Things To Come

Authentic Experience in the Music Class

2012-01-24T17:56:00.000-08:00

Today we had our first rehearsal of iAlchemy the piece we commissioned from Doug O'Grady and will perform with the Waterbury Symphony. There are nine parts for iPads. Four iPad parts on five iPad/strings.

I started with a discussion of professionalism. We are responsible for our parts and that's no joke.

I put the most experienced musician on the iPad soloist, and the three choir members on the other iPad parts. That way they can rehearse during choir if needed.

We spent a good twenty minutes looking at the score. This is a music theory class, almost all students who are taking their first music class. We talked about keys, modality, chord progressions. I asked the students to mark up the score and begin to draw arrows between parts that were doubled.

We then rehearsed the ending (m.67 to end). We had reminders about note reading (thats an F) and then, since we are playing on iPad keyboards, which F? It was nice to be able to say F4 and have the students pick up on that.

We split into two groups, ipad/strings and iPads and rehearsed. By the end of the class we kind of almost played through the piece along with the recording.

There was A LOT of theory done in the class today. Authentic experience for music theory class is not easy but I think this project will drive a lot of learning.

Music Theory Textbook for iPad

2012-01-22T13:27:00.000-08:00

iAuthor, iTunes U, and the new iBooks is kind of what I've been waiting for.

I'm going to write a music theory textbook. I understand that this isn't perfect, you can't create ePubs, you have to be in the Apple system, etc...

But I hope to create a book I can use in my class (and hopefully you can too).

My goal is to finish by the end of the school year. What would you want to see in an iBook for theory?

Spring Choir Repertoire

2012-01-21T15:45:00.000-08:00

After much discussion with twitter colleagues I have solidified the Spring 2012 repertoire. There is a lot here.

My choir:

34 students, 8 boys.
Mostly 9th graders, mostly new singers.
This is my third year. We went from 12 to 34 members this year.

My needs:

Songs to feature my boys.
I always split the time between solo, small grop, and large group.
I need songs that develop voices.
I have an accompanist now, so I can stretch a bit.
We are recording an "album" in April. So I have chosen some public domain.

So I decided to do a "best of" cycle. I'm going to hit some historical highlights and some traditional choral repertoire.

Large Group:

Sing We and Chant It. Renaissance favorite of mine. This will definitely be a festival tune. We will sing this SAB and SATB (small group)
Mozart's Dies Irae. Classical selection. We will sing SAB, which I am usually against for classics. This is a reach.
Shine On Me by Dillworth. Gospel. I really like this song. Everyone can sing it. We will use this to focus on diction discussions.
Beautiful Day by U2. Closer, graduation song. Rock/modern. Vowels make this song harder than it looks.
Homeward Bound our flowy-choir-beautiful song. Graduation potential. We are singing SAB.

Small Group:

Guys and Dolls selections. This is where I can focus on my guys. Sit Down, Luck Be a Lady, the Fugue are cool guys songs. I hope to kind of show choir these.
Motown acapella type (TBA)

Solos:

Bist Du Bei Mir by JS Bach for our Baroque selection.
Lots of American songbook songs including Somethings Gotta Give, Always on My Mind, Nightingale in Berkley Square, etc...

We start Tuesday. Can't wait.

Midterm Exam

2012-01-19T13:55:00.001-08:00

We just took our midterm exam. This is what was on the exam:

Band: I have mostly beginning students who started on their instrument in September.

Scales: Bb, C, F, G concert.
Sightreading (at level .5)
Piece: Sawmill Creek (from Standard of Excellence Book One) for most, the more advanced kids played harder pieces.

Choir:

D major scale
Sightreading (Level 1)
Piece: Caro Mio Ben

Theory:

Reading for understanding
Harmonic Analysis (I give SATB, they provide roman numerals)
Melodic Harmonization (I give roman numerals, they provide SATB)
Analysis of piece (chord 1 is a E minor in 2nd inversion, etc...)

Overall this was a very good exam. Plenty of students showed me quality work. Most, if not all, realized they can work harder.

Mulligan and Jobim

2012-01-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

Why isn't there TV like this anymore?

Reader Survey

2012-01-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

iPads in the Symphony Orchestra

2012-01-10T17:03:00.000-08:00

iAlchemy has been delivered!

iAlchemy was commissioned by Seymour High School and the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra and is supported by the Valley Community Foundation, Timex, and Naugatuck Saving Bank.

Our composer is Doug O'Grady who is Assistant Professor of Music at Western Connecticut State University. The concert is May 12.

The idea of this project is:
1. Create opportunities for students at Seymour High School. Provide them with mentors and an authentic experience. We will have extensive visits from WSO and WCSU musicians.
2. Create the first true piece for orchestra that uses the iPad. Explore the iPad as an instrument.
3. Create and solidify the partnership between WCSU, SHS, and WSO.
4. Show students and the orchestra that authentic, modern music is happening and its happening in Connecticut.

