THIS WEEK IN CHOIR:
IT'S THE FINAL WEEK OF REMOTE LEARNING FOR 2019/20 SCHOOL YEAR!
6/3 - Here is your LAST assignment for choir!
Please define the word “CHOIR”. Do not give a dictionary or Wikipedia definition. How would YOU define the word “CHOIR”?
Please email your responses to Mrs. Ammerman by 11:59 pm on Thursday (6/4).
6/1 - A few years ago, a tradition was started to have the seniors each sit in front of a white board and have the class come up and write something positive or encouraging about them before taking a picture. With the way our school year ended, this was not possible, so we're going to do it a different way...
Your assignment today is to go to the linked Google Form to leave those comments for each of our seniors (Megan, Alex, and Serenity). Mrs. Ammerman will put all of your comments together and present them to the girls later this week. All comments are due by 11:59 pm on Tuesday (6/2) in order to be included.
Senior Comments/Encouragements Google Form Link: forms.gle/5y2UHdbouuqJVmaw7
6/3 - Here is your LAST assignment for choir!
Please define the word “CHOIR”. Do not give a dictionary or Wikipedia definition. How would YOU define the word “CHOIR”?
Please email your responses to Mrs. Ammerman by 11:59 pm on Thursday (6/4).
6/1 - A few years ago, a tradition was started to have the seniors each sit in front of a white board and have the class come up and write something positive or encouraging about them before taking a picture. With the way our school year ended, this was not possible, so we're going to do it a different way...
Your assignment today is to go to the linked Google Form to leave those comments for each of our seniors (Megan, Alex, and Serenity). Mrs. Ammerman will put all of your comments together and present them to the girls later this week. All comments are due by 11:59 pm on Tuesday (6/2) in order to be included.
Senior Comments/Encouragements Google Form Link: forms.gle/5y2UHdbouuqJVmaw7
Past ASsignments:
5/27 - PIRATE WEEK DAY 5 - IT’S THE LAST DAY OF (VIRTUAL) PIRATE WEEK!!!
Here’s your piratey task for today...take a look at the below Google Slide presentation. We are going on a Zoom treasure hunt at 10:00 am.Yer captain will send out the link 5-10 minutes before we start. Don't worry if ye can't make it, there is an alternate assignment on the presentation. Make sure you read ALL of the instructions, or Captain Money Buckets Scarlet O’Greedy will have you walkin’ the plank fer sure. Argh!
Pirate Week Day 5 Google Slide Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12ekjHdbhanjZ-qq51KAtbGHPjsSBloRjYeQs9u7C_6s/edit?usp=sharing
Here’s your piratey task for today...take a look at the below Google Slide presentation. We are going on a Zoom treasure hunt at 10:00 am.Yer captain will send out the link 5-10 minutes before we start. Don't worry if ye can't make it, there is an alternate assignment on the presentation. Make sure you read ALL of the instructions, or Captain Money Buckets Scarlet O’Greedy will have you walkin’ the plank fer sure. Argh!
Pirate Week Day 5 Google Slide Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12ekjHdbhanjZ-qq51KAtbGHPjsSBloRjYeQs9u7C_6s/edit?usp=sharing
5/20 - PIRATE WEEK DAY 4
Here’s your piratey task for today...take a look at the attached Google Slide presentation. You are going to learn a little about pirate treasure. Make sure you read ALL of the instructions, or Captain Money Buckets Scarlet O’Greedy will have you walkin’ the plank fer sure. Argh!
Pirate Week Day 4 Google Slide Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UYibjZBxQuoKm8nz4FZe8pEm9QFmlfP1HJtbOiSUTLc/edit?usp=sharing
5/18 - PIRATE WEEK DAY 3
Here’s your piratey task for today...take a look at the attached Google Slide presentation. You are going to learn a little about pirate ships and flags. Make sure you read ALL of the instructions, or Captain Money Buckets Scarlet O’Greedy will have you walkin’ the plank fer sure. Argh!
Pirate Week Day 3 Google Slide Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OK4Yp5S9HXgUC4CIjDPgfP3cV1lt5fFjxpO2CJqTy9Y/edit?usp=sharing
Here’s your piratey task for today...take a look at the attached Google Slide presentation. You are going to learn a little about pirate treasure. Make sure you read ALL of the instructions, or Captain Money Buckets Scarlet O’Greedy will have you walkin’ the plank fer sure. Argh!
