Hallelujah!!!!

This is our last blog post for the grading period. In this post, we are going to listen to two different versions of Hallelujah Chorus which we have been learning. In your response, please compare and contrast the two and give musical reasons about which you like. Be as specific as possible in your one paragraph (5 sentences) response. All posts must be made by 11:59 pm on Friday, December 14, 2018.

The Holidays Are Here!

This week we are looking at holiday music.  As we approach the holiday season, we should begin to look at music that would be appropriate for a holiday or Christmas performance.  In this blog post you will need to find one holiday or Christmas piece that will be appropriate for a choral performance.  Your selection can be for a choir or for a solo singer.  Include in your post why you chose the selection, what musical elements about it make it appropriate for holiday or Christmas, and whether or not you would perform in the selection yourself either as a solo or in a choir. All posts should be made by Friday November 16, 2018. No late posts accepted. Include a link to the video.

It's My Birthday!

On this blog post, you need to look for songs that where released on your birthday or in the month of your birthdate. The year must match the year you were born. Check the top 100 or Billboard charts for the year you were born. You might be lucky to find one for your date. Include a link to the video and discuss something about the song you have found. You may have to do a little research to find out more information. Spelling and grammar count in addition to the post being at least 1 full paragraph. Due by Friday, October 26, 2018 at 11:59 pm.

Old School/Throwback Music

For the post this week, you will need to find an old school (before 2000) song that you like or style that you are particularly fond of. In your post, discuss why you like the song or style and any musical elements about it that make it interesting to you. Include a link to your video and check your spelling and grammar before posting. All posts are due by 10/19/18 at 11:59 pm. No late posts accepted.

POPS Choreography

Since we are now working on choreography for POPS, let's look at choir (or Pop artists) who use choreography in their performances. Find two examples for this post: one good/great and one that could use some improvement. In your post, make sure you critique both videos. List two positive areas and two areas for improvement. Include the link to your videos and use correct spelling, grammar, and turn your post in by Friday, September 21, 2018 at 11:59 pm. No late posts accepted.

Rising from the Ashes!

This year has already turned out to be a unique one in that we have experienced some major changes that will affect the remainder of the year. With that in mind, we are in a state of rebirth or rejuvenation. For this week we are looking at songs that are inspirational and that can be used to help people cope or adjust to new beginnings. Post one selection that meets this criterion and include a link to it in the post. Your post should be at least one paragraph in length with correct spelling and grammar. No late posts are accepted. Please complete and turn in by Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11:59 pm.

Choral Music

For this second blog post, you will need to choose one choral piece that you like or enjoy hearing or performing. Tell the name of the piece, who it is by, what voicing it is for (mixed voices= SATB, women's ensemble, men's ensemble, children's choir, etc), if it uses any accompaniment (piano, drums, other instruments) and what you like about the piece. Be as specific as possible and use as many musical terms as possible.

In your second paragraph, discuss what critiques you have about the performance. Think like a musician and make informed comments. Do not be too broad--comments like "they sounded good" or "the tone could have been better" are not specific. Instead, write something like "the sopranos blended well when singing the higher notes and they all used the same vowel space" or "the piano was not too loud compared to the singers, providing a good balance". These are much better comments. Please check all spelling, grammar, and punctuation. All posts are due by Friday, August 17, 2018 at 11:59 pm. No late posts are accepted.

Back To School!

Welcome back to school for the 2018-2019 school year! I already have a lot planned for the year. For this the first blog post, please introduce yourself to the class. Tell your name, age, last school attended, grade, what you want to learn this year in choir, and anything else that we may not know about you. In a second paragraph, tell me what your favorite song or genre of music is and why. Use a many musical terms as possible when explaining. Copy and paste a link to the song at the end of your post. Your post should be a minimum of two paragraphs (5-8 sentences for each), use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. All posts should be made to the blog site before Friday, August 10, 2018 at 11:59 pm. No late posts are accepted. Post early so that you avoid any technical problems.

Here is a sample song.

Black History

For Black History month, we are looking at songs and spirituals that express the feelings slaves would have felt. In this post, you will need to find a spiritual that expresses the true feelings a slave could and would have felt. You post should be free of grammatical errors, correct punctuation and spelling. Posts should be turned in by February 9, 2018, 11:59 pm. Write at least one paragraph for your post. No duplicate posts.

Here is an example.

Showcase 2018!

For this week's blog post, you need to reflect on how Showcase 2018 went. Your post should be 2 paragraphs long minimum and address each of the following:
1. What was your favorite part of the performance?
2. What part(s) did you think needed improvement?
3. Did you give your best effort?
4. What would you like to see done next year in Showcase?

All posts are due by 1/26/18, 11:59 pm. No late posts will be accepted. Use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. In order to receive credit, make sure that your post is on the blog site. No screenshots or other methods will be accepted. Do not reply to another student's post. If your post does not answer each question, you will not receive credit.