolfege/ ; 
http://web.ku.edu/~cmed/acdapres/curwendiatonic.html
.....b. Solfege Roll (Sol-Mi the natural chant or interval of childhood) Introduction (each student sings and hand signs their name in solfege using Sol-Mi)
.....c. "Jorge the Gila Monster"(http://www.proteacher.net/discussions/showthread.php?t=112400 ; http://openlibrary.org/books/OL7814091M/Any_Turkey_Can_Tango) solfege movement activity with recording
.........1)Practice the solfege body movements
.........2)Practice stopping-starting/standing-sitting with silent directions from the conductor
4. "Silly Rules" discussion of answers (to be finished tomorrow)
NEW TERMS:
SOLFEGE
CONDUCTOR

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5:
OBJECTIVE: SPRING CONCERT MUSIC
1. TUNE
2. Collection of permission slip forms for field trip FEBRUARY 24th
3. NEW SONG: A YEAR WITHOUT RAIN
.....a. Reviewed whole and half note countings
.....b. Reviewed music "road sign" directions
.....c. Teacher played harmony part for the class with the accompaniment
.....d. Looked over music for repeated phrases; bowing passages
.....e. Started to sight read-to be continued tomorrow

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4:
OBJECTIVE: SPRING CONCERT MUSIC
1. TUNE
2. SONG: NUMB
....a. Tried to have class play the harmony part first; will need to try it again
2. SONG: A YEAR WITHOUT RAIN




LAST SEMESTER'S VIOLIN CLASSES: NEED TO GET PERMISSION SLIPS BACK FOR FIELD TRIP TO THE DISNEY HALL CONCERT IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 24th!

MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2, 3, 6:
COMPOSER (IF TIME): CHOPIN/Prelude #7 Opus 28 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lgfpq6fT0Fs&feature=related

OBJECTIVE: Introduction to "General Music Class" and "Recorder Care Procedure Rules."
1. Entering room procedures
.....a. Handout is passed out.
Contents: "Behavior Multiple Choice 'Silly' Test"
......b. Backpack placement in back of room at designated area
......c. 2 pencils brought to seat
......d. Students start "Silly Test" (to be continued tomorrow) while teacher takes role.
2. Teacher introduction
3. Class Overview
4. Bathroom/Water Directions (more of rules discussed tomorrow)
5. Use of a "piggy back" song to help learn recorder rules.
.....a. Beat
.....b. Rhythm
.....c. Mathematical patterns of the beat
.....d. Body Percussion (snap, head tap, and "patsch" thighs)
6. Exit room procedures

NEW TERMS:
"PIGGY-BACK" SONG
RHYTHM
PULSE
BEAT
MELODY
BODY PERCUSSION
PATSCH

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5:
OBJECTIVE: PREPARATION SPRING CONCERT MUSIC
1. TUNING
2. 21 GUNS
.....a. Work on slurring UP-UP (4-1)
.....b. Bowing articulation

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4:
OBJECTIVE: PREPARATION SPRING CONCERT MUSIC
1. TUNING
2. PASS OUT PERMISSION SLIPS FOR FIELD TRIP
3. 21 GUNS
.....a. harmony and melody parts both together for continuity
.....b. work on getting the keyboard to stay together with the accompaniment

LAST SEMESTER'S VIOLIN CLASSES: NEED TO GET PERMISSION SLIPS BACK FOR FIELD TRIP TO THE DISNEY HALL CONCERT IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 24th!

WHAT WE DID TODAY: THURSDAY; JANUARY 21, 2011

FINISHED BOWING ON SHOULDER/REVIEWED BOW HOLD

GUITAR: NEW: MODIFIED G CHORD //REVIEWED MODIFIED C CHORD

PLAYED SONG USING G AND C CHORDS: PAPERBACK RIDER BY THE BEATLES



Hoedown: reviewed first 2 sections put together then started section 3 teaching bow technique called spiccato with open strings first then added fingers down and played the section with both bows and fingering then we put all 3 sections together.

started to play and pull apart the song boulevard of broken dreams




NUMB Looked at rhythm for Numb using charts (subdivision of the beat) clapping the rhythms while listening to the music (will work specifically on the counting with worksheets tomorrow)
practiced shifting for passage in year without rain [up bow 1-1 1 2 3 (F#-A A B C#)]

21 GUNS first practiced passage with D-D# fingering (regular 3 and then slide to high 3) review that a # sharp raises a note a half step