Pirate Week Day 4 Google Slide Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UYibjZBxQuoKm8nz4FZe8pEm9QFmlfP1HJtbOiSUTLc/edit?usp=sharing
5/18 - PIRATE WEEK DAY 3
Here’s your piratey task for today...take a look at the attached Google Slide presentation. You are going to learn a little about pirate ships and flags. Make sure you read ALL of the instructions, or Captain Money Buckets Scarlet O’Greedy will have you walkin’ the plank fer sure. Argh!
Pirate Week Day 3 Google Slide Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OK4Yp5S9HXgUC4CIjDPgfP3cV1lt5fFjxpO2CJqTy9Y/edit?usp=sharing
5/13 - PIRATE WEEK DAY 2
Ahoy, my Hearties! I be missin' all of ye lads and lassies! Take a look at today's Google Slide presentation for yer piratey assignment. Make sure to read ALL directions or you may be walkin' the plank!
Pirate Week Day 2 Google Slide Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1m0C1YPD1lFU_qP2HsVuueGFGoidh9NqrUzgKVfL9I6Q/edit?usp=sharing
5/11 - (VIRTUAL) PIRATE WEEK!!!
That's right! ALL of my classes get to do Pirate Week this year! Why? Because we can!
Here’s your piratey task for today...take a look at the attached Google Slide presentation. You are going to get your very own pirate name AND learn how to speak like a pirate. Make sure you read all of the instructions, or Captain Ammerman will have you swabbing the deck. Argh!
Pirate Week Day 1 Google Slide Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_TgB0lD_P9H12eZwWmE-tiUm4r3ou_7y2QRhJrOcBBo/edit?usp=sharing
Ahoy, my Hearties! I be missin' all of ye lads and lassies! Take a look at today's Google Slide presentation for yer piratey assignment. Make sure to read ALL directions or you may be walkin' the plank!
Pirate Week Day 2 Google Slide Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1m0C1YPD1lFU_qP2HsVuueGFGoidh9NqrUzgKVfL9I6Q/edit?usp=sharing
5/11 - (VIRTUAL) PIRATE WEEK!!!
That's right! ALL of my classes get to do Pirate Week this year! Why? Because we can!
Here’s your piratey task for today...take a look at the attached Google Slide presentation. You are going to get your very own pirate name AND learn how to speak like a pirate. Make sure you read all of the instructions, or Captain Ammerman will have you swabbing the deck. Argh!
Pirate Week Day 1 Google Slide Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_TgB0lD_P9H12eZwWmE-tiUm4r3ou_7y2QRhJrOcBBo/edit?usp=sharing
5/6 - MEME WARS!!! - Final Vote
Today, I am asking you to VOTE for your favorite meme of the FINAL FIVE. These are the top memes from last week’s submissions and voting. You have until Thursday at 11:59 pm to cast your votes. It’s that simple. The Champion Meme will be crowned the winner on Friday!
Meme Wars Final Vote Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/bxa6121XbyqKWPCz8
5/4 - MEME WARS!!!
Today, I am asking you to VOTE for your favorite choir and music class memes. These are the top memes from last week’s submissions and voting. You have until Tuesday at 11:59 pm to cast your votes. It’s that simple. The final round of voting will take place later this week, with the Champion Meme being crowned the winner on Friday!
Honorable Mentions have been posted on the home page of my website.
Meme Wars Round 2 Voting Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/MxysdbzfTTWpK5NPA
Today, I am asking you to VOTE for your favorite meme of the FINAL FIVE. These are the top memes from last week’s submissions and voting. You have until Thursday at 11:59 pm to cast your votes. It’s that simple. The Champion Meme will be crowned the winner on Friday!
Meme Wars Final Vote Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/bxa6121XbyqKWPCz8
5/4 - MEME WARS!!!
Today, I am asking you to VOTE for your favorite choir and music class memes. These are the top memes from last week’s submissions and voting. You have until Tuesday at 11:59 pm to cast your votes. It’s that simple. The final round of voting will take place later this week, with the Champion Meme being crowned the winner on Friday!
Honorable Mentions have been posted on the home page of my website.
Meme Wars Round 2 Voting Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/MxysdbzfTTWpK5NPA
4/29 - MEME WARS!!! (Continued)
Today, I am asking you to VOTE for your favorite choir memes for both YOUR class and for the RMS Choir. (They will be doing the same thing.) In order to get full credit today, you MUST vote in both contests. I have provided links to the Google Forms below. All submissions that were received by 11:59 pm on 4/28 are included.
Please read and follow the directions carefully. Failure to follow directions will result in your vote not counting.
BHS Choir Meme Wars Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/HGBVZWfvpGNjJpsX7
RMS Choir Meme Wars Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/dZEWuf6W3VZSFut78
4/27 - MEME WARS!!!
Today, I am asking you to create a meme that is related to our choir class. Please review the linked Google Slide presentation for full instructions. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!!!