We have a lot of work to do. Doug passed it to me. I have promised we will do his piece justice. Spreading the word would be helpful. We think this is pretty cool in many ways.

Dean Shareski is our audience.

2012-01-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

We spent a good amount of time evaluating Dean's Guitar Project. Our students evaluated Dean's playing and created short lessons to send back to him via youTube. This is part of our curriculum that students will be able to evaluate performances and be able to have intelligent conversations about music.

Click link to find out how Dean responded to the project.

Finding what to say next was a challenge for them. As part of this project Dean Shareski prepared a short video for us to play at our winter concert and two of our students performed the Canadian rock anthem Heart of Gold which Dean had been working on.

I have decided to bridge that experience into a unit on recording. Morgan, a 12th grader, and Austin, a 11th grader have begun recording in our new recording studio (a computer with protools and a good microphone). We also will be creating a music video.

We have an audience and we intend to use it. Creating a project that mixes the national music standards with the 21st century standards can be a challenge, but I think this may be a project that hits just about all of the curriculum standards.

The interesting thing is we had no idea that we would do this project. Sometimes an opportunity arises and you go for it.

Here is the unmixed, rhythm guitar and vocal draft version so you can get an idea. I hope to have mixed version by Friday and music video in two weeks.

HeartofGold draft by Brandt Schneider

Spring 2012 Plans

2012-01-08T07:03:00.000-08:00

I wanted to tell you what is in store for the next six months of school. There is a lot that I want to accomplish. In no particular order:

1. iAlchemy. Theory students performing with the Waterbury Symphony. This is a huge deal. The piece, iAlchemy, is done and we will receive it soon. We will perform as full members of the orchestra. We will rehearse with orchestra, visit the composer at WCSU and do lots of other activities.

2. Recording session. We have contracted for a recording session this spring (probably end of April). We will professionally record all the groups and many of our soloists. Most of you have not been in a recording session and I think its important that we experience that.

3. Spring Trip. We will be heading for our yearly adjudication trip again this year which will include a day at Lake Compounce. I hope to keep costs to $20. I also hope to get Superior ratings for both groups. The trip is scheduled for May 18.

4. Recruitment drive. I hope to double our band numbers and hit 50 in choir. We can do it! I also think many of you should double up with music theory, band, guitar, or hip-hop methods. Getting a larger group helps everyone! I would LOVE to have two choirs (beginning and advanced, or freshman and upperclass). Growing a great music department starts with the band and choir. Start talking to your friends.

5. Talent Show. The choir will do a condensed version of Guys and Dolls at the Spring Talent show. This will be a A LOT of work but I’m excited to make it happen. The talent show will also be a fundraiser for our trip. Everyone should block off May 4 for the show. Who should play Nathan Detroit?

6. Videos, archives, song creations. We have started making music videos in the theory class and I hope to expand this to choir shortly. Student use of our recording studio needs to expand. I would love to do a lipdub (google it...).

7. All-State and Regional Festivals. Alex and Christian will attend the 2 day Southern regional festival next weekend and will work hard to audition for All-State in February. We will do everything we can to support them.

8. Mentor Visits. We have a scheduled visit from Dr. Isaacs and the WCSU choir in May, we will have about 8-10 visits from Waterbury Symphony musicians to prepare for iAlchemy, and I hope to have several visits from other musicians either live or via Skype.

9. Honor Groups. We are thinking of creating a 5-12 grade district choir and 5-12 grade district band. This is just an idea at this point. We will have some after school activity to allow student more time to sing or play their instrument.

Apple TV

2012-01-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

I got the Apple TV today.

Here are my questions:
1. Whats the best way to get the audio from the TV to the soundboard?
2. Is there an easy way to switch between iPads to display on the TV screen?
3. Should I completely switch to iTunes Match?
4. Does Apple TV take over some of the functions from the iPad. For example, should I just play youTube from the AppleTV interface?

I definitely should have bought a bigger TV. I'm hoping the next grant can handle that?

What Apps Should I Get for my iPad?

2011-12-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

Many of my colleagues are writing app lists and I had been planning on tackling a new list. I get an email just about every day---"I just got the iPad, what should I download". A list always leaves out stuff, and I am definitely not using the more technical music apps.

