http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne6tB2KiZuk
This is a link that I fond through a colleague of mine, Elijah Vazquez. It is a video of Bobby McFerrin teaching a crowd of people to sing a pentatonic scale. All McFerrin does in jump around the stage at certain points. Each of these points is a certain note that the crowd is supposed to sing. At the end we learn that no matter where McFerrin goes, everyone is able to do this simple task.
I found this interesting because it shows an inherent trait of music within everyone. Everyone has a musical capability, and if it takes jumping around a stage to get people to learn, do it! There are no limitations on who can be taught, and Bobby McFerrin shows that.
WOW!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
PLN Week 9
http://www.musiccognition.nl/blog/2009/10/do-we-all-have-talent-for-music.html
I had forgotten that I had signed up for this blog. I find that this topic is quite interesting. Do we all have a talent for music?
The author of the blog, says that "Yes", we do. All I have to say is wow.
It has never really dawned on me that someone cannot have some aptitude for music. I can see that some people are less talented than others, but then again, that is why we have architects and doctors.
This is such an interesting topic because music is inherent to humans. The need to have music, the want of it, is so intriguing. There is nothing quite like listening to your favorite song, or improvising in your favorite key. There is a magic.
I feel as though the question lies in what people experience when they hear or perform music. And that is what defines their musical ability.
I had forgotten that I had signed up for this blog. I find that this topic is quite interesting. Do we all have a talent for music?
The author of the blog, says that "Yes", we do. All I have to say is wow.
It has never really dawned on me that someone cannot have some aptitude for music. I can see that some people are less talented than others, but then again, that is why we have architects and doctors.
This is such an interesting topic because music is inherent to humans. The need to have music, the want of it, is so intriguing. There is nothing quite like listening to your favorite song, or improvising in your favorite key. There is a magic.
I feel as though the question lies in what people experience when they hear or perform music. And that is what defines their musical ability.
Week 9 Reactions
This week in technology we had to learn to use different websites. The two in particular were wikispaces, and delicious. I can honestly say that this felt more like a hassle then a benefit.
I had a lot of qualms with both of these sites. I feel that I am only adding things to my toolbar that are not really essential. Yes both these sites have their benefits, but I am failing to see the point in using them.
Maybe I am a bit old fashioned, but I enjoy looking for information, I do not want it to just come to me. I feel that this is why I do not enjoy delicious.com. I feel as though I am using resources that too many teachers are using.
Wikispaces is a bit of a different story. I do not mind this site as much. And in a way I know that it will be quite useful. However, the emphasis that has been put on it is too great, in my opinion.
Yes it is great for collaboration, but beyond that, I have trouble seeing a use for it. Again, it will become a place where people will post their ideals, and the true essence of the "space" will have lost all meaning.
Again, I may be a bit quick to look down upon these sites. I realize that I have just been introduced to them, but I cannot help but address my concerns. I think that sometimes good, old fashioned searching is more beneficial than having all your information come to you.
I had a lot of qualms with both of these sites. I feel that I am only adding things to my toolbar that are not really essential. Yes both these sites have their benefits, but I am failing to see the point in using them.
Maybe I am a bit old fashioned, but I enjoy looking for information, I do not want it to just come to me. I feel that this is why I do not enjoy delicious.com. I feel as though I am using resources that too many teachers are using.
Wikispaces is a bit of a different story. I do not mind this site as much. And in a way I know that it will be quite useful. However, the emphasis that has been put on it is too great, in my opinion.
Yes it is great for collaboration, but beyond that, I have trouble seeing a use for it. Again, it will become a place where people will post their ideals, and the true essence of the "space" will have lost all meaning.
Again, I may be a bit quick to look down upon these sites. I realize that I have just been introduced to them, but I cannot help but address my concerns. I think that sometimes good, old fashioned searching is more beneficial than having all your information come to you.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
PLN Week 8
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/musicinstinct/video/music-and-medicine/music-therapy-for-infants/76/
This link is from a PBS website that has many interesting articles on it. I picked this one because I find that music therapy is one category that is not delved into enough.
I went to a lecture last year for Phi Delta Epsilon on music therapy and was intrigued with the work the UH has been doing with infants. There are so many things that can go wrong with young kids that music can fix. It was this idea that stuck with me and the reason as to why I picked this article.
Music therapists have been able to recreate the sound of a mother's heartbeat so that a newborn can continue to hear it. The reason behind this is that the all the infant can hear when it is not born yet is its mother's heartbeat. This helps the fetus to learn how to nurse correctly.
