Darien High School Orchestra

Bach Chorales

2012-01-31T11:00:00.002-05:00

Click on your instrument below to be linked to the PDF of the Bach Chorales you will need to complete in SmartMusic this quarter.

Violin

Viola

Cello

Bass

This Old Man: Take Home Composition

2012-01-13T22:19:00.003-05:00

This semester, you have composed a series of Theme & Variation pieces. For your Mid-Term Exam, you will compose a Theme and Variation on the American folk song, “This Old Man.”

At home, write out the THEME for “This Old Man” for your instrument. Use the following guidelines:

Rubric:
• The Theme MUST be written in 4/4. (2 points)
• The Theme is in G Major. (3 points)
• The theme can only use eighth notes, quarter notes and half notes. There should be no sixteenth notes or whole notes. (5 points)

You must print out a copy to attach to your mid-term exam. You will need the theme in order to complete the Variation on the mid-term.

Due: Wednesday, January 19 @ 10:30 a.m.
This composition is worth 30 points on your mid-term exam.

Help with the performance portion

2012-01-12T06:24:00.001-05:00

There is a practice track for the Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, movement 1 at
http://www.darienps.org/teachers/jminnis/Brandenburg4MP3.mp3

2011-12-10T09:43:00.000-05:00

A Bach Christmas

2011-12-10T09:40:00.001-05:00

A recording of A Bach Christmas was sent to you on saturday morning. This recording was made on Wednesday and then overdubbed on Thursday. Please make a comment on this performance:

What is positive about the performance?

What could be improved? Please remember that this is an overdub, so levels may be a little off.

Respond by Monday, Decmeber 12.

Holiday Theme and Variation Project

2011-12-07T08:24:00.003-05:00

Due: Wednesday, December 21, 2011

This is a composition and performance project. You will have two weeks to complete it.

PART 1: Theme
In Finale Notepad or Noteflight, write out the theme for Good King Wenceslas for your instrument. Follow these guidelines:
• The piece is in G Major; (10 points)
• The time signature is 4/4; (10 points)
• The piece should begin and end on G. (5 points)
• The theme consists of quarter notes and half notes. (10 points)
• It should be a minimum of 16 measures. (10 points)

PART 2: Variation
In Finale Notepad or Noteflight, write out a variation for Good King Wenceslas for your instrument. Follow these guidelines:
• The key signature can stay the same, or change to a minor key. (10 points)
• The time signature can stay the same, or change to 3/4 or 6/8. (10 points)
• You can use any combination of notes and rests. (10 points)

PART 3: Performance
For this part, you must record your Theme and Variation in GarageBand on the Mac. After doing that, you will need to add additional instruments---drums, auxiliary percussion, guitar, bass---to enhance your recording. These can be loops found in Garageband, or can be added using the keyboard. Follow these guidelines:
• There should be a small pause added between your theme and variation.
• Your piece should have a drum loop for both the theme and variation. When you add a drum beat to your piece, add that loop first so you have a steady tempo to play with. (10 pts)
• Add guitar and bass after you have played so you can hear the chord change (this is advanced, so if you need help, let me know). (5 pts for each)
• You can add sleigh bells or other auxiliary percussion using the keyboard. (5 pts)

This project will be worth 100 points and will be graded using the guidelines outlined above. 5 points will be deducted for each day it is late. No submissions will be accepted after December 23.

2011-12-06T17:21:00.001-05:00

Send us to Disney World!

2011-11-27T20:02:00.002-05:00

The Darien High School Orchestra has teamed up with Worcester Wreath Company of Maine to offer holiday greenery delivered right to your door!

Choose from a wide variety of products, including wreaths, garlands, tabletop trees, balsam ceterpieces and Christmas decorations---all online. Place your order from the comfort of your home or office and have it delivered directly to you. And, as a special thank you for supporting our fundraising efforts, you will receive a 10% discount on your entire order when you enter our fundarising code DHSO in the coupon code box.

Placing an order is simple:
* Go to http://www.worcesterwreath.com/
* Place your order
* Be sure to enter DHSO in the coupon code box.
* 25% of your total purcahse will be sent to the Darien High School Orchestra

We hope you will support our fundraising efforts this year!

Jingle Waltz

2011-11-23T16:15:00.006-05:00

*I couldn't get our in-class recording to post, so you're off the hook on that assignment.

The words and music for Jingle Bells were written in 1857 by James Pierpont for a Thanksgiving program at his church in Boston. It was so well received that he was asked to repeat it at Christmas.

This assignment is another in our Theme & Variation series. Follow these instructions to complete the piece:

Write the THEME of Jingle Bells in D Major. This will begin on F# (3rd note of the scale).

Write the VARIATION in a WALTZ form.

The time signature for the waltz is in 3/4.

The key signature remains the same (D Major).

The rhythm will change.

Print out your Theme & Variation to hand in.

Due: Tuesday, November 29

Write a Patriotic March

2011-11-13T10:51:00.002-05:00

This composition explores the use of a rhythmic motif.

Key of G Major (1# = F#)

8 measures: first 4 must use the rhythm provided with your choice of notes. The next 4 can be different, but you may want to consider having the last two measures use the rhythmic motif.

It can begin on any note, but must end on G.

DUE: Tuesday, November 15

Name a Baroque Composer

2011-11-04T08:27:00.003-04:00

Anyone other than Bach! No repeats.

It would be helpful if you included the composer's birth and death dates.

Composition Assignment: Footsteps on the Stairs

2011-10-19T05:30:00.000-04:00

This is your third composition assignment. In the last two compositions, you used D Major. This piece will be composed in D minor.

This composition should be written using music composition software. If you do not already have Finale Notepad, try using Noteflight.com, a new online composition program.

The title should be Footsteps on the Stairs
You are the composer, so you should put your name on it.

Choose D MINOR as the key signature
You can use 3/4 or 4/4 as the time signature.
Create an 8 measure composition for YOUR INSTRUMENT that best illustrates footsteps on stairs. You may wish to use only D, E, F, G and A or you may wish to use the whole scale.
Begin and End on D
Use any type of notes.
Be ready to play your composition. Performers will be selected randomly.

This composition is due on Friday, October 21 (E Day). Please PRINT it out.

Halloween Spooktacular!