So, here it is:

Moments Ago. Every teacher should download this app right now. Got more parental feedback from this app than any other thing I've done in twenty years of teaching.
Twitter
Google. Search, google googles, voice search, all the apps. And it works. I used this on Tuesday to enter live results at a track meet I was clerking.
Netflix and PBS access to quality video content has changed how I operate in the classroom. Having the ability to have a class of fifteen watch their own video is awesome. Netflix has a TON of great music.
Time Machine. Super Awesome.
Flipboard Where I do most of my reading.
Planbook Works pretty well (not completely sold...). I hadn't used a planbook for years, but my stroke has forced me to write everything down. Syncs between laptop and iPad.
Morris Lessmore Completely and utterly amazing. Will change your view of eBooks.
ShowMe Easy to use video/audio recorder.
Skitch So fluid. Easy to use photo editor.
SportsCam great for coaches. Also using in voice class.
Garageband. Used daily.
MadPad. Really cool video composition tool.
Six Strings. Great guitar/strings app.
Verbally. Amazing special ed app.
Book Creator My three year old can make eBooks with this app.
Evernote.

I didn't add everything. This is a basic list. Have fun.

iPads in Music Class

2011-12-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

We have been using iPads in the Seymour High School music department since September 2010. iPads are completely integrated into our curriculum. 15 iPads were purchased along with a macBook, iPad cart, sound system, and TV display.

In 2002 I piloted a 1-1 program at Derby High School that unleashed 120 Palm computers. A review of that program found that using handheld devices increased student test scores, attendance in school, and retention in the music program. It was a qualified success.

The concepts of mobility and accessibility are often foreign to schools. Here we believe that students and teachers should have access to information when and where they need it. In rehearsal, the auditorium, on the bus, wherever. This accessibility has dramatically changed how we operate in class.

Students create using Garageband, Google Docs, Skitch, ShowMe, and Book Creator. Students consume using Safari, youTube, New York Times, Netflix, and PBS. Students communicate using Evernote, Twitter, and Instagram. None of this would be happening without the iPads.

In May of 2012 we will be premiering iAlchemy by Douglas O'Grady. This piece is being written right now for our students at SHS. We will be performing as full members of the Waterbury Symphony. There will be a brass section, woodwind section, percussion section, iPad section and iPad soloist. We are excited to stretch the boundaries of orchestral music. This project offers mentoring opportunities for our students as they will be working closely with the musicians at the Waterbury Symphony and Western CT State University.

We feel there is no going back.

Concert Reflections

2011-12-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

After each concert I have all my students fill out a reflection form to show evidence of learning the musical standard "Evaluating Musical Performances". Its a pretty basic form and I teach that writing about music is important and it has its own language. You need to write and talk like a musician.

Some comments for "What have you learned":

I learned there's nothing to be nervous about because everyone who goes there is to support you and the students in band/music theory/choir are about music. No reason to feel weird.

Preparing for the concert taught me that effort is a large part of success. When we first began practicing these songs, many of the students did not put the effort into learning the music so we did not sound our best. However, once everyone decided to work hard as a group we successfully made music.

I learned that we all have to work together as a team in order to be successful in a choir

I learned that there's a big difference between singing in practice, and singing in a concert.

My favorite comment from one of my favorite freshman boys. Question: "What special qualities do YOU bring to the SHS music department"

I brought happiness and Cheer because it was a joyful concert. I'm valuable because I'm am a very open singer and connect to the audience.

Skype with My Mom

2011-12-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

We had our concert last night. It was an interesting night. We had an ambulance call in the middle of the show. Everyone is fine.

I always like to do "B" concerts the next day. The music always seems to be better. I always try to find someone to perform for. Since my mom can't get to all the performances, I thought it would be cool to have her be the audience via Skype. We set a call for 8:00am this morning.

We blocked it out at around 7:40 and then relaxed for a bit. At around 7:55am we got the call. Places!

Connection issues.... I can imagine my mom scrambling to try to fix it. About twenty minutes of back and forth.

Finally we hear "hello"? Places! Everyone scrambles!

And we sang great! Everyone was so focussed and wanted to so good for her. We should do this every day.

MadPad Compositions

2011-12-14T16:04:00.001-08:00

MadPad

2011-12-10T06:02:00.001-08:00

Integrating Technology into a School Concert

2011-12-07T17:15:00.001-08:00

Here is how technology will be integrated into the Seymour High School concert on December 15.

1. I put all songs we are performing on our website. I used noteflight to put some parts in for practice.
2. We use smartmusic as a play-along in band rehearsal (I have an 8 member band) which helps A LOT. We also use it as an assessment tool.
3. We record music using soundcloud and post it on iTunes.
4. We have been doing long-distance teaching with Dean Shareski, the educational speaker, who will record a greeting for the audience that we will play during the concert.
5. Students will perform I'm Yours using the iPad app Six Strings.
6. Students will compose and perform compositions using Garageband, MadPad, and VoiceJam.
7. We will evaluate our performance using Google Docs.

I think in each concert we hit all 9 national standards. Every band member will sing in our finale. We sing in three languages. We sing the oldest thing I know.

