6th+Grade+Music

Parents & Students: please check the __"Liturgy"__ section on the right to see when your grade masses are scheduled.

__What are we doing in class?__
//**Our Journey as a Composer**// Students this year are focusing on learning various facts about the lives, music and time periods of famous composers. In addition to having the students read/research and analyze the elements of music presented in famous pieces, they have begun their own journey as composers.

1. This assignment was based off of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony (which is meant to sound like a Thunder storm!) 2. Students listened to this piece and analyzed/discussed if we felt Beethoven accomplished his goal. 3. Students were divided into groups and created their own classroom compositions using a theme (nature, seasons, famous restaurant). 4. In their groups, they were asked to brainstorm together, by selecting a theme, writing a short poem about the theme, compose a rhythm (to be played on a drum) and possibly add a melody to their poem, or select a classroom instrument to play a melody. Then, I asked students to find an instrument that would tie into their theme. 5. I was AMAZED with the final compositions! The students were very creative, worked together and couldn't wait to share their song with the class. Some examples of their work: Chic Fil-A song (the students used a cow bell to tie into the motto of the restaurant), Leaves falling down (students played a descending melody on an instrument.)
 * //Our first Composition Assignment://**

Students wrote down their thoughts about that particular process of writing music using classroom instruments, a theme and working in groups.

//**Our Second Composition Assignment:**// 1. Students will use Garageband on the iPads to compose a song in a style/genre of their choice. 2. Students are encouraged to explore the application and endless possibilities. 3. Students work alone with headphones, raising their hands when they need help or assistance from the teacher. 4. Every student has a piano, guitar, microphone (for using their own voices) and drums to compose original ideas, with effects, changing tempos, keys, or modes. Using fade buttons, layering, pre-made loops, world instruments. 5. The use of Garageband allows students to experience yet another way that composers write music today. 6. Students will volunteer to share their compositions.

Students will be asked to then write about this process of creating music. They will compare the two processes and a class discussion will follow. They will then be asked to consider "What if Beethoven had access to music notation systems or Garageband? How may this affect his music?"

Here is a commercial that illustrates music that was made in Garageband! media type="youtube" key="m8E2MmfqrIQ" height="360" width="640"
 * __Professional applications of Garageband use in today's society:__**

 Please use this website as a guide Beethoven Facts for Quiz

//What is on the quiz?// 1. Beethoven's birth and death dates 2. His nationality 3. Name at least 3 pieces he composed/wrote. 4. How many movements are in Beethoven's 5th Symphony? 4 movements 5. Beethoven's full name (spelling counts). 6. Beethoven's struggle and how he overcame it. 7. What style/period was Beethoven? 8. Extra Credit: one fun fact about Beethoven (found from the website listed about "Beethoven Facts for Quiz.") If you wanted to hear Beethoven's 5th Symphony, click the play button below this video! media type="youtube" key="rRgXUFnfKIY" width="560" height="315"

__Homework:__ Music Copy Book
//assigned the week of 9/8/14// 1. Purchase copy book 2. Decorate with a collage of appropriate music pictures (instruments, bands, singers). Please make sure to select pictures of artists that you like for their music. 3. Cover copy book with clear contact paper or a clear book cover.

__** Music Copy books are due: **__ "A" Day Music 9/24 "C" Day Music 9/26 "D" Day Music 9/29 "E" Day Music 9/30 "B" Day Music 10/2 (was due on 9/25 but I was absent).

__Homework:__ "All About Me" paper
//assigned the week of 9/15// 1. Fill out paper 2. Color in and decorate paper 3. Add a real picture of yourself. This may be printed from your computer or you may use an actual picture. 4. Please put your class on the top right corner (6-117 or 6-128).

__** "All About Me" papers are due: **__ The day you have music class the week of September 29th.