Google Slide Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13GQDrFgtOzIEoed3Vl6GpenCEVhfqyUo56c5NQTVI-4/edit?usp=sharing
Today, I am asking you to VOTE for your favorite choir memes for both YOUR class and for the RMS Choir. (They will be doing the same thing.) In order to get full credit today, you MUST vote in both contests. I have provided links to the Google Forms below. All submissions that were received by 11:59 pm on 4/28 are included.
Please read and follow the directions carefully. Failure to follow directions will result in your vote not counting.
BHS Choir Meme Wars Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/HGBVZWfvpGNjJpsX7
RMS Choir Meme Wars Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/dZEWuf6W3VZSFut78
4/27 - MEME WARS!!!
Today, I am asking you to create a meme that is related to our choir class. Please review the linked Google Slide presentation for full instructions. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!!!
Google Slide Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13GQDrFgtOzIEoed3Vl6GpenCEVhfqyUo56c5NQTVI-4/edit?usp=sharing
Week of April 20: Remote Learning Experience #3
Hello Choirs! For this assignment, please pick ONE thing to do and submit by Friday at 11:59 pm to my email ([email protected]). You will need to choose a DIFFERENT activity from the ones that you worked on in previous weeks. This is your opportunity to direct your own learning and interests. There is no way for us to replicate the beauty and benefits of singing together in real-time at this point, but we CAN do things to continue to thrive as musicians.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE:
MONDAY - Fill out the Google Form to let Mrs. Ammerman know what you are working on this week. (https://forms.gle/CyJNQ7NF4CNhvkTr8)
WEDNESDAY - Fill out the Google Form to let Mrs. Ammerman know how you're coming on your assignment. (https://forms.gle/qM6nMjYCmWW2ofd28)
FRIDAY - Your assignment is due to Mrs. Ammerman by 11:59 pm
Realizing that you all have different prior experiences and different ability levels, here are learning experiences that allow you to:
THE FOUR QUESTIONS:
In order to receive a full creit, you need to submit your work, along with answers to the following questions:
Be prepared to receive feedback from me and be willing to answer any additional questions I have for you based on your experience.
HERE ARE YOUR CHOICES (PICK ONE):
Write a song parody (NEW): Choose a popular song (one that most people would recognize) and change the lyrics to reflect our current situation (i.e. COVID-19, Quarantine, Social Distancing, Remote Learning). Type out the new lyrics in a Google Doc. Include a link to the original song (YouTube, Spotify, etc.) and email it to Mrs. Ammerman. For extra credit, submit a video of yourself singing the parodied version of the song. And answer the four questions.
Be a conductor: Pick one of our pieces that we are working on and record a video of yourself conducting to a recording of that piece (be sure to have the audio playing out and not into headphone/earbuds). Move beyond just keeping time and conduct using gestures and cues that you believe would help a choir perform that piece. And answer the four questions.
Be a choral composer who uses traditional notation: Make a piece of music using MuseScore (free online). Compose either a warm-up exercise (complete with lyrics) or a piece for choir (SAB with or without instrumentation/accompaniment). Tell me about your composition process either by writing a short summary or recording an audio response that is between 2-5 minutes long. Your piece length is determined by you. And answer the four questions.
Be a performer: Record audio or video of yourself performing your favorite song to a karaoke track. Tell me why it’s your favorite song right now and why you like singing it. And answer the four questions.
Be a performer/creator: Record an audio or video of yourself performing your own harmony parts that you have made up to a recording of your favorite song. Imagine you are the back-ip singer and be creative! Tell me why it’s your favorite song right now and why you like it. And answer the four questions.
Be a teacher: Find a video online that would be valuable for your peers to watch that is related to singing/choir/music. Write up an explanation of why it would be beneficial for anyone in our class and what you learned from watching it. Provide some prompt questions that could help students think about the content in the video. And answer the four questions.
Conduct an interview: As a family member you’re stuck with (or call someone) about their music making. Some possible questions are: Did they/do they have a formal or informal music education? How do they prefer making music? What impact has music had on them? Do they think that all students should be exposed to music education? What memories do they have about music making? Write up a summary of your findings with any insights you have about this interaction or record an audio response that is between 2-5 minutes long. And answer the four questions.
Create a playlist: Assemble a playlist of at least ten pieces on your favorite music listening app or provide a list with links. Pick a theme for your playlist. For each piece, provide a short and specific description of what you like about that piece. Your playlist can include any medium of music (chora, vocal, instruments, and genre). And answer the four questions.