2011-10-08T22:53:00.002-04:00

All ages are invited to join us for a fanastic concert of spooky fun! We will be performing your favorite Halloween works from such composers as Grieg, Saint Saens, John Williams, and more! The orchestra will be in costumes and attendees are encouraged to dress up as well.

2011-09-30T20:18:00.002-04:00

From the Carnegie Hall website:
Composer and conductor Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky visited the United States in 1891 to conduct at Carnegie Hall’s very first opening night concert. The Russian composer loved traveling, and he found the lure of the New World—and of New York City—very exciting.If Tchaikovsky were a guest in your town, where would you take him? Take a photo with your own cut-out Tchaikovsky and show us.

Download Tchaikovsky PDF

Curse of the Rosin-Eating Zombies

2011-09-24T14:38:00.002-04:00

The first SmartMusic orchestra piece assignment is now available. It is for Curse of the Rosin-Eating Zombies. Each section has a different short part to practice (listed below and on SmartMusic). This assignment is due October 7th.

Violin I: Bar 14, Beat 1 thru 21, 4
This section should be forte and strong. Use more bow on the cresc. in measure 21. Play the Bb's, and F naturals low enough. Practice this section with the metronome to make sure that the eighth notes are consistent.

Violin II: Bar 61, Beat 1 thru 71, 4
This section should start f and be played with a lot of bow. Be sure to follow the Bb and Eb from the key signature and the accidentals. Follow the up bow markings in measures 62 and 63 carefully. Use more bow as you cresc. in measure 66. Practice measure 69-71 with the metronome.

Viola: Bar 28, Beat 1 thru 34, 4
This section should be p but confident since it is soli. Be sure to use a lot of bow even though it is p. Make sure that the F naturals and Bb's are low enough. Practice this section with the metronome to make sure that the long notes are accurate.

Cello: Bar 47, Beat 1 thru 56, 4
Practice this section with the metronome to make sure that it does not rush. Also practice it arco to listen for intonation. Make sure the Bb's and Eb's are low enough. Be sure to cresc. in measure 54 and 55.

String Bass: Bar 23, Beat 1 thru 28, 4
This section should be played close to the frog and to the bridge in order to play ff. Listen carefully for intonation and make sure the accidentals are correct. Use vibrato if possible and count carefully on the long notes.

Composition Assignment: Theme & Variations

2011-09-24T09:33:00.003-04:00

This is your second composition assignment. Using your first composition as your theme, you will write two variations---one in diminution and one in augmentation. J.S. Bach used this composition technique frequently in his fugues.

This composition should be written using FINALE NOTEPAD or other music composition software. You can download a trial copy of Notepad at http://www.finalemusic.com/notepad/demo.aspx.

Check out the Finale Tutorial under "Useful Links" for help.

The title should be [Name]'s Theme & Variations.

Choose D Major and 4/4 as the key signature and time signature.

Write out the original theme.

For DIMINUTION, reduce the length of each note by half. So, if you used a quarter note originally, change it to an eighth note.

For AUGMENTATION, increase the length of each note by double. If you used a half note originally, change it to a whole note.

This composition is due on Tuesday, September 27 (E Day).

C day = Composition Day

2011-09-13T08:40:00.004-04:00

Compositions are always assigned for homework on C days. The first composition assignment is to write a melody in D Major. Here are the parameters:

The piece should be handwritten.

It should have the appropriate clef sign and key signature (F# and C#).

The piece will be 6 measures long.

It will begin on D and end on D. The last note should be a half note.

You can only use the notes D, E, F#, G and A.

You can only use quarter notes and half notes. No more than TWO rests of the same value can be used.

This assignment is due on Thursday, September 15 (E day).

Time for SmartMusic

2011-09-08T10:38:00.002-04:00

We will be using SmartMusic as an element of instruction this year. Having a subscription at home will make doing the assignments easier.

Many of you already have the subscription at home and will need to renew when your subscription runs out. The software will alert you to when it is time to renew with a big red button that tells you it's time. NOTE: You only need one subscription for each computer, so if your family has more than one musician in school, you’re all set.

For those of you who have need a subscription, the process is easy. Go to www.smartmusic.com/Store/Student.aspx and click on Add to Cart. Darien students receive a $5 discount which will be applied when you select Darien High School.

IMPORTANT:
Remove the disk from the basket when you order. This will remove the shipping cost. At that point, you can continue to follow the steps to download the program.

First Assignment

2011-09-06T09:56:00.004-04:00

Please answer the question below by clicking on the comments button below. After you write your comment, click on the Name/URL button to enter your name. There is no need to sign into your gmail account or create a new blogger account.

Write ONE fact about J.S. Bach.

Every fact should be unique. Since there are 59 students in the class, the longer you wait to post an answer, the more obscure your fact will need to be.

*Update: you must read through others' posts to see if you are repeating something that has already been said.

Due: Wednesday, September 7

Welcome!

2011-08-23T15:44:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the DHS Orchestra!

-Miss Minnis

To the Blue Wave Orchestra

2011-06-16T22:16:00.001-04:00

Thank You for Another Great Year!

-Miss Minnis

Good luck!

2011-06-13T22:15:00.001-04:00

Spring Concert Assessment

2011-05-20T20:04:00.002-04:00

View the video of the Spring Awards Concert on the DHS website.

To comment on this performance, click on the comment button below. Your critique must include two positive comments and one constructive comment. You can discuss a section and issues within a particular section. Do not make general statements. Do not single any particular person out in your critique, no matter how attractive they look in their concert attire. Be sure to read through other people's comments and reply if you wish.

DUE: FRIDAY, MAY 27
Worth 10 points in your performance grade.

Fourth Quarter Projects

2011-05-19T13:29:00.000-04:00

These are the two projects that all students must participate in (except internship students):

Group Project One:
HISTORY OF ROCK & ROLL

Working in a small group (already selected), put together a presentation on your group's selected rock group or performer. The presentation should include a 4 page written section and a 10-minute PowerPoint Presentation. (Notice that the written portion was 1 page less.)

Group Project Two:
SMALL ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE (June 1)

With other members of your grade (freshmen, sophomore, junior or senior), you will practice and perform a selection of music at the Small Ensemble Concert on Wednesday, June 1 (during period 4 Power Hour). Rehearsals will take place during the regular Orchestra time.