The instrument that they use is called a Gato Box. When played with the hand, the sound that resonates from it is close to that of a mother's heartbeat. Thus a new born that is having trouble nursing will have an easier time.
I believe that it is imperative that music therapy be taught to our future adults. I firmly believe that music therapy holds a lot of keys to helping ailing people.
This link is from a PBS website that has many interesting articles on it. I picked this one because I find that music therapy is one category that is not delved into enough.
I went to a lecture last year for Phi Delta Epsilon on music therapy and was intrigued with the work the UH has been doing with infants. There are so many things that can go wrong with young kids that music can fix. It was this idea that stuck with me and the reason as to why I picked this article.
Music therapists have been able to recreate the sound of a mother's heartbeat so that a newborn can continue to hear it. The reason behind this is that the all the infant can hear when it is not born yet is its mother's heartbeat. This helps the fetus to learn how to nurse correctly.
The instrument that they use is called a Gato Box. When played with the hand, the sound that resonates from it is close to that of a mother's heartbeat. Thus a new born that is having trouble nursing will have an easier time.
I believe that it is imperative that music therapy be taught to our future adults. I firmly believe that music therapy holds a lot of keys to helping ailing people.
Readings 10/12 - 10/16
This week I had to read articles that dealt with "Computer Aided Instruction" or CAI. Instead of the broad term music technology, CAI deals with just using multiple or a single computer in the classroom.
The article that struck me the most was the Kassner article on teaching an entire class with a single computer. It was not just the ideas that struck me as unique and quite useful, but it was how Kassner told that there would be problems with a singe computer approach.
I also liked how he included a chart of specific programs such as Cakewalk and Toney Games and showed how they could be used. I feel that if I was at a school with limited resources I would be okay and able to teach appropriately.
Another article by Chad Criswell was bout the "Smartboard". This is a plain looking white board, but it is in fact even more. What happens is there are no markers used. It is a whiteboard for a projection. The screen then reads what you "write on it" and it will appear on the projection. You can erase, augment, move, and generally do anything you want with a Smartboard.
This would be an ideal situation if a music classroom had a Smartboard, because it would save so much time and effort. I am however worried for the school systems that do not have the resources to buy one of these boards. Although I know they are not needed, they allow for great teaching opportunities.
I feel that a computer could be a vital resource in the classroom that is not for just administrative reasons. I have been enlightened this week to that fact. I can see that having a computer as a tool to teach is starting to become imperative.
The article that struck me the most was the Kassner article on teaching an entire class with a single computer. It was not just the ideas that struck me as unique and quite useful, but it was how Kassner told that there would be problems with a singe computer approach.
I also liked how he included a chart of specific programs such as Cakewalk and Toney Games and showed how they could be used. I feel that if I was at a school with limited resources I would be okay and able to teach appropriately.
Another article by Chad Criswell was bout the "Smartboard". This is a plain looking white board, but it is in fact even more. What happens is there are no markers used. It is a whiteboard for a projection. The screen then reads what you "write on it" and it will appear on the projection. You can erase, augment, move, and generally do anything you want with a Smartboard.
This would be an ideal situation if a music classroom had a Smartboard, because it would save so much time and effort. I am however worried for the school systems that do not have the resources to buy one of these boards. Although I know they are not needed, they allow for great teaching opportunities.
I feel that a computer could be a vital resource in the classroom that is not for just administrative reasons. I have been enlightened this week to that fact. I can see that having a computer as a tool to teach is starting to become imperative.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Readings 10/5-10/9
I am so happy that we are covering this topic because I love the concept behind it. Musical recording is the theme for this weeks readings. This is such a cool idea and I wish that I was introduced to it sooner.
Before I go into the music recording, I would like to say that the PDF of the technology strategies by MENC is such a wonderful guide.
Anyway the two articles that are related to this week's topic are on two different aspects of recording. One was on how to do the recording, and the other one discussed what you should see when you record and what it all means. I think that this was one of my favorite weeks to read. I know nothing about recording and would like to.
The first article I read was by Tim Clukey. This was the article that dealt with the general reason and methods to why music is recorded. I feel that this is an article that everyone should read because it deals with such great information.
The article starts out talking about why music is recorded. It demonstrates how important it is for students to hear themselves and appreciate their own work. This is such an important facet in music. If you do not love how you sound, or think that you need to work on something, you would never know without recordings.
Next the article focused in on the technology and equipment needed for recording. (The rest of the article delves deeper into recording) This is so essential for music educators to know. You should know what you are buying, and where to get what you need. I feel that many educators are not as proficient as they should be in this area.
