Percussion - N'Stuff

Click on the link below to find more detailed information regarding all of the different (Non-pitched) Percussion available -

Drums


Here is a short video that gives a brief description of some of the standard percussion instruments. 




The University of Missouri - St. Louis, Percussion Ensemble

Music, Energy, and Fiction

Today in class we are listening to 5 different pieces of music and writing a work of fiction (in real time) that reflects the energy and vibe that the music portrays - Think "The Imperial March" from Star Wars - How does the music work to aid in the story?

Track 1.) Chased Out(Claire Martin)
Track 2.) Green Light(John Legend Feat. Andre 3000)
Track 3.) Snow(Amie Miriello)
Track 4.) Teenage Love Affair(Alicia Keys)
Track 5.) Neon(John Mayer)


Assignment:  Please take the time to type up your "Story" and turn it in by Monday 2/11/2013 for 20 Points (Be sure to Proof-Read Your Work.)

If you wish - find the above music on youtube.com and re-listen as you do your homework assignment tonight. 

What you need to know for your T*E*S*T on 2/8/2013

Below are links to the topics covered in class today.  Be sure to look them over.  You will have a test on these concepts Friday February 8, 2013!  This test will include note reading/identification.  Be sure to practice your note reading using the Practice link below.  If you have any further questions regarding the material - check out the video below for a quick and helpful review. 

1.)  Please click HERE to review the Staff, Clefs, and Ledger Lines covered in class today. 
2.) Please click HERE to review the Note Values covered in class today. 
3.) Please click HERE to review Measures and Time Signatures covered in class today. 
4.) Please click HERE to review Rest Values covered in class today. 

Practice Note Reading!

Here are some mnemonic devises  for remembering the notes on the staff in both treble and bass clef.

A Different Way to listen?

Ms. Glennie's Web-Site

Glennie tours extensively in the northern hemisphere, spending up to four months each year in the United States, and performs with a wide variety of orchestras and contemporary musicians, giving over 100 concerts a year as well as master classes and "music in schools" performances; she frequently commissions percussion works from composers and performs them in her concert repertoire. She also plays the Great Highland Bagpipes and has her own registered tartan known as "The Rhythms of Evelyn Glennie". Glennie is in the process of producing her own range of jewelry and works as a motivational speaker.

Glennie has been profoundly deaf since the age of 12, having started to lose her hearing from the age of 8. This does not inhibit her ability to perform at the international level. She regularly plays barefoot during both live performances and studio recordings in order to feel the music better. Glennie contends that deafness is largely misunderstood by the public. She claims to have taught herself to hear with parts of her body other than her ears. In response to criticism from the media, Glennie published "Hearing Essay" in which she discusses her condition.

How to Love (Classical) Music- (Homework Due 2/1/2013)

Benjamin Zander has two infectious passions: classical music, and helping us all realize our untapped love for it -- and by extension, our untapped love for all new possibilities, new experiences, new connections.

Homework Due: Friday 2/1/2013 Write a two paragraph reflection on this video. Explain in detail what you found important about what Mr. Zander said. How might you be able to incorporate his lesson in future musical situations.

Reading Music - on the Internet? Why Yes!

Please go to http://www.musictheory.net/ to read and explore the material we covered in class today. 

Start with the "Lessons" tab on the top and work through each item below until you reach "Rests and Duration"

At that point go to the "Exercises" tab on the top and work on "Note Identification" - You should not need to make any modifications. 

Work through the note identification exercise about 10 minutes per session 2 times a day until you can achieve 100% accuracy!

Missed Class? Check out this video for a quick refresher!

Can you explain why you like what you like? (Homework Due 1/25)

Just liking a piece of music is NOT good enough anymore. I want to know why you like this music. What are some of the details of this music that make it appealing to you? What is your history with this music? What instrument (if any) do you enjoy most? What is the purpose of this music? Can you think of any way that you would improve this song?  What is the GENRE of the music that you enjoy most?  Why?

I can't pick a favorite song. I just can't. (I bet you waver with this impossible decision too.) I go from mood-to-mood and a song I really dig in November might not really do anything for me in February.

OH - What is the difference between a SONG and a TUNE?

Alright, so here is a song I have dug for a long time. 



Assignment: Due Friday 1/25/2013

Think of a Song that you really dig.  On paper (3-4 well developed paragraphs!) explain using the prompts listed above as to why you enjoy this Song. Use details. I really want to know why you like what you like. Actually I really want YOU to know why you like it. This will come in handy in the future as you look to find more music to listen to. Plan to turn it in on Friday.