I also think we hit most of the 21st Century Skills.

MadPad iPad App

2011-12-06T17:52:00.001-08:00

We have been using MadPad which is one of the apps from the people at Smule. It comes with some saved sets, but the cool thing is that with an iPad2 you can record video into each of 12 boxes. Then you use your fingers to play the madpad like a drum or piano. When you press the box of the video that sound will play. Check out this video.

This opens up lots of possibilities for composition. I have several students working on madPad for our concert next week. I like how many of the iPad apps have exporting functions that make it easy to use. I would love if there was a notation function (as odd as that sounds...). This is me. First try.

Bidi Bom

2011-12-06T06:24:00.001-08:00

Bidi Bom by Brandt Schneider A week out from concert. I'm a little worried.... Always happens. Sometimes it pulls together, sometimes it doesn't.

Griffin

2011-12-01T13:26:00.001-08:00

I had an interesting Skype talk with the boys at Griffin today about how we are using the iPads in the classroom. They have some interesting products.

Its always nice to talk to people about things. Time like this allows you to reflect and review how you operate. Skype is pretty cool too.

Auditions

2011-11-20T13:12:00.001-08:00

I love the regional or all-state audition experience. I took nine kids this year (1 last year) and I am certain this will be a huge help in our growth as a program. Even though we didn't all make the ensemble I believe all students learned sooo much in the two hours they were there. I believe we were among the best prepared students there.

But, I hate the audition process too. I live in a very diverse state and it seems for many of the auditions you almost HAVE to be taking private lessons, which there is no way many of my kids can afford. The audition pool is much less diverse than our state. I love learning the 24 Italian Songs, but in twenty years we have not sung a Festival choir song in Italian.

The audition process has so much good. But do we spend 90% of our MEA time on the top 5%? Are there ways we could make the process much more diverse and inclusive?

A few tough days

2011-11-15T14:09:00.001-08:00

Had a few tough days at school. Kids are doing OK, but I'm just pretty tired. I'm having a hard time keeping my head rested while at school. Disruptions to the schedule, changes of plans, etc...are just completely draining to me. Its like the lights go out in my head. 11 months since the stroke....

Building a program is hard. Daily battles about turning stuff in, why we have to learn how to read music, why we have to stand up straight, etc.... We'll get there.

But I am so excited about the growth of the program. We truly have exponential changes in the groups.

We have:

Thirteen students signed up for CMEA auditions (one last year).
36 students in choir (12 last year)
We are singing two more songs than last year in choir.
We are playing Level 1 music in Band. Four of the eight students started their instruments on September 12. Some of them are really excelling.
Music theory is way ahead of last years group.

One month until Winter Concert.

Bill T. Jones: A Good Man

2011-11-13T09:30:00.001-08:00

Watching the genius of Bill T. Jones was so amazing. How he focusses on the music and changes his vision up to the moment of discovery during the first performance was eye-opening. Worth your time.

How many of your students know who Bill T. Jones is? I have been of the opinion that if we had compulsory dance from ages 4-10 we could solve a lot of our problems. Especially for boys.

Watch Bill T. Jones: A Good Man on PBS. See more from AMERICAN MASTERS.

Choir Assignment

2011-11-12T12:06:00.001-08:00

I needed an assignment where I could split my group into sectionals. Twelve kids were involved in three self-directed sectionals and the remaining 24 students did this assignment in pairs (w/ and iPad). It gives me a chance to teach in small groups.

Today’s assignment should help you learn some items on your checklist. You are also expected to demonstrate collaborative behavior.

Work together to accomplish each task. I must initial each for you to get points! Plan a strategy so you get at least 100 points total. Yes, you can get extra credit today.

I will be working in small groups today. I will announce “I am now working on CFAs”. If you want to join us, fine, if not keep working.

___________ Practice rhythm CFA. Demonstrate for Mr. Schneider (15 pts).

___________ Complete iPad Nota Quiz on notes. Get a respectable score (10pts)

___________ Complete and upload a ShowMe iPad presentation about one of the following subjects;(40 pts)

How to count to ten in German.
Common phrases in Spanish and German.
Your three youngest classmates

___________ Listen to choir music from our website. Have music and pencil out. (15 pts)

___________ Play Bingo or Old MacDonald on the piano for Mr. Schneider (20 pts)

___________ Play “I’m Yours” on the iPad banjo and sing along. (30 pts)

___________ Answer the following questions about Mr. Schneider (15 pts)

Where did he go to high school?
What is his main instrument?
What does he coach at SHS?
What are his daughter’s names?

Chops: The Movie

2011-11-11T17:44:00.001-08:00

Worth the time.

We watched this today in band. I have a bunch of beginners in the HS band (band of 8....). They don't quite get what commitment and dedication really look like and this movie was helpful for some discussions.