Freshmen: 21 Guns by Green Day
Sophomores: All Star by Smash Mouth
Juniors: Hotel California by The Eagles
Seniors: Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

Name Composition: part 1

2011-05-02T10:30:00.001-04:00

Due: May 4, 2011, Period 4 (9:22 a.m.)

*Create a MOTIF using your name. Use the chart to substitute letters of the musical alphabet with the letters in your name. Only use the first four letters of your name.

*Enter your four letters as quarter notes in the first measure of your music.
*Enter your four notes in reverse order (backwards) in the second measure of music. This is called RETROGRADE.
*In measures 3 & 4, enter the same notes as measures 1 & 2, but place them all a step higher on the staff. This is called a SEQUENCE.
*In measures 5 & 6, enter the same notes as in measures 3 & 4. In measures 7 & 8, enter the same notes as in measures 1 & 2. This is called REPETITION.

Your composition will be 8 measures long. It must be written in Finale Notepad or other music notation software. Print your composition and hand in on Wednesday.

Evaluation Rubric:
A: All pitches have been entered correctly on the staff. Retrograde, sequence and repetition have been done with accuracy. You needed no assistance to complete this assignment.
B: Most pitches were entered correctly on the staff. Retrograde, sequence and repetition have been done with accuracy. You needed minimal assistance to complete this assignment.
C: Some pitches were not entered correctly on the staff. Retrograde, sequence and repetition have been done with some difficulty. You needed frequent assistance to complete this assignment.
D: Many pitches are not accurate and have been entered incorrectly on the staff. Retrograde, sequence and repetition have been done with difficulty. You needed frequent assistance to complete this assignment.
F: Incomplete

Award-winning performance

2011-05-01T11:58:00.001-04:00

We won Gold and an Adjudicator's Award at the NYC Heritage Festival! We received a score of 93 from all three judges. We've been invited to participate in a Festival of Gold next year.

Pre-Festival Performance (4/27/2011)

2011-04-27T22:14:00.001-04:00

2011-04-12T18:08:00.000-04:00

Dance of the Furies Assessment

2011-04-08T13:15:00.003-04:00

You were emailed our recording of Dance of the Furies. To comment on this performance, click on the comment button below. Your critique must include one positive comment and one constructive comment. Do not make general statements like "Overall, I thought the performance was pretty good." While it is nice to hear, it doesn't help the overall improvement of the piece. (Besides, do we only want to be pretty good?) Also, do not single any particular person out. You can discuss a section and issues within a particular section. Be sure to read through other people's comments and reply if you wish. DUE: MONDAY, APRIL 11

March is The Beatles in Our School month!

2011-03-24T09:29:00.003-04:00

QUIZ: THURSDAY, MARCH 31 (C DAY)

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They were one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. The group consisted of John Lennon (rhythm guitar, vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar, vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar, vocals) and Ringo Starr (drums, vocals).

The original group was called The Quarrymen with Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe (bass) and Pete Best (drums).

Do you know what the longest Beatles song ever recorded was?

They released twelve albums: Please Please Me (1963) With The Beatles (1963) A Hard Day's Night (1964) Beatles for Sale (1964) Help! (1965) Rubber Soul (1965) Revolver (1966) Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) The Beatles (aka the White Album) (1968) Yellow Submarine (1969) Abbey Road (1969) Let It Be (1970)

Check out these resources:

The Beatles official website

The Beatles Powerpoint

I Am the Beatles

Third Quarter Composition

2011-03-23T16:51:00.004-04:00

DUE Friday, April 1, 2011 by 6:00 p.m. This is the final portion of your Rock Around the Clock 12-bar solo.

Using GarageBand, open the MIDI accompaniment file (to be emailed to you).

Find measure 33 where you will be adding your solo. Place the curser (red line) there.

Click on TRACK > Add a new track

Choose REAL instrument

Make sure the internal microphone is working

Be sure that you have "Count In" checked.

Start recording your solo.

When you have finished, save as "Rock" and then export to iTunes. Send me an MP3 (not an Mp4 or AAC).

BACH for Bach's birthday

2011-03-21T12:50:00.003-04:00

C Day composition homework:

Johann Sebastian Bach's birthday is March 21. To celebrate, you need to write a FOUR MEASURE composition using the notes of Bach's name. In Europe, B stands for B-flat and H stands for B-natural.

The composition must start with these four notes in order Bb-A-C-B. After that, you can use any notes.

As I demonstrated in class, the B-flat makes a nice pick up note for the A, so you may want to consider starting with an 8th note pick-up.

DUE: Wednesday, March 23

10 points

Check Aspen

2011-03-20T21:18:00.002-04:00

Many of you have not completed the first two parts of the Third Quarter "Rock Around the Clock" 12-bar solo assignment. Please check Aspen to see if your are missing anything. The third part will be assigned tomorrow.

Tuesday Nights at Giovanni's

2011-03-15T09:08:00.003-04:00

The DHS Orchestra is trying to raise funds for our trip to the Heritage Music Festival in New York City on April 30th. Last year, we earned Silver at this national competition. This year, we hope to earn Gold!The Water's Edge at Giovanni's has planned a TUESDAY NIGHTS FUNDRAISING EVENT for the entire month of March. On Tuesday nights, dine in or take out at Giovanni's (2748 Post Road, Darien) and the DHS Orchestra will receive a donation for 20% of your check (pre-tax). You must present a special voucher at the restaurant for the DHS Orchestra benefit.

Join Miss Minnis for a special DHS Orchestra Dines Out* at Giovanni's on Tuesday, March 22. The event begins at 6:45. To be included on the reservation, please contact Miss Minnis by Monday, March 21.

*Each diner is responsible for the cost of his/her meal.

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate!

2011-03-15T00:06:00.001-04:00

The chocolate sale is drawing to a close. I know there are people still out there who really want chocolate. Have you asked your English teacher? How about that science teacher? Even your coach?

Remember chocolate is healthy! Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants---nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries! Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body. Why wouldn't you want to eat chocolate?

As heard on NPR: Pi Day Song

2011-03-14T11:55:00.001-04:00

Monday is March 14 — aka 3/14, a date celebrated the world over as "Pi Day," after the irrational number. This year, to celebrate, musician Michael John Blake had the idea to compose, record and put on YouTube a musical interpretation of the most famous mathematical constant.