Do a comparative analysis: Find two recordings of the same piece by two different artists (you can use one of our choral pieces we are preparing or a song recorded by two different artists). Analyze how they are similar and how they are different and why you prefer one over the other. Write up an analysis (at least 200 words). And answer the four questions.
Explore music careers: Consider all of the ways that you consume music now that you are social distancing. Explore and pick a music career that is responsible for bringing music into your home (e.g. sound engineer, commercial artist, film composer, jingle writer, youtube artist, etc.). Write up a short summary of what this person does, what type of schooling would be helpful for this career, skills necessary for this job, and your thoughts on the profession. And answer the four questions.
Make a presentation: Using Google slides, share with me your favorite piece of music. Format your slides like this: Slide #1 title and artist, slide #2 analysis of the piece from a construction standpoint, slide #3 why we should listen to this piece, and slide #4 a link to a recording. And answer the four questions.
Practice music theory skills: Pick three lessons from http://www.musictheory.net and complete the corresponding exercises. Screenshot your score once you get over an 80% passing rate for each of the three exercises. Be prepared to answer a few theory questions I may direct at you related to your exercises (don’t have someone else do these for you, actually practice them yourself). And answer the four questions.
Propose a choral program: Create a choral program of your own. Decide how to structure your program and pick pieces that fit your vision. Explore music publishing or distribution websites for ideas. Include at least five choral pieces. Create a Google slideshow with a slide for each piece that explains why you have chosen that piece and a link to a recording of it. Have one additional slide that explains your vision. And answer the four questions.
Research: Pick one of our pieces we are preparing or have already performed and do some research on it. Things to consider might be intent of the composer, context of time and place, lyric interpretations, and/or structure of the composition. Write up a detailed description of the piece that demonstrates your understanding of it from a deeper perspective. And answer the four questions.
Pitch an idea: If you would like to create your own music learning experience, pitch your idea here. I will receive your suggestion and give you the go-ahead or offer suggestions for making it viable. Be sure to make your case for why you would benefit from your own idea. You will receive credit for the assignment (not the pitch - so pitch early). And answer the four questions at the conclusion of your work.
The intent of these experiences is for you to grow as a musician. Email with any questions you have ([email protected]). I’m here and happy to support your learning. Be well, stay home, and keep music in your life!
Hello Choirs! For this assignment, please pick ONE thing to do and submit by Friday at 11:59 pm to my email ([email protected]). You will need to choose a DIFFERENT activity from the ones that you worked on in previous weeks. This is your opportunity to direct your own learning and interests. There is no way for us to replicate the beauty and benefits of singing together in real-time at this point, but we CAN do things to continue to thrive as musicians.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE:
MONDAY - Fill out the Google Form to let Mrs. Ammerman know what you are working on this week. (https://forms.gle/CyJNQ7NF4CNhvkTr8)
WEDNESDAY - Fill out the Google Form to let Mrs. Ammerman know how you're coming on your assignment. (https://forms.gle/qM6nMjYCmWW2ofd28)
FRIDAY - Your assignment is due to Mrs. Ammerman by 11:59 pm
Realizing that you all have different prior experiences and different ability levels, here are learning experiences that allow you to:
- Create
- Analyze
- Perform
- Explore
- Process
- Practice
- Learn from others
- Learn by yourself
THE FOUR QUESTIONS:
In order to receive a full creit, you need to submit your work, along with answers to the following questions:
- What did you do?
- Why did you pick this experience?
- How do you know if you learned anything from doing it?
- What could you do next to extend this experience?
Be prepared to receive feedback from me and be willing to answer any additional questions I have for you based on your experience.
HERE ARE YOUR CHOICES (PICK ONE):
Write a song parody (NEW): Choose a popular song (one that most people would recognize) and change the lyrics to reflect our current situation (i.e. COVID-19, Quarantine, Social Distancing, Remote Learning). Type out the new lyrics in a Google Doc. Include a link to the original song (YouTube, Spotify, etc.) and email it to Mrs. Ammerman. For extra credit, submit a video of yourself singing the parodied version of the song. And answer the four questions.
Be a conductor: Pick one of our pieces that we are working on and record a video of yourself conducting to a recording of that piece (be sure to have the audio playing out and not into headphone/earbuds). Move beyond just keeping time and conduct using gestures and cues that you believe would help a choir perform that piece. And answer the four questions.
Be a choral composer who uses traditional notation: Make a piece of music using MuseScore (free online). Compose either a warm-up exercise (complete with lyrics) or a piece for choir (SAB with or without instrumentation/accompaniment). Tell me about your composition process either by writing a short summary or recording an audio response that is between 2-5 minutes long. Your piece length is determined by you. And answer the four questions.