Played through 21 guns with singers

WHAT WE DID TODAY: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

VIOLIN BOW:

REVIEW SPRING OF BOW AND USE OF POINTER RIGHT FINGER JOINT AS IT DISTRIBUTES THE PRESSURE NEEDED (STARTING FROM THE SHOULDER)TO START THE SPRING ACTION

BOW HOLD REVIEW
BOW HOLD AND SPRING ON THE ARM
BOW ON SHOULDER: USE OF SQUARE, TRIANGLE, TRAPEZOID //SEE-SAW

hoedown review 1st (intro) then the next section and then put them together
intro to new song boulevard of broken dreams (review rhythms/notes) briefly look over

Finished putting colors into NUMB music and started to write down fingerings for NUMB
put together folders to try to help students from loosing their personal music.


A YEAR WITHOUT RAIN
BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS

WHAT WE DID TODAY: TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2011

2,3,6 VIOLIN BOW

CARE: TIGHTEN/LOOSEN - ROSIN

SPRING OF BOW (BOW ON THE LAP TO FEEL SPRING)

BOW BALANCE TO PREPARE FOR BOW HOLD (ACTUALLY HAND AS THE BOW DIRECTER)

5- 21 guns

section 2 hoedown/review intro to hoedown

4-new song NUMB colors for strings and then adding fingerings

boulevard of broken dreams adding voice

WHAT WE DID TODAY: FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2011

Absent

2,3, 6 watch musical

5 watch take notes film on note reading

4 Musical Oklahoma

WHAT WE DID TODAY: THURSDAY; JANUARY 13, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2,3,6
OBJECTIVE: Musical Theatre
1. NO QUOTE instead: MUSICAL REPORT
.....a. Wrote down and discussed song titles that we have heard in the musical so far
2. "MY FAIR LADY"
.....a. Continued to watch the musical

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5
OBJECTIVE: Note reading the song "TWINKLE"/Connecting the violin to the keyboard
1. Passed out "Twinkle" worksheets
2. Students reviewed instructions on how to use the concept of step-wise note movement (forward or backwards movement of a line note to the very 
    next space or vice versa) of the lines and spaces (and the spans of lines and spaces inbetween notes) of the musical staff to determine the names of 
    notes and fingering on the violin
.....a. Students placed the violin fingerings below the notes of the song
...........1)When the direction of the notes move up, generally fingers are added on the string
...........2)When the direction of the notes move down, generally fingers are taken off the string
.....b. Students placed the musical alphabet note names below the songs notes
...........1)When the direction of the notes move up, the musical alphabet notes move forward
...........2)When the direction of the notes move down, the musical alphabet notes move backwards
3. Students determined by using colors, which notes were played on the different open strings (ex: Red is used for the "D" string/Yellow is used for 
    the "A" string)
4. With knowledge that we learned this week about the location of the open string notes on the keyboard, we discussed how the violin music can be 
    played on the keyboard.
5. Students were sent to the keyboards to read the notes and play them on the keyboards (I started to check each student for understanding) This is to 
    be continued on Monday.

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4: 
OBJECTIVE: Violin Fingering
1. TUNE
2. "A Year Without Rain"
.....a. Everyone played the harmony part
.....b. A few phrases of the melody part were sight read
.....c. Students added in the fingerings
.....d. Entire group broke up into harmony and melody parts and sight read the parts together
3. BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS
....a. Entire group played song with both harmony and melody parts

WHAT WE DID TODAY: WEDNESDAY; JANUARY 12, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2,3,6
COMPOSER: BEETHOVEN FUR ELISE
OBJECTIVE: GUITAR C-G7 Chords (modified)

1. QUOTE
2. GUITAR SONGS
.....a. "Whole World in his Hands"
.....b. "Achey Breaky Heart"

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5

OBJECTIVE: SIGHT READING SPRING CONCERT LITERATURE

1. TUNE
2. SONG: "21 GUNS"

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4:
OBJECTIVE: SPRING CONCERT LITERATURE

1. TUNE

2. SHIFTING

.....a. Preparation for shift in song A Year Without Rain
3. "A Year Without Rain"

.....a. Everyone played the harmony part
.....b. A few phrases of the melody part were sight read
.....c. Students added in the fingerings
.....d. Entire group broke up into harmony and melody parts and sight read the parts together
4. BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS
....a. Entire group played song with both harmony and melody parts