His approach? He decided the song would be in C, then assigned each note a number: C=1, D=2 and so on up through 9. Using those assignments, he played the sequence of Pi: 3.14159 through 31 decimal places. He assigned numbers to chords, too, but could only play the chords every other note and still make it sound vaguely musical.
Finally, he used Pi as the basis for the tempo — it's 157 beats per minute, which is half of 314. He played this part on several instruments, as you can see in the video above, and layered them to make a song. The result isn't exactly catchy, but it's certainly melodic.

"It's random enough to where it's kind of odd, but then, because it's all based in the major scale, it musically works out to where it's sort of pleasing to the ear," Blake says. "For me, it has this great combination of pleasant but also slightly weird — kind of haunting."

Rock Around the Clock Solo

2011-03-01T10:50:00.000-05:00

Using the 12-bar blues chord progression you wrote out before (G Major), you will need to write a SOLO to replace the guitar solo/violin part found at measure 33-45. It does not need to be all 16th notes or anything crazy. It just needs to be something that you would feel comfortable playing. SO that means that you will have to play through your composition and see how it sounds. Also, since this is a solo, it should be more than half notes or whole notes. Make it interesting.

If you want to use true blues form, measures 1, 3, 5 (transposed) and 7 should be the same. But that's not really necessary. Some of you came up with some creative motifs in class today.

Here is what was written on the board for those of you who missed it:

Rhythm & Blues homework

2011-02-14T16:23:00.001-05:00

Name one song that uses a 12-bar blues progression.

Due: Tuesday, February 15

Video Lesson

2011-02-08T11:23:00.002-05:00

Writing the 12-bar blues lesson from today's class. The assignment is due on Thursday, February 10.

Kashmir - David Garrett

2011-01-30T17:58:00.002-05:00

Celebrate Mozart's birthday!

2011-01-27T14:04:00.001-05:00

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria. Here are some things you can do to celebrate Mozart's birthday:

Listen to Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Visit the mozartproject.org for new and neat facts about Mozart.

Name your band!

2011-01-20T10:33:00.000-05:00

‎1 - Go to wikipedia and hit random. The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.
2 - Go to quotationspage.com and hit random. The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.
3 - Go to Flicker and click on “explore the last seven days” Third picture, no matter what... it is, will be your album cover.
4 - Use Photoshop or similar to put it all together.

More midterm review

2011-01-14T13:20:00.002-05:00

Here is an overview of what will be on the test:

Listening: This will include knowing what instruments are playing, knowing the tempo of the piece and being able to interpret lyrics. You will also need to know how to discuss the piece critically, using terms such as tempo, dynamics, rhythm.
Music Theory: You will find examples from the worksheets you completed in class. In addition, you will need to know how to write out scales, both sharps and flats. Also, two scales will be given to you without key signatures and you will have to write the corrects ones in.
Performance knowledge: Know the composers and histories behind the pieces we played at the concert.
Composition: There will be a short melody to compose using certain instructions. You will need to know time signatures, key signatures and note values for this portion.

You MUST bring your PHONE composition to class on Tuesday. Compositions will not be accepted after the exam time.

Remember to read all directions before starting the exam. Each question will be worth 2 points unless otherwise noted.

More time signatures (midterm review)

2011-01-07T08:17:00.000-05:00

To help you with time signatures, complete the following exercises. You can click on the images, copy them and then paste them into Word to make them bigger.

Midterm Take Home Composition

2011-01-06T16:25:00.001-05:00

PART 1:
♫ Assign a note name to each digit of your phone number. The ascending numbers 1-9 are equivalent to the ascending notes in the C scale, ranging from C up to D.

♫ As you can see, the number 8 is equivalent to the octave.

♫ Every "0" in a phone number can be assigned any letter name and can be considered a "free choice." You can choose to insert the note you think sounds best and fits most appropriately with the rest of the melody.

PART 2:
The final composition will be in A-B-A form.

♫ Use the original 7-note composition as the A section of your piece. You may add notes in order to create a musical resolution. You cannot remove notes. This section should be a minimum of 3 measures.

♫ Write a B section to CONTRAST the A section. This section will be a minimum of 7 notes and a minimum of 3 measures.

♫ End the piece with the original A section, which can be modified slightly to resolve. This section will be a minimum of 3 measures.

There is no correct time signature or key signature, but you must use both. Determine the best rhythm based upon how the notes fit together.

Your melody must be written using Finale Notepad and printed out. Five points will be deducted if it is hand-written.

Assessment:
Is your piece in A B A form? (4 points)
Is your piece a minimum of 21 notes? (4 points)
Did you use the correct corresponding notes for the A section? (4 points)
Did you write your melody in the time signature you chose, using the correct rhythms? (4 points)
Did you choose a key signature that is appropriate for the notes used? (4 points)

DUE: At the beginning of the Orchestra EXAM period. Compositions handed in after the exam period will receive no credit.

Time signatures (midterm review)

2011-01-06T13:07:00.003-05:00

A time signature tells you how the music is to be counted. The time signature is written at the beginning of the staff after the clef and key signature.

Time signatures consist of two numbers written one above the other, but NEVER with a line between the two. It is NOT a fraction.

The top number of the time signature tells you how many beats are in each measure. This could be any number. Most often the number of beats will fall between 2 and 12.

The bottom number tells you what kind of note gets the beat. That is, whether to count the beats as quarter notes, eighth notes, or sixteenth notes. The bottom number will correspond to note values:

1 = whole note (you’ll never see this)
2 = half note
4 = quarter note
8 = eighth note
16 = sixteenth note

For example, a time signature of 4/4 means that there are 4 (top number) quarter notes (bottom number) in each measure. The beat is counted 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on.

All the notes in each measure must add up to 4 quarter notes. Any combination of rhythms can be used as long as they add up to 4 quarter notes. For instance, a measure could contain 1 half note, 1 quarter note rest and 2 eighth notes. Together, they add to 4 quarter notes total. You can never have more than or less than the sum total of the number of beats in the time signature.

Key Signatures (midterm review)

2011-01-05T08:21:00.007-05:00

Music key signatures tell you what sharps or flats to play in a key. Music key signatures can have only sharps or only flats, not both.