Be a performer: Record audio or video of yourself performing your favorite song to a karaoke track. Tell me why it’s your favorite song right now and why you like singing it. And answer the four questions.
Be a performer/creator: Record an audio or video of yourself performing your own harmony parts that you have made up to a recording of your favorite song. Imagine you are the back-ip singer and be creative! Tell me why it’s your favorite song right now and why you like it. And answer the four questions.
Be a teacher: Find a video online that would be valuable for your peers to watch that is related to singing/choir/music. Write up an explanation of why it would be beneficial for anyone in our class and what you learned from watching it. Provide some prompt questions that could help students think about the content in the video. And answer the four questions.
Conduct an interview: As a family member you’re stuck with (or call someone) about their music making. Some possible questions are: Did they/do they have a formal or informal music education? How do they prefer making music? What impact has music had on them? Do they think that all students should be exposed to music education? What memories do they have about music making? Write up a summary of your findings with any insights you have about this interaction or record an audio response that is between 2-5 minutes long. And answer the four questions.
Create a playlist: Assemble a playlist of at least ten pieces on your favorite music listening app or provide a list with links. Pick a theme for your playlist. For each piece, provide a short and specific description of what you like about that piece. Your playlist can include any medium of music (chora, vocal, instruments, and genre). And answer the four questions.
Do a comparative analysis: Find two recordings of the same piece by two different artists (you can use one of our choral pieces we are preparing or a song recorded by two different artists). Analyze how they are similar and how they are different and why you prefer one over the other. Write up an analysis (at least 200 words). And answer the four questions.
Explore music careers: Consider all of the ways that you consume music now that you are social distancing. Explore and pick a music career that is responsible for bringing music into your home (e.g. sound engineer, commercial artist, film composer, jingle writer, youtube artist, etc.). Write up a short summary of what this person does, what type of schooling would be helpful for this career, skills necessary for this job, and your thoughts on the profession. And answer the four questions.
Make a presentation: Using Google slides, share with me your favorite piece of music. Format your slides like this: Slide #1 title and artist, slide #2 analysis of the piece from a construction standpoint, slide #3 why we should listen to this piece, and slide #4 a link to a recording. And answer the four questions.
Practice music theory skills: Pick three lessons from http://www.musictheory.net and complete the corresponding exercises. Screenshot your score once you get over an 80% passing rate for each of the three exercises. Be prepared to answer a few theory questions I may direct at you related to your exercises (don’t have someone else do these for you, actually practice them yourself). And answer the four questions.
Propose a choral program: Create a choral program of your own. Decide how to structure your program and pick pieces that fit your vision. Explore music publishing or distribution websites for ideas. Include at least five choral pieces. Create a Google slideshow with a slide for each piece that explains why you have chosen that piece and a link to a recording of it. Have one additional slide that explains your vision. And answer the four questions.
Research: Pick one of our pieces we are preparing or have already performed and do some research on it. Things to consider might be intent of the composer, context of time and place, lyric interpretations, and/or structure of the composition. Write up a detailed description of the piece that demonstrates your understanding of it from a deeper perspective. And answer the four questions.
Pitch an idea: If you would like to create your own music learning experience, pitch your idea here. I will receive your suggestion and give you the go-ahead or offer suggestions for making it viable. Be sure to make your case for why you would benefit from your own idea. You will receive credit for the assignment (not the pitch - so pitch early). And answer the four questions at the conclusion of your work.
The intent of these experiences is for you to grow as a musician. Email with any questions you have ([email protected]). I’m here and happy to support your learning. Be well, stay home, and keep music in your life!
4/15: Today, I would like for you to reflect on the last month since we’ve been out of school. What music/song has been a comfort to you? Has there been a song or piece of music that has brought you some peace or joy? It can be any length...and genre...slow...fast...it just needs to be something that speaks to you personally.
Here is one that has really lifted my spirits when I’m down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfaOeiqdsm4. The lyrics really speak to me and give me hope that, even in this troubling time, things can always get better.
Once you have thought of a song, please fill out the Google Form (link below) to tell me about that song/piece of music.
Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/yh5gXxsW4UaHcZHE6
Week of March 30: Remote Learning Experience #2
Week of March 23: Remote Learning Experience #1
Here is one that has really lifted my spirits when I’m down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfaOeiqdsm4. The lyrics really speak to me and give me hope that, even in this troubling time, things can always get better.
Once you have thought of a song, please fill out the Google Form (link below) to tell me about that song/piece of music.
Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/yh5gXxsW4UaHcZHE6
Week of March 30: Remote Learning Experience #2
Week of March 23: Remote Learning Experience #1