WHAT WE DID TODAY: TUESDAY; JANUARY 11, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2,3,6
OBJECTIVE: Musical Theatre
1. NO QUOTE instead: MUSICAL REPORT
.....a. Wrote down and discussed song titles that we have heard in the musical so far
2. "MY FAIR LADY"
.....a. Continued to watch the musical

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5
OBJECTIVE: Note reading the song "TWINKLE"/Connecting the violin to the keyboard
1. Passed out "Twinkle" worksheets
2. Students reviewed instructions on how to use the concept of step-wise note movement (forward or backwards movement of 
    a line note to the very next space or vice versa) of the lines and spaces (and the spans of lines and spaces in between notes) 
    of the musical staff to determine the names of notes and fingering on the violin
.....a. Students placed the violin fingerings below the notes of the song
...........1)When the direction of the notes move up, generally fingers are added on the string
...........2)When the direction of the notes move down, generally fingers are taken off the string
.....b. Students placed the musical alphabet note names below the songs notes
...........1)When the direction of the notes move up, the musical alphabet notes move forward
...........2)When the direction of the notes move down, the musical alphabet notes move backwards
3. Students determined by using colors, which notes were played on the different open strings (ex: Red is used for the "D" 
    string/Yellow is used for the "A" string)
4. With knowledge that we learned this week about the location of the open string notes on the keyboard, we discussed how 
     the violin music can be played on the keyboard.
5. Students were sent to the keyboards to read the notes and play them on the keyboards (I started to check each student for 
    understanding) This is to be continued on Monday.

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4: OBJECTIVE: Violin Fingering
1. TUNE
2. "A Year Without Rain"
.....a. Everyone played the harmony part
.....b. A few phrases of the melody part were sight read
.....c. Students added in the fingerings
.....d. Entire group broke up into harmony and melody parts and sight read the parts together
3. BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS
....a. Entire group played song with both harmony and melody parts

WHAT WE DID TODAY: MONDAY; JANUARY 10, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2,3,6
OBJECTIVE: Violin Left Pizzicato/Open String Note Reading
1. NO QUOTE instead: Finished Composer Report on Tchaikovsky
.....a. Completed the last 3 sections of the report and turned in
2. VIOLIN LEFT PIZZICATO
.....a. Reviewed left hand pizzicato (Italian word for "plucking") and how using this technique will help in the set-up of the 
         left arm position for the violin hold and also the angle at which the violin is played.
.....b. Procedure
..........1)Left thumb placed at curve of the neck forming a backwards "C"
..........2)Left 1st finger pad touches each open string by feel (try not to use the eyes)
..........3)Then, left 1st finger pad silently performs a "spring-like" action 4x up and down on each open string
..........4)Adding to the last step, the left 1st finger pad pushes down onto the string and then pulls the string out to perform                     the pizzicato
..........5)Before restarting the next pizzicato the finger pad briefly feels the string before pushing down and pulling the string 
             again
.....c. Students performed the left hand pizzicato on each string, plucking 4x using:
..........1)1st finger (pointer)
..........2)2nd finger (middle)
..........3)3rd finger (ring)
..........4)4th finger (pinky)
3. OPEN STRING LEFT HAND PIZZICATO SONGS and OPEN STRING NOTE READING
.....a. Procedure
...........1)Examine the song chart with the open string notes on them
...........2)There are colors given (one for each open string note)
...........3)Comparing the visual image to what we know about the violin strings, find:
..............a)The highest note on the chart and use that image to determine which violin string it represents (highest note 
                  represents the highest string, the lowest note represents the lowest string, etc.
..............b)Using the same process identify all 4 notes with the strings they represent
...........4)Note reading was reviewed then students asked to say the note names as they were pointed to
...........5)Added to the above direction student were to say the note names as they plucked (left hand pizzicato) the                                    appropriate matching string
...........6)This step was redone adding music
.....b. Song we played
1)"BATMAN"
THIS LESSON IS TO CONTINUE TOMORROW

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5
OBJECTIVE: Note reading the song "TWINKLE"/Connecting the violin to the keyboard
1. Took out the completed "Twinkle" worksheets and went to the keyboards to play the song by reading the notes
2. I checked the students separately for understanding; this took the whole class period

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4:
OBJECTIVE: SUBDIVISION RHYTHM READING
1. TUNE
2. "A Year Without Rain"
.....a. Everyone counted and clapped to the difficult sycopated rhythms using the process of subdivision of the beat. (This is 
         difficult and is going to take some more rehearsal time to perfect.)
.....b. Everyone reviewed harmony parts
.....c. We started to work on the melody parts (a small section at a time)
3. BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS
....a. Entire group played song with both harmony and melody parts

