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Hi Sixth Graders!
Hi Sixth Graders!
This is the final post for the 2019-2020 school year. Here's what you can explore this week. Have fun making music! And have a great summer!!
This is the final post for the 2019-2020 school year. Here's what you can explore this week. Have fun making music! And have a great summer!!
You will see the correct answers for last week's challenges. Also, see my suggestion for a summer project below.
You will see the correct answers for last week's challenges. Also, see my suggestion for a summer project below.
Next, you will see the American composer of the week--this week's composer is Libby Larsen.
Next, you will see the American composer of the week--this week's composer is Libby Larsen.
Finally, you will see the new section I recently added, called "From the mind of the composer." You will hear from current composers (one each week) who talk about the way they create music--their composing process. You probably already know this week's composer--hint: he teaches chorus and general music in Victor Intermediate School and will be retiring from teaching this year to pursue his career as a composer and performer.
Finally, you will see the new section I recently added, called "From the mind of the composer." You will hear from current composers (one each week) who talk about the way they create music--their composing process. You probably already know this week's composer--hint: he teaches chorus and general music in Victor Intermediate School and will be retiring from teaching this year to pursue his career as a composer and performer.
Hope you enjoy these learning activities!
Hope you enjoy these learning activities!
RHYTHM READER CHALLENGE
RHYTHM READER CHALLENGE
Directions:
Directions:
Look at the RHYTHM READER GUIDE below as a reminder of how we completed our rhythm readers in music class.
Either copy and print this week's rhythm reader challenge, or simply write the answers on a sheet of paper.
Just like in school, write the beat numbers (example: 1 2 3 4) and "syllables" (example 1 e + a) under each music note.
Remember some of the basics--the top number of the time signature tells you how many beat per measure; measures are the chunks of music divided by the bar lines; when you cross a bar line, you start over at beat #1.
Keep your answers until next week to see how much you got right.
RHTYTHM READER GUIDE
RHTYTHM READER GUIDE
CORRECT ANSWERS FOR LAST WEEK'S RHYTHM READER CHALLENGE (6/1/2020)
CORRECT ANSWERS FOR LAST WEEK'S RHYTHM READER CHALLENGE (6/1/2020)
MELODY OF THE WEEK CHALLENGE
MELODY OF THE WEEK CHALLENGE
Directions:
Directions:
Look at the MELODY GUIDE below as a reminder of how we labeled the music notes with letters in music class.
Either copy and print this week's melody challenge, or simply write the answers on a sheet of paper.
Just like in school, write the correct letter under each music note.
Remember some of the basics--in treble clef, the lines of the music staff from bottom to top are E, G, B, D, F (remember: Every Good Boy Does Fine); in treble clef, the spaces of the music staff from bottom to top are F, A, C, E (which spells the word "face"); the musical alphabet only has 7 letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
Keep your answers until next week to see how much you got right.
MELODY GUIDE
MELODY GUIDE
CORRECT ANSWERS FOR LAST WEEK'S MELODY CHALLENGE (6/1/20)
CORRECT ANSWERS FOR LAST WEEK'S MELODY CHALLENGE (6/1/20)
SUMMER PROJECT SUGGESTION: Find a written copy of one of your favorite songs. Write the counting in below the notes just as you would in a rhythm reader, then clap and count. Next, write in the letter names of each note, then try singing the letter names or playing the melody on your instrument. Congratulations, you are now an independent musician, able to learn music on your own! [Note: it's still wise to work with a teacher to learn the techniques for your voice or instrument as well as the fine points of musical expression.]
SUMMER PROJECT SUGGESTION: Find a written copy of one of your favorite songs. Write the counting in below the notes just as you would in a rhythm reader, then clap and count. Next, write in the letter names of each note, then try singing the letter names or playing the melody on your instrument. Congratulations, you are now an independent musician, able to learn music on your own! [Note: it's still wise to work with a teacher to learn the techniques for your voice or instrument as well as the fine points of musical expression.]
COMPOSER OF THE WEEK
COMPOSER OF THE WEEK
Our composer of the week is Libby Larsen. Remember, we have been studying American composers from the twentieth century (1900’s).
20th Century American composer, Libby Larsen (b. 1950)
20th Century American composer, Libby Larsen (b. 1950)
You have seen a great variety in the styles and approaches of American composers through the 20th century. From the minimalism of Philip Glass to the experimental approaches of John Cage and Charles Ives, and from Aaron Copland's use of folk music to Leonard Bernstein's use of jazz, this century in America was all over the map. In Libby Larsen's music, one can hear all of this rich diversity, from rock to jazz to folk music, yet within her own style. Larsen has written music for voice, piano, string quartet, choruses, orchestras, and even operas. In the first piece below, she uses an interesting blend of voices and instruments. She has won Grammy awards and her music is played and recorded often.