It's not too difficult to memorize key signatures. The way I memorized them was by using mnemonic devices.

Order of Sharps and Flats

You can memorize the order of sharps with this saying:

Fat Cats Go Downtown And Eat Bagels

The first letter of each word stands for a sharp.

To memorize the order of the flats you can make up a saying if you want. What I do is remember that the first 4 spell a word: BEAD. After that I remember that the ones that follow are GCF or "Greatest Common Factor."

Order of the Keys
(Circle of 5ths)

You know that the key of C has no sharps or flats. From this key you can figure out the order of the rest. You can memorize the order of the sharps by counting up 5 notes from the last one. For example, the key with one sharp is G. You can find it by saying C-D-E-F-G. The next one is is D - 5 notes up from G.

To memorize the key signatures with flats in them, you can count up 4 notes. There is also another way: Whatever the last flat is, it's the next key in the order. The key of F has only one flat - Bb. The key with 2 flats is Bb. Bb has 2 flats, Bb and Eb and so the next key in the order is Eb.

Where To Put Them on the Staff

For the sharps in the treble clef, you start on the top line of the staff. Follow the pattern of up - down - up - down. The only exception is A. It should look like this: Bass clef sharps start on F and then follow the same pattern of up - down - up - down.

The flats have the opposite pattern. They start on B and go down - up - down - up. It looks like this.

Unfortunately, I've been having difficulty finding images of the sharps and flats in alto clef (or viola clef). As soon as I do, I will add them here.

Scales from the Circle of Fifths

2011-01-03T09:34:00.001-05:00

To prepare for the mid-term, we will be writing out 3 new scales every day. For this, you will need staff paper. Print 2 pages of staff paper from http://www.blanksheetmusic.net/.

Each page should have 8 staves. If you use the ADVANCED tab, you can choose 8 sets (staves) per page. You can also increase the size by sliding the scale arrow. I like 1.42.

If you want to make it easier for yourself, you can add the appropriate clef to your staff paper from the BASIC tab.

Write out the C Major and G Major scales being sure to double the top note.

Using Garage Band to record

2010-12-09T10:16:00.002-05:00

Use these step-by-step instructions to record yourself using Garage Band.

1. Click on the Garage Band icon, which is a little guitar.

2. Choose ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENT from the options. Click on CHOOSE in the lower right.

3. In the next window, name your piece your own name (i.e. Joe Smith). You DO NOT need to change any of the other settings.

4. When the Garage Band window opens, go to CONTROL and un-select Metronome.

5. Click on the RED button and start recording.

6. When you are done, click on the SPACE BAR to stop.

7. To export to iTunes and make an MP3, click on SHARE and choose SEND TO ITUNES.

8. Make sure it's an MP3 and not an MP4.

9. Email me this file. It will be under Music > iTunes Music > Whatever name your gave the album > file name

MODIFIED assignment

2010-12-08T08:40:00.003-05:00

DUE: Friday, December 10

Email me a 150-word history of the Ukrainian Bell Carol. You can use this Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_of_the_Bells, but don't copy and paste it. That would be plagiarism.

Fantasia on Greensleeves critique

2010-12-03T13:43:00.006-05:00

On Friday, you were emailed a recording of "Fantasia on Greensleeves" made during class. Please provide constructive criticism on this performance so that the ensemble can improve before the concert. Click on the little pencil at the bottom of this post to add your comments. When you are ready to post, click on NAME/URL under CHOOSE AN IDENTITY.

A professional recording of this piece (although in a different key) can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHAGcKFO-VQ.

Due Monday, December 6.

Interesting fact: Apart from the main folk-tune "Greensleeves", the center section (at 4) uses another folk tune entitled "Lovely Joan".

Recording Your Part

2010-12-02T15:06:00.000-05:00

DUE December 10, 2010

For your playing assessment, you will record yourself playing Fantasia on Greensleeves from rehearsal 1 to rehearsal 7 (not measures).

Send an MP3 of this recording to DarienOrchestra@aol.com.

C-Day Composition Homework

2010-10-20T08:37:00.003-04:00

This is a two-part assignment. Use Finale Notepad to complete the compositions.

1. Write a D MINOR (natural) scale. It should have the correct KEY SIGNATURE and be written with quarter notes in 4/4.

2. Write an 8-measure composition in D MINOR. Be sure to follow these guidelines:

Write the piece in your clef.
Start on D.
End on A - D which is a PERFECT or AUTHENTIC cadence.
Use a combination of quarter and eighth notes.
It can be in any TIME SIGNATURE with at least 3 beats in a measure. Compositions that use 6/8 will be given 2 points extra credit.
This piece should have a spooky feel to it. Title it appropriately.

Mark Wood and Crazy Train

2010-10-20T04:13:00.000-04:00

Funeral March of a Marionette

2010-10-19T20:34:00.000-04:00

Post a poster, win a prize

2010-10-09T15:14:00.003-04:00

If you put up one of the Mark Wood posters at a Darien store, you will earn a gift certificate to Dunkin Donuts. The posters have been emailed to you.

Contest rules:

* Poster must be put up by Tuesday, October 12.

* Photo of you posting the poster must be emailed to Miss Minnis by Tuesday, October 12. Only the first person to post at a particular location will be accepted. No one is allowed to replace another's posting with his or her own.
*This contest is to be fair to all students involved. Any student engaged in unfair practices will be disqualified.
*. Contest ends October 12.

First Lesson due October 8

2010-10-03T12:16:00.001-04:00

Your first lesson of the first quarter is due this Friday, October 8. Remember that I am only at DHS through the first lunch shift.

This first lesson is worth 15 points of your quarter grade.

