Ms. Rennick

Monday, February 28, 2011

Music Appreciation (white day) - Students had a substitute in class today, but were to review the information on music used in films, then were to view "Cats" and answer questions while the film was rolling.

Orchestra - 3rd block - (substitute in class) Students viewed the opera/ballet "Cats", and filled in the companion worksheet while the film was rolling.

                - 4th block - All the music stands were missing - so we shifted plans to finalize (by voting on)  our May concert program lineup, then students viewed the musical "Annie" to see the purpose and frequency of music used in Broadway shows. - - specifically the orchestra accompaniment to it

Friday, February 18, 2011

Music Appreciation (blue day) - Class started with the final segment on Purposes for Music in Society; on music written for COMMERCIAL purposes.  Music that falls into this category is written for profit.  Examples would be - Entertainment, Dance music, Commissioned music, Muzak, and commercial Jingles.  After that final piece of the puzzle, the class studied for a bit and took the quiz on Film Music which was covered last class session.

Orchestra Classes - Class members took the quiz on Compositional Forms of Music, and then organized folders with current music, while removing selections played earlier this year.  (cleaned out all the old stuff)  At the end of class we had open practice session with the newer selections that are under consideration for the May concert.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Music Appreciation (white day) - First part of class we learned about music in films as part of the "purposes of music" unit.  After listening to samples, hearing about the process that a film composer goes through, and the psychological reasons to add music to films, the class finished up watching the musical "Little Shop".

Orchestra Classes - both classes reviewed the 6 Compositional Forms discussed previously, then learned about 3 more forms, before working on concert music for May.  The next time we meet, there will be a quiz on the 9 forms, and more concert music work.  Students are urged strongly to take instruments home over the break to practice.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Music Appreciation (blue day) - Class learned about the history of film and how music is added to film.  We took the invention from its first prototype in 1889 through its evolution to what we see now in theaters.  There are 5 steps that a composer follows to add his/her music to film - students study your outline.  There are also 6 reasons music is added to film - students study your outline.  Quiz next class meeting.

Orchestra - Both classes continued to review (and learn) about some simple Compositional FORMS in music.  Canon, Fugue, Ternary form, Sonata form, Ostinato, and Rondo.  Tomorrow, we will add 3 more to our set.  There will be a quiz on these forms on Friday.  Students, keep your notes, and study a couple times each night.  Music for our May concert will be decided by the end of the week we get back from break.  Keep all the music.  Practice all of them, because we don't know which ones we will use yet.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Music Appreciation (white day) - Students reviewed the similarities and differences between operas and musicals.  After the review - students viewed a portion of a musical, as an example.  After the viewing, the class took the next 6 weeks pretest.

Orchestra Classes - 3rd block - Learned about, listened to, and played samples of 4 different musical forms.     These forms were in pairs of similar types: Canon and Fugue, Ternary form and Sonata form.  The lecture, CD samples, and performance samples took most of the class time.  At the very end, we were able to rehearse some of "We Are The World", and then summarize the music forms discussed earlier.

                           -  4th block  -  Class listened to the performance CD of yesterday's GMEA evaluation.  The  performance went very well.  After listening to the CD, we heard the judges' comments (3 seperate judges) on our stage portion.  The sightreading judge gave a seperate evaluation after the stage portion.  Tomorrow, we will begin working on our May concert music. 

Monday, February 14, 2011

Music Appreciation (blue day) - Students wrapped up the unit on Operas and Musicals by watching a portion of a musical, then took the next 6 weeks pretest on Music of different cultures, and Music used for films.

Orchestra   -   3rd block went to another room for today, as the GMEA festival left for McEachern at 12:30.  Students were to take the pretest for the upcoming 6 weeks.

                 -   4th block travelled to McEachern, along with selected 3rd block members, to perform for the judges at GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation.  We did pretty well, earning "Excellent" ratings from the stage performance and a "Superior" rating from the sightreading judge.  Tomorrow we will hear the performance on CD and listen to the judges' comments.

 

Friday, February 11, 2011

Music Appreciation (white day) - Students were given the opportunity to "boost" grades in class today.  If any classmember was unhappy with any assignment grades, he or she could earn points through terms and definitions to add to the offending scores.

Orchestra Classes - 3rd block was given opportunity to "boost" their grades as 1st block did.

                          - 4th block rehearsed the GMEA performance music one last time before we head over to McEachern on Monday.  Students are urged to work on those problem spots in the music over the weekend.

                        

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Music Appreciation (blue day) - Students took the 6 weeks test, and were provided an opportunity to boost assignment scores that they were wishing to raise.  Seven students took the "grade boost" opportunity, and repaired some of their lower scoring assignment grades.

Orchestra classes  -  Third block took their 6 weeks test today, and were also offered the same grade boosting opportunity - though only a few took advantage of this. 

                          -  Fourth block rehearsed the GMEA music and sightread a selection just like we would be exposed to next Monday at our evaluation.  After school rehearsal went well, though it was agreed that we need to do one more after school rehearsal on Friday, as it will be our last chance before the performance.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Music Appreciation (white day) - Students took the 6 weeks test today, and most scored very well ^_^.  The next time we meet we will have a "grade booster" opportunity, in which students can add points to scores they are less than happy with.

Orchestra Classes - 3rd block created a 30-point test with answers from the study guide provided this past Monday.  The test questions will be taken from student examples.

                          - 4th block rehearsed rough spots in the GMEA music for our evaluation next Monday.  Students are reminded to a-practice at home and b-get the permission forms in this week.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Music Appreciation (blue day) - Students completed the 6 information stations in preparation for the 6 weeks test next class session.  Stations were placed around the room, and class members could complete them in any order they wished.  Study hard. The 6 weeks tests are worth 30% combined (5% each).

Orchestra Classes - Both classes rehearsed concert music and sightread new material, as well.  Advanced students MUST get their permission forms in to me this week.  You need BLUE day 3rd/4th block signatures.  The rehearsal after school today went well, though we were missing MANY students.  Don't forget Wednesday and Thursday after school are also our last 2 rehearsals together before we go to McEachern for GMEA evaluations.