The last point that I would like to tell about the article is the section on copyright. Many people do some stupid things that cost them lots of time and money, and copyright infringement. Before doing anything that could get you in trouble with the feds, you should check it out first. Make sure you have all originals and rights to do what you are doing.
The other article by Scott Watson is all about seeing recording music. There actually may be more to this article, but what loaded on my computer detailed what you should be looking at when you look at recorded sound.
The article gives an example of the same phrase of a piece of music played two different ways. The two examples are shown side to side and the difference is amazing. The levels that are hit on one are completely different than the levels of the other.
This could actually such a valuable tool for teaching students. If you have visual learners, you can actually show them what their sound looks like. How cool is that? You are actually seeing sound, it is like synesthesia for people who do not have it!
Anyway the article goes a little more in depth, but I could not make out the letters. I did see a section on recording vinyls, which I would love to know how to do.
In conclusion, I am very glad to be learning about recording. I believe that if I am to be a successful band teacher, I need to be educated in as many music related subjects as possible. And since recording is so important to music everywhere, it is imperative that I know about this.
Before I go into the music recording, I would like to say that the PDF of the technology strategies by MENC is such a wonderful guide.
Anyway the two articles that are related to this week's topic are on two different aspects of recording. One was on how to do the recording, and the other one discussed what you should see when you record and what it all means. I think that this was one of my favorite weeks to read. I know nothing about recording and would like to.
The first article I read was by Tim Clukey. This was the article that dealt with the general reason and methods to why music is recorded. I feel that this is an article that everyone should read because it deals with such great information.
The article starts out talking about why music is recorded. It demonstrates how important it is for students to hear themselves and appreciate their own work. This is such an important facet in music. If you do not love how you sound, or think that you need to work on something, you would never know without recordings.
Next the article focused in on the technology and equipment needed for recording. (The rest of the article delves deeper into recording) This is so essential for music educators to know. You should know what you are buying, and where to get what you need. I feel that many educators are not as proficient as they should be in this area.
The last point that I would like to tell about the article is the section on copyright. Many people do some stupid things that cost them lots of time and money, and copyright infringement. Before doing anything that could get you in trouble with the feds, you should check it out first. Make sure you have all originals and rights to do what you are doing.
The other article by Scott Watson is all about seeing recording music. There actually may be more to this article, but what loaded on my computer detailed what you should be looking at when you look at recorded sound.
The article gives an example of the same phrase of a piece of music played two different ways. The two examples are shown side to side and the difference is amazing. The levels that are hit on one are completely different than the levels of the other.
This could actually such a valuable tool for teaching students. If you have visual learners, you can actually show them what their sound looks like. How cool is that? You are actually seeing sound, it is like synesthesia for people who do not have it!
Anyway the article goes a little more in depth, but I could not make out the letters. I did see a section on recording vinyls, which I would love to know how to do.
In conclusion, I am very glad to be learning about recording. I believe that if I am to be a successful band teacher, I need to be educated in as many music related subjects as possible. And since recording is so important to music everywhere, it is imperative that I know about this.
PLN Week 7
http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/school-administrators-the-real-world-have-the-ever-really-met/
This is a link that I got off of the Blog "So You Think You Can Teach" that I thought is such a good topic. Why are school administrators so out of touch with the school teachers?
Growing up with two teacher parents I have seen the best and worst of the administrative part of education. And I know that when an administrator is in touch with the people that they oversee, everything runs more smoothly.
The reason I bring this point up is because of a cycle that I noticed. If the best performers make the best educators, then by association shouldn't the best educators make the best administrators? I mean, once you understand how your employees work, you become more knowledgeable and your work environment improves tremendously.
However contrary it is also a little known fact (that I have found from my parents) that it is in fact the worst teachers who become administrative staff. I think that this article shows just some of the things that administrators should be aware of. There are too many situations that teachers should not have to deal with. Those situations would not exist if the administration would properly do their job.
Despite some weakness in the articles arguments for bad administration, I felt that the article raises some awareness to what is going on in our schools.
This is a link that I got off of the Blog "So You Think You Can Teach" that I thought is such a good topic. Why are school administrators so out of touch with the school teachers?
Growing up with two teacher parents I have seen the best and worst of the administrative part of education. And I know that when an administrator is in touch with the people that they oversee, everything runs more smoothly.
The reason I bring this point up is because of a cycle that I noticed. If the best performers make the best educators, then by association shouldn't the best educators make the best administrators? I mean, once you understand how your employees work, you become more knowledgeable and your work environment improves tremendously.