Composition homework

2010-09-27T09:13:00.001-04:00

C DAY THEORY AND COMPOSITION HOMEWORK
DUE: Wednesday, September 29 (E day)

1. Complete the worksheet that was handed out today and is also attached to this email.

2. Write out this piece in Finale Notepad using Theme & Variations form.

D D A A B B A (rest) G G F F E E D (rest)
A A G G F F E (rest) A A G G F F E (rest)
D D A A B B A (rest) G G F F E E D (rest)
Theme---using quarter notes
Variation 1: Diminution---all notes are now 16ths
Variation 2: Augmentation---all notes are now half notes
Variation 3: Retrograde---start the piece at the end and go backwards
BONUS: Title the piece correctly.
BONUS: On variation 3, add ornamentation (do only if you understand what that means)

2010-09-16T20:01:00.001-04:00

The Mark Wood "Electrify Your Strings" program is coming to DHS!
October 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults ($20 at the door), $10 for children under 12

C Day is Composition Day

2010-09-15T10:03:00.003-04:00

To do this assignment, you will need Finale Notepad. You can download it here for $9.95. http://www.finalemusic.com/NotePad/ For now, you can click on "TRY IT" which allows you to use the program for free.

THE G MAJOR SCALE:
Using Finale Notepad, write out a G Major Scale, ascending and descending. Do NOT double the top note. Complete the assignment based on your class:

FRESHMEN: Write the scale in YOUR clef.
SOPHOMORES: Write the scale in TREBLE clef.
JUNIORS: Write the scale in TREBLE clef and BASS CLEF. The bass part should start on beat 3 of the first measure.
SENIORS: Write the scale in TREBLE clef , ALTO (VIOLA) clef and BASS clef. Each part should start two beats after the previous one.

DUE: Friday, September 17

Join POPS!

2010-09-11T14:43:00.003-04:00

We will have a Pop Strings intro meeting on Thursday, September 16 right after school. It will be approximately 15 minutes long, not a practice. All interested players will receive a packet of music.

The first Pop Strings rehearsal will be Thursday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m. in F023.

WELCOME TO ORCHESTRA

2010-08-28T10:02:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Orchestra!

I'm so excited to start the 2010-2011 school year. We get started right off by preparing for a concert with Mark Wood on October 16.

If you want to rent an instrument from the Darien Music Department, just click here to download a PDF. Complete and retuurn to me with a check. Instruments are distributed on a first come-first serve basis.

Be sure you always have the following items with you for class:
Instrument, bow and rosin

Music in Orchestra Folder

Sharpened pencil

Shoulder rest or end-pin stop

Instruments should be brought to school by Wednesday, September 1.

Here are some days to remember:
C Days = Composition & Music Theory Day
H Days = Hearing New Music Day: have listening sheets with you

Final Exam Study Guide

2010-06-15T09:44:00.009-04:00

Here are some things you will need to know for the final exam.

List of sharps: F, C, G, D, A, E, B (remember the cat)

List of flats: B, E, A, D, G, C, F (opposite of sharps)

Circle of Fifths

There are 15 MAJOR key signatures because of ENHARMONICS (an enharmonic is a note which is the equivalent of some other note, but spelled differently). See C# & Db, F# & Gb, B & Cb above. (Ignore the key signatures written in the center of the circle)
If you learn the Circle of Fifths and the sharp key signatures, you should be able to do quite a few questions on the exam.

Remember that TRIADS are the first, third and fifth notes piled on top of one another to make a CHORD. Major triads use the sharps and flats found in the key signature.

Here are some terms you should know: a tempo, cantabile, fermata, legato, marcato, pentatonic, ritardando, simile, tenuto

Remember that when you count 8th notes, it's 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 (or 1 + 2+ 3 + 4 +)
When you count 16th notes, it's 1 e + a, 2 e + a...

When you have a PICK-UP note, you subtract the same note value from the end of the piece.

The Barcarolle was written by Jacques Offenbach for the opera "Tales of Hoffman." It is supposed to sound like you are floating in a small boat down the canals of Venice (a barca is a boat).

St. Paul's Suite was written by Gustav Holst

The theme for the Fantasia on a Theme from Thailand is the Pong Lang Dance. It is based on a pentatonic scale, as is much Asian music. The Pong Lang is a wooden xylophone with 12 wooden bars that, with a strong rope, are tied together in a row at each end. The lower pitch end is attached to a post or part of a tree and other is hooked to the player's toe or another material. The two performers sit on either side, one playing the melody, the other playing drone accompaniment.

Be ready to compose a piece using triads.
There will be a bonus musical joke. I will give you a hint during the exam.

REMEMBER: Follow directions. The most points lost are usually due to students NOT reading the directions thoroughly.

Pachelbel Canon

2010-03-09T11:18:00.002-05:00

Assignment due: Wednesday, March 17 (note date change!)

You received a copy of the Pachelbel Canon bassline, both in class and in an email. Your assignment is to write a melody line for this bassline using D, E, F#, G or A (the first five notes of D Major).

Your composition must include both the bassline and the melody line.

Freshmen & Sophomores: Write a VIOLIN melody line. Begin at measure 5. Make sure you end the piece on D.

Juniors & Seniors: You will need to write 2 parts. First, write a CELLO part, beginning at measure 5. At measure 9, start a VIOLIN part that is an EXACT copy of the cello part, notewise (not the same octave). Make sure you end the piece on a note of the D Major chord (D, F# or A).

MID-TERM EXAM: TAKE-HOME COMPOSITION

2010-01-06T21:33:00.003-05:00

The Dragon Song

Much of the music from eastern Asia is based on a different kind of scale, a pentatonic scale. It is called "pentatonic" because there are only five notes in each octave. Pieces that use a pentatonic scale include the Korean folk songs "Arirang" and "Doraji", and the Japanese children's songs "The Rabbit and the Turtle" and "The Moon.”

Using this pentatonic scale, compose a 12-measure melody for two instruments in A-B-A form.

C D E G A

Grading Rubric:
*Piece MUST be written in 4/4. (1 point)
*The two instruments can be any combination of string instruments. (1 points)
*The key signature is C (no sharps or flats) (1 point)
*The melody should demonstrate good melodic form. Melodic lines can move by steps or skips, but should not have skips of more that one octave. Refer to previous homework for advice on good answering rhythmic phrases. (6 points)
*The melody can be any combination of eighth, quarter and half notes. There can be no more than TWO whole notes. (5 points)
*The accompaniment should also use the given pentatonic scale. You can use it in two ways: (5 points)
Drone: This can be either a single note or two or more notes played together. A drone sounds best when played slowly on an instrument with a sustained tone. For example, accompany the song with a drone using the bass note C and G played together.
Melodic ostinati: Create a secondary melody and rhythm to be played over and over again throughout the song.
*Must be completed in Finale Notepad. (1 point)

SAVE this as a MIDI file (File > Save As > .mid) and e-mail it to me at DarienOrchestra@aol.com. You must also print out a copy to attach to your mid-term exam.

