Hi All!

Sorry as well for the delay in my bloggin activites!

Sedina really outlined the class activities perfectly, and also mentioned our goals for next Tuesday and the issues related to the two unique class dynamics.

I discussed various elements of opera with both classes, had them come up with a definition of opera, and gave them a few examples of other musical story-telling they might know (musical theatre, Disney movies, etc). We also discussed some of the things we'll need to create an opera (characters, story, libretto, music, accompanying music/musicians, etc) and discussed the ways that music can intensify or heighten the effect of a story of dialogue.

What I have been pondering is how to most effectively lead the students into the process of songwriting. I have many ideas in organizing and orchestrating music for the two classes of 35 children, but over the next two weeks, I am going to give a lot of thought to the methods I will use in introducing composition to the class. I have yet to decide if I want to get the students to create melodies and then those melodies to music myself, or if I should come to the class with melodies and have the students take part in orchestrating these melodies.

For Sona's class, I'd like to do some research on West African music, and use my findings to inspire the format for creating music with the kids. Certainly, the drumming they have learned will provide a great soundscape and departure point for the melodies we will create. For Mubeen and Amanda's group, I will wait until Tuesday to see what sorts of stories the kids come up with and try to use their ideas to guide me. Sedina made a very useful point when we spoke on Tuesday in suggesting that I start with the climax of each story and focus with the kids on using the music to highlight the most exciting points of the story. I want to continue to stress with them the importance of using music to heighten the impact of the text they create.

Anyway, those are my thoughts for now!

I am having a blast so far, and can't wait till next Tuesday!