However contrary it is also a little known fact (that I have found from my parents) that it is in fact the worst teachers who become administrative staff. I think that this article shows just some of the things that administrators should be aware of. There are too many situations that teachers should not have to deal with. Those situations would not exist if the administration would properly do their job.
Despite some weakness in the articles arguments for bad administration, I felt that the article raises some awareness to what is going on in our schools.
Friday, October 2, 2009
PLN Week 6
http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/see-there-is-hope-after-all/
This is a link to a blog that I found on my PLN this week. It is actually a link to another blog that a teacher wrote. This aforementioned teacher wrote this blog when she was inclined to quit her job. One of the last posts on this blog was on how to overcome that feeling to quit. In no particular order they are:
1. Don’t give up, even when you feel absolutely useless. We all feel that way at times.
2. Surround yourself with positive people.
3. Avoid negativity like the plague.
4. Learn something from everyone with whom you come into contact.
5. Enjoy the journey.
I thought that these are good pieces of advice, and I want to thank one person in particular for sharing them with me. Brad Hruska, who now teaches in the Perry School system, told me these things last year. I am very happy that I was able to meet Brad, because I look up to him as a music teacher.
I feel that these pieces of advice are common sense and actually are applied to life. I feel that if you do these things in your life, anything that you do will be worth it.
This is a link to a blog that I found on my PLN this week. It is actually a link to another blog that a teacher wrote. This aforementioned teacher wrote this blog when she was inclined to quit her job. One of the last posts on this blog was on how to overcome that feeling to quit. In no particular order they are:
1. Don’t give up, even when you feel absolutely useless. We all feel that way at times.
2. Surround yourself with positive people.
3. Avoid negativity like the plague.
4. Learn something from everyone with whom you come into contact.
5. Enjoy the journey.
I thought that these are good pieces of advice, and I want to thank one person in particular for sharing them with me. Brad Hruska, who now teaches in the Perry School system, told me these things last year. I am very happy that I was able to meet Brad, because I look up to him as a music teacher.
I feel that these pieces of advice are common sense and actually are applied to life. I feel that if you do these things in your life, anything that you do will be worth it.
Readings for 9/28-10/2
Once again, MIDI is the focus of this weeks reading. This week focused in on "sequence stration", which is basically orchestrating parts using MIDI sounds. At first this sounded interesting to me, but really it is just common sense.
The author Scott Watson is an elementary band director in the Philadelphia area and uses sequence stration for his own bands.He talks about how to correctly use MIDI sounds to their fullest advantage, so you can have music that sounds real, but is just pre-programed noises.
Mr. Watson also talked about how to orchestrate MIDI parts correctly. Many of the ranges that MIDI gives instruments are incorrect and often sound terrible. He suggests stick to the instruments natural range, and you should not run into problems. Watson also suggests to use multiple octaves such as a bass sax a soprano sax and an ocarina. All of the MIDI sounds are similar, and will add a nice texture to you composition.
This is all nice and well, I am for MIDI use, but this is getting a bit over done. I feel like people are trying to take the human out of music. Yes, I believe that MIDI can help composers "hear" the parts they are writing, but beyond that I am having trouble seeing a proper function for it.
There is something special in hearing another human pour out their soul with their instrument, and MIDI is taking that away. I would rather hire a professional to play a part, rather than hear a computer play something back to me.
I really am trying to keep an open mind on the MIDI issue, but I am having trouble adjusting to the idea. I like that music is a necessity for human interaction, and a staple of society. I feel that we are taking the feel out of music when MIDI is used.
The author Scott Watson is an elementary band director in the Philadelphia area and uses sequence stration for his own bands.He talks about how to correctly use MIDI sounds to their fullest advantage, so you can have music that sounds real, but is just pre-programed noises.
Mr. Watson also talked about how to orchestrate MIDI parts correctly. Many of the ranges that MIDI gives instruments are incorrect and often sound terrible. He suggests stick to the instruments natural range, and you should not run into problems. Watson also suggests to use multiple octaves such as a bass sax a soprano sax and an ocarina. All of the MIDI sounds are similar, and will add a nice texture to you composition.
This is all nice and well, I am for MIDI use, but this is getting a bit over done. I feel like people are trying to take the human out of music. Yes, I believe that MIDI can help composers "hear" the parts they are writing, but beyond that I am having trouble seeing a proper function for it.
There is something special in hearing another human pour out their soul with their instrument, and MIDI is taking that away. I would rather hire a professional to play a part, rather than hear a computer play something back to me.
I really am trying to keep an open mind on the MIDI issue, but I am having trouble adjusting to the idea. I like that music is a necessity for human interaction, and a staple of society. I feel that we are taking the feel out of music when MIDI is used.
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