Due: Friday, January 15 @ 10:30 a.m. NO EXCUSES!

This composition is worth 20 points on your mid-term exam.

Mid-term: Historical Information

2010-01-05T09:39:00.001-05:00

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (b: 7 May 1840 d: 6 Nov 1893)
The Nutcracker
Written for the Imperial Theater Ballet in 1891-92
Before the ballet’s premier, Tchaikovsky made a selection of eight of the numbers from the ballet, forming The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a, intended for concert performance.

Johann Strauss (Sr.) (b: 14 March 1804 d: 25 September 1849)
Radetzky March
Composed in 1848
Dedicated to the Austrian Field Marshal Joseph Radetzky von Radetz
When it was first played, in front of Austrian officers in attendance, they promptly clapped and stomped their feet when they heard the chorus.

Holiday Homework

2009-12-09T16:49:00.001-05:00

Due: December 11, 2009

Write out one of the following melodies in the correct clef for your instrument:
Jingle Bells (in 4/4)
Dreidl (in 4/4)
Silent Night (in 6/8)

Write this melody with the key signature of F Major (1 flat).

Be sure to start on the correct note. Not all of these songs begin on the first note (tonic) of the key.

Please complete in Finale Notepad.

Fantasia: Chinese Dance

2009-11-23T19:52:00.000-05:00

Vienna Philharmonic version

2009-11-20T21:22:00.001-05:00

Johann Strauss - Radetzky March
Daniel Barenboim - Wiener Philharmoniker
Neujahrskonzert 2009

Radetsky March rehearsal

2009-11-19T16:58:00.003-05:00

Please listen to this video and make a comment (a constructive one) about the sound of the group. Yes, I know the video is shaky and difficult to watch, but I was conducting, too.

The power of the Pentatonic Scale

2009-11-16T22:22:00.000-05:00

World Science Festival 2009: Bobby McFerrin Demonstrates the Power of the Pentatonic Scale from World Science Festival on Vimeo.

Composition: Tied Together

2009-11-16T09:14:00.001-05:00

This composition is DUE on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17.

The composition must be written in Finale Notepad or other composition software. You may use the handout as a place to write a first draft, if needed.

Here are the instructions:
1. The composition should be written in TREBLE CLEF (or violin, if you are choosing an instrument);
2. The first four measures of your composition are the ones provided on the sheet, with the 4 ties added;
3. Your four personally-composed, additional measures should be added AFTER those first four;
4. The four measures you create should include at least TWO ties (that would be a minimum of 4 notes);
5. The composition should end on a D since the piece is in D Major. Rules for good composition are listed below.

Here are nine ways to help you write a good, cohesive melody.
1. Stepwise Motion: using notes that move only by step (few skips or leaps).
2. Contour: creating a musical shape, moving up and down in music. The melody may rise to a certain point, and then come back down.
3. Contrast: using different rhythms in each section. Two measures may be one rhythm, the next two measures would be another rhythm.
4. Rhythmic Repetition: restating the rhythm of a musical idea
5. Melodic Repetition: restating a melodic segment or musical idea.
6. Retrograde: restating a musical idea backwards
7. Augmentation: changing an idea by increasing the time value of all the notes
8. Diminution: changing an idea by decreasing the time value of the notes
9. Riff/Motif: a short musical idea or pattern that appears throughout the composition

Use the stairs! It's more fun!

2009-11-06T23:18:00.000-05:00

GarageBand and the Halloween Story

2009-10-21T09:21:00.003-04:00

DUE: October 30
This composition assignment will be completed using GarageBand, either at home or in the Music Tech Lab. The Music Tech Lab is free periods 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. It is also available after school. You MUST have a pass to work in the Lab without teacher supervision.

**All of the instructions for this will be handed out on Friday**

Using the short Halloween poem below, you will need to:
1. Record yourself reading the poem.
2. Change your voice using the track alteration.
3. Add appropraite sound effects.
4. Save a copy as an MP3.

THE MONSTER IN MY CLOSET
By Florence Parry Heide

The monster in my closet
Hides there just for fun.
He shrieks and moans and rattles bones
just like a skeleton
He always tries to scare me
(he does it as a joke)
But tonight I shouted BOO! at him
And he just went up in smoke!

Mark Wood Experience: Another tv watching opportunity

2009-10-14T06:56:00.000-04:00

MARK WOOD EXPERIENCE
Saturday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m. on WLIW

Emmy Award-winning composer Mark Wood fuses pairings of powerful opposites – electric and violin, symphonic and rock – to create a unique musical experience. Embracing the power of rock, the diversity of world beat and the elegance of classical music – all while playing his revolutionary Viper electric violin, Wood is redefining the concept of stringed instruments and the sounds they can produce for the 21st century. In his first...

Additional Airdates
Sun Oct 18th at 1:30am on WLIW21
Sun Oct 18th at 1pm on WLIW21

Star Wars in Concert (possible honors credit!)

2009-10-13T19:36:00.004-04:00

Watch this special on Saturday, October 17 at 9 p.m. on WLIW Channel 21. Preview here: http://www.wliw.org/whatsup/previews/star-wars-in-concert/75/
The new broadcast special Star Wars in Concert offers a behind-the-scenes look at the multimedia world tour Star Wars™: in Concert, featuring music from all six of John Williams’s epic Star Wars scores performed live by a full symphony orchestra and choir. The concert is accompanied by specially edited footage from all six films displayed on a three-story-tall, high-definition LED super-screen – one of the largest ever put on tour. Narrated live by Anthony Daniels (the actor who portrayed C-3PO), the live music and film elements are synchronized in order to create a full multimedia, one-of-a-kind Star Wars experience. The tour also marks the debut of the new Yoda – previewed in the broadcast special Saturday, October 17 at 9 p.m., which features rehearsal and performance footage from the multimedia event’s world premiere at the O2 Arena in London on April 10 and 11, 2009.

Percussion Duet

2009-10-08T14:41:00.004-04:00

Due Tuesday, October 13.

Write a 12-measure DUET for wood block and triangle. It should be in A B A format (meaning that the first four measures should be exactly like the last four measures).