WHAT WE DID TODAY: FRIDAY; JANUARY 7, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2,3,6
OBJECTIVE: Musical Theatre
1. NO QUOTE instead: MUSICAL REPORT
.....a. Wrote down and discussed song titles that we have heard in the musical so far
2. "MY FAIR LADY"
.....a. Continued to watch the musical

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5
OBJECTIVE: Note reading the song "TWINKLE"/Connecting the violin to the keyboard
1. Passed out "Twinkle" worksheets
2. Students reviewed instructions on how to use the concept of step-wise note movement (forward or backwards movement of 
    a line note to the very next space or vice versa) of the lines and spaces (and the spans of lines and spaces inbetween notes) 
    of the musical staff to determine the names of notes and fingering on the violin
.....a. Students placed the violin fingerings below the notes of the song
...........1)When the direction of the notes move up, generally fingers are added on the string
...........2)When the direction of the notes move down, generally fingers are taken off the string
.....b. Students placed the musical alphabet note names below the songs notes
...........1)When the direction of the notes move up, the musical alphabet notes move forward
...........2)When the direction of the notes move down, the musical alphabet notes move backwards
3. Students determined by using colors, which notes were played on the different open strings (ex: Red is used for the "D" 
     string/Yellow is used for the "A" string)         
4. With knowledge that we learned this week about the location of the open string notes on the keyboard, we discussed how 
    the violin music can be played on the keyboard.
5. Students were sent to the keyboards to read the notes and play them on the keyboards (I started to check each student for 
    understanding) This is to be continued on Monday.

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4:
OBJECTIVE: Violin Fingering
1. TUNE
2. "A Year Without Rain"
.....a. Everyone played the harmony part
.....b. A few phrases of the melody part were sight read
.....c. Students added in the fingerings
.....d. Entire group broke up into harmony and melody parts and sight read the parts together
3. BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS
....a. Entire group played song with both harmony and melody parts

WHAT WE DID TODAY: THURSDAY; JANUARY 6, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2,3,6
OBJECTIVE: INTRODUCTION TO GUITAR
1. NO QUOTE instead: COMPOSER REPORT ON TCHAIKOVSKY
.....a. Filled in and discussed the final portion of the 3rd section and
.....b. Wrote up and discussed section 4
2. GUITAR
.....a. Compared violin to guitar
..........1)Similarities
..........2)Differences
.....b. Different types of guitars
.....c. Fingering
...........1)Finger numbers:
..............a)Left index: 1
..............b)Left middle: 2
..............c)Left ring: 3
..............d)Left pinky: 4
...........2)Finger placement:
..............a)Pad of finger firmly pressed down onto the string
..............b)Finger often needs to be curved or contorted in a direction which enables it not to touch a neighboring string by 
                 accident
..............c)Finger pad is placed near to but not on top of a fret
.....d. Strings
...........1)String names thickest to thinnest (EADGBE)
...........2)String numbers thinnest to thickest: thinnest is 1; thickest is 6
.....e. Melody versus Chordal guitar playing
..........1)Definition and demonstration of a chord on the guitar
..........2)How to read a chord diagram
..........3)Modified Chords
.............a. C chord modified
.............b. G7 chord modified
.....f. Guitar care and maintenance

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5
OBJECTIVE: LEARNING TWINKLE/PREPARATION FOR NOTE READING
1. TUNE
2. WARM-UP
.....a. Silent Bow Rocking for arm levels
.....b. Open string bowings 4x separate bows UH then LH
.....c. Open string bowings DOWN-DOWN/UP-UP (2x each string)
..........1)DOWN-DOWN
..............a)using the WB (whole bow) playing at the LH for the first DOWN (frog to middle)
..............b)then stopping and then restarting in the same direction DOWN using the UH (middle to tip)
..........2)UP-UP
...............a)using the WB playing at the UH for the first UP (tip to middle)
...............b)then stopping and then restarting in the same direction UP using the LH (middle to frog)
.....d. SHIFTING
...........1)Playing an ascending major scale on one string using FULL shifting (finger and thumb move together at the same 
              time)
...........2)Start with an open string (DO) add ist finger (RE) then slowly slide the first finger and thumb into the MI, then to 
               FA, etc.
...........3)At first the slides (shifts) should sound "slurpy" in order to hear as the proper note approaches; using this approach 
              the finger is able to be controlled to stop at the right pitch and not over shoot it (go higher than it should be)
...........4)A note that is a little to low or flat can be artistically corrected during the playing process but notes that are too high 
              or sharp cannot.