Follow the links below to listen to some examples of Libby Larsen's music.
Questions to consider/things to notice:
As you listen to the first piece, think about Aaron Copland's music which has a similar influence. Is it folk, jazz or rock?
The second piece is quirky and funny if you listen to the voice. But check out that piano part. Think of early rock and roll on the piano (similar to "Great Balls of Fire" if you ever heard Mr. Labman sing and play it). Do you hear the pianist rockin' out?
Finally, although the 3rd piece is clearly classical music using a string quartet, check out some of those jazz chords.
The Settling Years
The Settling Years
Love After 1950: III. Big Sister Says
Love After 1950: III. Big Sister Says
Sorrow Song and Jubilee
Sorrow Song and Jubilee
FROM THE MIND OF THE COMPOSER:
FROM THE MIND OF THE COMPOSER:
This week's living composer: David Labman, composer of music for piano, voices, and orchestra, as well as jazz ensemble music (check out the video below). There is no video interview, but read on as Mr. Labman writes about his approach to composing.
This week's living composer: David Labman, composer of music for piano, voices, and orchestra, as well as jazz ensemble music (check out the video below). There is no video interview, but read on as Mr. Labman writes about his approach to composing.
"To me, composing is about listening. We all have a 'musical ear.' For instance, if I asked you to 'hear' the song "Happy Birthday" in your mind but not with your ears, you probably could. Try it... think of the song and hear it in your imagination. Can you hear it? Composing is similar to me except that I am not listening for a song that already exists; instead, I'm listening for new music. I do often hear it--new music, and then I'll write down what I hear. Then, I work out the details at the piano. It's just like when you get an idea--to do something, to go somewhere, to solve a problem--it just comes to you. Sometimes, I hear a melody (in my imagination or musical ear), or I hear a rhythmic or harmonic pattern, or I may get a concept of a certain group of instruments in a certain style. In either case, it's all about listening within myself. Another similar approach, that could be especially helpful for younger composers, would be to 'fool around' on an instrument. In other words, just make up stuff. This also involves listening, however, but in a different way. As you make up stuff, listen to what you like--when you think, "That sounds good," then it's time to write it down, work out the details, add stuff, fix stuff. I used to 'fool around' at the piano as a teenager. But I didn't realize until years later that I was actually composing. Now, after many years of learning how to listen, I can hear music for orchestras, jazz ensembles, choirs and more. And now the greatest challenge is not coming up with an idea, but simply finding the time to write it all down and work it all out, which is a good problem to have. Composing is so rewarding, especially when you get to record and perform your own work or hear others perform it!"
"To me, composing is about listening. We all have a 'musical ear.' For instance, if I asked you to 'hear' the song "Happy Birthday" in your mind but not with your ears, you probably could. Try it... think of the song and hear it in your imagination. Can you hear it? Composing is similar to me except that I am not listening for a song that already exists; instead, I'm listening for new music. I do often hear it--new music, and then I'll write down what I hear. Then, I work out the details at the piano. It's just like when you get an idea--to do something, to go somewhere, to solve a problem--it just comes to you. Sometimes, I hear a melody (in my imagination or musical ear), or I hear a rhythmic or harmonic pattern, or I may get a concept of a certain group of instruments in a certain style. In either case, it's all about listening within myself. Another similar approach, that could be especially helpful for younger composers, would be to 'fool around' on an instrument. In other words, just make up stuff. This also involves listening, however, but in a different way. As you make up stuff, listen to what you like--when you think, "That sounds good," then it's time to write it down, work out the details, add stuff, fix stuff. I used to 'fool around' at the piano as a teenager. But I didn't realize until years later that I was actually composing. Now, after many years of learning how to listen, I can hear music for orchestras, jazz ensembles, choirs and more. And now the greatest challenge is not coming up with an idea, but simply finding the time to write it all down and work it all out, which is a good problem to have. Composing is so rewarding, especially when you get to record and perform your own work or hear others perform it!"
Home with You
Home with You
Summer Rain
Summer Rain
by Jimmie Highsmith, Jr. and featuring David Labman, piano
A final retirement message: Thank you to the faculty, staff and students of the Victor Central Schools. It has been an honor to work with all of you these 20 years. Students, I wish you all the best as you continue your education and beyond. I will miss all of you!
A final retirement message: Thank you to the faculty, staff and students of the Victor Central Schools. It has been an honor to work with all of you these 20 years. Students, I wish you all the best as you continue your education and beyond. I will miss all of you!
Best,
Best,
Mr. Labman
Mr. Labman
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