Music
An Overview of Music
People have used music to react to the world around them since time began. Ancient civilizations created intricate melodies through regional instruments and improvisation performances. As religion became a focus of civilization, music reflected the importance of faith and was used in worship ceremonies. Recently, as music has become broadly accessible, we have seen that music has become a powerful way to interact with, and react to, the world; both by creating music and by listening to it.
Do You Love Music? Why?
Check out this article featured in The Telegraph called, "Why Your Brain Loves Music."
People have used music to react to the world around them since time began. Ancient civilizations created intricate melodies through regional instruments and improvisation performances. As religion became a focus of civilization, music reflected the importance of faith and was used in worship ceremonies. Recently, as music has become broadly accessible, we have seen that music has become a powerful way to interact with, and react to, the world; both by creating music and by listening to it.
Do You Love Music? Why?
Check out this article featured in The Telegraph called, "Why Your Brain Loves Music."
Elements of Music
The term "music" encompasses many, many diverse styles! Yet, ALL of those styles found EVERYWHERE in the world break down to the same elements.
The elements of music are:
+Notes
+Rests
+Staff
The elements of music are:
+Notes
+Rests
+Staff
Design Principles of Music
As we know, artists (including musicians) take the elements listed above and put them together in different ways to create different styles of music, different sounds, etc.
The design principles of music are:
+Tempo
+Rhythm
+Melody
+Style
+Timbre
+Dynamics
+Harmony
The design principles of music are:
+Tempo
+Rhythm
+Melody
+Style
+Timbre
+Dynamics
+Harmony
Graphic Organizers
Click on the link below to open graphic organizers that will help you take notes for this unit.
Music Overview Unit Graphic Organizer | |
File Size: | 1341 kb |
File Type: |
The Evolution of Western Music - abridged
The link below takes you to a fantastic video that chronicles music through the ages!
Click here to watch the video.
(This video is NOT accessible on an iPads)
Below is another video that chronicles music throughout the ages.
Click here to watch the video.
(This video is NOT accessible on an iPads)
Below is another video that chronicles music throughout the ages.
Although the video below does not necessarily chronicle Western Music . . . it is just too cool not to watch!
THE PROJECTS
This is NOT a complete list of all assignments in this unit.
+"Drum Circles" - Group Project
+"Drum Circles" - Group Project
- In groups, you will play one of the pieces of percussion music attached below. You will supply your own percussion instruments and then record the performance using iMovie so the class can watch the performance.
- The performances will be judged by a panel of musicians. The winning group will get a prize (and bragging rights)!
- The music is provided below:
drum_circle_music.pdf | |
File Size: | 2091 kb |
File Type: |
+"Stomp Project" - Small Group Project
not doing this in 2013-2014 school year : (
not doing this in 2013-2014 school year : (
- In small groups, you will create a Stomp-like song, then record it using iMovie. Performances will be watched in class.
- The project rubric found under the Study Guide tab will be used to evaluate your performance.
+Here I Am! - Individual Music Project
- Many times when movie characters appear on the screen, or particular themes are explored, a particular melody is heard. This is called a leitmotif. You are to compose your own leitmotif! Imagine your life is a movie and every time you enter a room, say something clever, meet the guy/girl of your dreams, etc. . . this theme will play!
- You will have time to compose this in class using Garage Band but you may also use other music software you might own. This piece must be TOTALLY ORIGINAL!!
- Your piece should be 15 seconds long - no longer, no shorter.
+Extra Credit Project
What is Oldham County Listening To? (or To What is Oldham County Listening?)
Ty Cullen came up with the idea to ask people what is playing on their headphones at the moment he stops them. He videotaped them then edited the song into the video. His idea has gone viral! Videos of people from London to LA, from Paris to Chicago, from Poland to Belarus! Check them out on YouTube. I have provided the one from London below:
What is Oldham County Listening To? (or To What is Oldham County Listening?)
Ty Cullen came up with the idea to ask people what is playing on their headphones at the moment he stops them. He videotaped them then edited the song into the video. His idea has gone viral! Videos of people from London to LA, from Paris to Chicago, from Poland to Belarus! Check them out on YouTube. I have provided the one from London below:
I think by now, you have guessed the assignment. You must ask at least 10 people what they are listening to and create a video just like the one above. You can earn up to 20 points of extra credit!
THE ART
The video above also has a short article that provides the "why" and "how" of the music!