As we prepare for Christmas and the holidays, one major choral work that we will learn is "Hallelujah Chorus" from Messiah by Handel. This piece has various layers of musical writing to it--homophony, polyphony, accompanied music, etc. Listen to three different recordings of the work by three different choirs. As you listen, note the following: how the tempo changes from performance to performance, the sound of the various choirs, whether there is an orchestra or a piano, and any other musical element present. The following questions/responses need to be addressed in your two paragraph written response: 1) Does the performance sound better or worse when it is a full orchestra? Piano alone? 2) Is the choirs diction clear? (In other words, are the words clearly understood in each voice part?) If not, how can it be made better? 3) What is one thing that will make the performances better? Be specific and list one thing for each of the three videos you watch. 4) You must listen to at least one (1) video that that has piano accompaniment and no orchestra. You must also listen to a total of three (3) videos and include the YouTube link in order to receive credit for your listening. All listening is due by Friday, November 14, 2014, 11:59 pm. Below is a video example. This video cannot be used as one of your listening examples for this assignment.

Listening Week of October 27 -31, 2014 This week’s listening activity deals with Tibetan Throat Singing, sometimes referred to as overtone singing. In this type of singing, individuals are able to manipulate the overtones that are naturally present in the voice, producing two tones at one time. Look at the following YouTube links in addition to some of your own and make a post on the class blog (http://btwcmd.blogspot.com) responding to the videos you watch. In your response, answer the following questions: 1. What is Tibetan Throat Singing? 2. What are some dangers of this method of singing? Benefits? (you will have to do a little research to answer this question) 3. What does the singing sound like to you? 4. How is this type of singing achieved? Is this something that you can train yourself to do? Responses need to total at least two paragraphs in length. All responses need to be made on the class blog site. These are due by Friday, October 31 no later than 11:59 pm. Late posts will not be accepted.

Music Commercials

I watched the following commercial. It is about Beats Audio and the character is Ellen DeGeneres. In this commercial, she searches for the best music and best beats to listen to so that she can dance. Compare this to the story of Goldilocks. Music has an innate power to control and change how people do things. This is evident from the commercial. How can we use music in our classroom to change people and their behaviors? This will be a major goal and concept for us the remainder of the year.

Wordle

I found this new word picture site called Wordle. It is similar to Taxedo in that one can create word art. In this picture I created, I used instruments and other musical items to create the Wordle. This site can be used as an aid for projects and I can see the value in creating graphic organizers if the information is formatted correctly. This seems like another fun site to use in the classroom and we will be using it to improve learning.

Performance Assessments

Congratulations on your success CMD!!! As you know, we recently had to performance assessments in one week and suffice it to say, you are did a wonderful job! Choral music is still alive in Alabama and in the country and we are living proof that this is true. I am so proud of my students and their hard work and determination. I can truly say that it makes me feel good as a director to have such as hard-working and determined group of gifted singers.

We did receive some very constructive criticism (more for me than you all) but it is always good to have someone else's opinion about your work so that you can look more objectively at what you are doing. Keep up the good work!!!

Spring Break

I know that each of you are enjoying your spring break! The week is almost over (actually it is over including today) and we get right back into the swing of things on Monday. Over the break, I hope that you have been thinking about what plans you have for the future and the remainder of the school year. We are in the last 9 weeks grading period and we have a lot of music yet to learn and perfect. We did well over the past few weeks considering the amount of time and number of performances that we have had. Please take a moment and read the information on the following site. It will provide you with some additional support as we prepare to finish the school year. Enjoy the rest of the week!

Click here to access the article

Tagxedo!!

Tagxedo is a website that allows users to create word paintings and other pictures using words. You can use any shape or design that you want and then either add words or use words from a website. This can be used in the classroom in the following ways:
1. To reinforce words or vocabulary that students need to know
2. To allow students to create brainstorming ideas
3. As a project where students need to relate words to a specific discipline

Click here to access Tagxedo!

I made this image on www.tagxedo.com. This appears to be a useful site that I believe my students will use in the future.... Finding all this new technology will prove beneficial to the students in their future.

Worst Choir Ever??? Or Not?

I found this video of a choir. I am not sure whether it is the worst choir ever or an attempt to try music for another purpose.

Class Today

Class today was successful. I think that my 2nd block class got much more accomplished than my advanced students, but that's ok. The students covered (and somewhat completed) a major piece that has been a challenge. Anytime we are able to get through a piece is a victory for me and at my current age and status, I relish in small victories.

Share Your Thoughts...

In this week's blog, you should share your thoughts about a recent performance you saw. The performance can be either from TV or a live performance. Share how the performance made you feel, what you did or did not like about the performance, and anything else you want to talk about regarding the performance. Be as specific as possible. Remember that you will lose points if your posts are not a paragraph and have some substantial weight to your discussion. If you can, share a link about the performance. You post is due by February 14, 2014.
MEW

Your Favorite Song

In this week's blog session, you need to share you favorite song. Include a link to the song from YouTube so that others can listen and watch. Share your thoughts about the song. Be specific. Make sure that you include the following in your post: 1) name of the song, 2) why it is your favorite song, 3) the way you felt when you first heard the song. All posts need to be at least one paragraph in length. Your sentences need to be more complex than "It is a really good song" and "It sounds nice". Points will be deducted for posts that are lacking in content and scope. For instance, here is a song that I like   Click here to listen to a song that I like  You may have to only include the link in your post and others can open it. You have until Friday, February 7 to post for credit. Late posts will lose points.
MEW

Weekly Listening

View the following YouTube link and post a comment about the video. It should cover your interpretation of what you see and how it can improve or if it needs any improvement at all. Try to cover at least something musical. Click here to watch video!!!!

Showcase 2014

The BTW Magnet Showcase 2014 has begun! We had our first show this morning and it was a success! The energy was high, singers were awesome, all the performers were awesome, and the audience enjoyed it. Tonight's performance should be even better and the energy will be much higher. Kudos to all the teachers, parents, and supporters who have helped make Showcase such a large success.
BTW Magnet High School