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4:
OBJECTIVE: Teaching counting through subdivision of the beat/introducing the counting of sycopated passages
1. TUNE
2. "A Year Without Rain"
.....a. RHYTHMS
..........1)Using the concept of subdivision, students had previously mathematically analyzed where the beats were played and 
             underlined the start of each rhythmic note
..........2)Using a chart (with the same information that the students had previously done on their own papers) the class 
              counted out loud 8 beats per measure clapping on the underlined notes.
..........3)The last step was redone again only this time with the recorded music added
..........4)Students were instructed to try to continue despite any mistakes to establish continuity
..........5)Hand claps were then replaced by snare pads and sticks

The objective was to try to make difficult rhythmic passages more understandable by breaking them down into smaller mathematical units. Often rhythmic passages in music are learned by constant repetition and consequential memorization. However, an intellectual understanding of the counting process is also essential for students not only to play more musically, but to help them learn the passages more accurately and in less time.

WHAT WE DID TODAY: WEDNESDAY; JANUARY 5, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2,3,6 
COMPOSER: PETER ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY: 

"Hamlet"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyH1B8ONJfM

OBJECTIVE: Violin Left Holding Position: Shoulder Rest/Violin Angle/Left Arm
1. NO QUOTE instead: COMPOSER REPORT ON TCHAIKOVSKY
.....a. Filled in and discussed most of the 3rd section of the report
2. Violin
.....a. Passed out violins and labeled cases so that everyone will play the same instrument every violin session
.....b. Reviewed how to put on a shoulder rest to fit each person's individual body
.....c. Discussed and learned how to determine the proper violin playing angle for each student
.....d. Showed and practiced orchestra etiquette: how violinists all watch the conductor by putting their                           instruments on their necks at the same time, and vice versa.
.....e. Talked about the importance of posture while sitting in a chair and the roll of how important posture is in             obtaining a full tone in violin playing.

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5
OBJECTIVE: The keyboard and how it relates to the violin
1. Continued from yesterday...I finished checking all students for their understanding of:
.....a. Locating middle "D" (violin open string "D") on the keyboard
.....b. Applying the musical alphabet concept to the keyboard forward and backwards
.....c. Using the concept of "Perfect 5ths" on the keyboard to easily located all the open string violin notes
.....d. Where all the violin open string notes are located on the keyboard
.....e. Knowledge of names of black keys (sharps and flats) by using the white key note names

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4: 
OBJECTIVE: Subdivision of the beat/preparation for syncopated rhythms
1. TUNE
2. New song: "A Year Without Rain"
.....a. Passed out rhythm sheets from the music
.....b. Students reviewed instruction on the concept of subdivision and syncopated or tied notes over barlines
.....c. Students instructed to write in the subdivided counting under the rhythms then underline where the start           of each rhythmic note starts
3. During homeroom we played Boulevard of Broken Dreams

WHAT WE DID TODAY: TUESDAY; JANUARY 4, 2011

GENERAL MUSIC PERIODS 2,3,6 
COMPOSER: PETER ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY: "Polonaise" from the opera Eugene Onegin

OBJECTIVE: Violin Left Holding Position: Shoulder Rest

1. NO QUOTE instead: COMPOSER REPORT ON TCHAIKOVSKY
.....a. Filled in and discussed the first 2 sections of the report

2. Taking the violin out of the case procedure
3. How to put on a shoulder rest to fit each person's individual body

BEGINNING VIOLIN PERIOD 5:
OBJECTIVE: The keyboard and how it relates to the violin
1. No violins out today
2. Musical Alphabet
.....a. What is the musical alphabet and why are there only 7 letters in it?
.....b. Looking at the keyboard can you see any patterns that the keys fall in?
.....c. How many black keys are there on a keyboard and do they fall in any patterns?
.....d. White key patterns

ADVANCED VIOLIN PERIOD 4: 

OBJECTIVE: Violin Fingering

1. TUNE
2. New song: "A Year Without Rain"
.....a. Passed out music and students instructed to prepare the fingerings on their music in pencil (to be checked          by the teacher)
.....b. After completing fingering student are to then color in the notes which fall on each string
         During lunch tutorial we worked on Boulevard of Broken Dreams starting to add in the violin 2 parts                with the cello