Freshmen & Sophomores: Use a combination of whole notes, half notes, quarter notes and eighth notes. Use rests, too.

Juniors & Seniors: Use a combination of whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes and sixteenth notes. Use rests, too.

This is my version of the piece:

I figured out that notes written on the top space sound like woodblocks and one ledger line above the staff are triangles.

Theme & Variation composition

2009-09-27T22:03:00.005-04:00

1. Complete this version of Happy Birthday filling in the * notes to make the melody correct. You can click on the music above to get a larger picture.

2. Write a variation of Happy Birthday by changing the time signature or rhythm. You can also change it from Major to Minor after you've done the rhythmic change.

3. Seniors: Write an accompaniment to your variation.

DUE: Wednesday, September 30 at 10:22 a.m. No excuses.

Japanese Cricket review

2009-09-24T17:02:00.002-04:00

When commenting on this video recording, please list ways that you and your section only can improve. Comments should be at least 4 sentences long and should be constructive to you and your section.

While watching, please notice how often people in the orchestra look up at the conductor. You should be looking up once every 2 measures. Is that happening? Please make a general comment and do not single out one particular person.

Video review

2009-09-21T19:00:00.002-04:00

Please view this 2-3 minute video and post a critique as a comment on the blog (click on the pencil at the end of this post).

Start earning Bonus Credit!

2009-09-16T16:30:00.001-04:00

Tonight you can watch TV and be on your way to earning those 5 extra points this quarter! On Channel 13, there are two concert performances that you can watch and write a 1 paragraph review.

At 8, the New York Philharmonic presents its Opening Night Concert with soloist Renee Fleming. It's LIVE, not pre-recorded.

At 10, there is a pre-recorded concert by the Vienna Philharmonic from their Summer concert series in Austria.

If you would like to check off the Concert Attendance portion of the Bonus Points option, write a short paragraph after viewing one of these concerts. The paragraph should answer the following:
1. Who was performing?
2. Who was conducting?
3. When did the concert take place?
4. Where did the concert take place?
5. What pieces were performed?
6. If you were sending a short email to the conductor, what would say about the concert? Was the music well-played? Were the musical selections well chosen? What would you have done differently if you had had to conduct the same concert?

Bonus Credit

2009-09-15T10:36:00.000-04:00

How to receive 5 BONUS POINTS (Honors Credit) each quarter:

1. Choose one item from each section
2. All performances must be completed during the quarter time period
Quarter 1: August 31- October 30
Quarter 2: November 2 – January 13
Quarter 3: January 22 – March 29
Quarter 4: March 30 – June 7

PERFORMANCE
· Private lessons
· Youth Symphony
· Form a duo, trio or quartet and perform at events
· Audition for Western Regional Orchestra
· Perform at a Tri-M Recital
· Become a member of Pop Strings

COMMUNITY SERVICE
· Assist with Elementary Orchestra rehearsals for the entire quarter (space is limited)
Hindley, Royle and Tokeneke Orchestras meet after school
· Perform in public at a church or nursing home
· Become a practice buddy for an elementary or middle school student
· Assist with all Elementary Honors Orchestra rehearsals

CONCERT ATTENDANCE
You may do any combination of these, but there can be no more than two reviews of recorded (audio or video) music and only one live performance may be of a pop or rock concert.

· Attend a non-school concert and write a short review (1 paragraph). Ticket stub or program presented as evidence of attendance.
· Attend a school concert in which you are NOT performing and write a short review (1 paragraph). Ticket stub or program presented as evidence of attendance.
· Review a live or pre-performance viewed on television (PBS, Bravo)
· Review a newly-released audio CD

ALTERNATE OPTION
If you cannot complete any of the tasks under Performance or Community Service, you may do one of the following as an alternate option.

· Write a composition and perform it in front of the class.
· Prepare and present to the class a PowerPoint presentation on a composer, instrument, or style of music (8-10 minutes in length).

Did you forget something?

2009-09-14T16:52:00.002-04:00

From the City Room blog on the New York Times website, read about how a $600,000 violin was returned to its owner after being left in a taxicab.

2009-09-12T14:38:00.002-04:00

Kokiriko-Bushi performance

2009-09-10T14:12:00.001-04:00

Here is a video of the Kokiriko-Bushi being performed. It is only 1 1/2 minutes. You can see the kokiriko being played by two dancers.

KOKIRIKO-BUSHI:The oldest folk song in Japan.

You will need Windows Media Player to view the video.

Kokiriko Bushi

2009-09-09T10:36:00.002-04:00

We are playing the Japanese folk song Kokiriko Bushi. According to your sheet music, it came from Goka, Japan. The kokiriko is a percussion instrument made of very old bamboo. What else can you find out about this piece?

Write a short paragraph of your findings. It should be typed and be at least two sentences long.

DUE: Thursday, September 10 at 7:40

Welcome to the Orchestra!

2009-08-29T12:16:00.002-04:00

I'm so excited to start the 2009-2010 school year. We get started right off by preparing an audition CD to send to the National Cherry Blossom Festival performance committee.

If you want to rent an instrument from the Darien Music Department, just click here to download a PDF. Complete and retuurn to me with a check. Instruments are distributed on a first come-first serve basis.

Be sure you always have the following items with you for class:

Instrument, bow and rosin
Music in Orchestra Folder
Sharpened pencil
Shoulder rest or end-pin stop

Instruments should be brought to school by Wednesday, September 2.

Here are some days to remember:
C Days = Composition & Music Theory Day: have staff paper and music theory text with you
H Days = Hearing New Music Day: have listening sheets with you

A store in Utah you might like to visit

2009-06-16T10:00:00.002-04:00

What more could you want?

2009-04-21T22:41:00.000-04:00

Chamber Music Concert

2009-03-10T13:22:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11, you will be treated to an exciting, high quality chamber music concert during class time in the orchestra room. Pianist Nina Kuzma-Sapiejewska will be here at Darien High School to present young cellist Jan Roszkowski who is visiting from Poland. Together they will perform works by Saint-Saens, Rachmaninoff, Bach, Chopin and a number of Polish composers.

You do not need to bring instruments tomorrow. See you in class for this fantastic concert!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T23:06:00.000-05:00

"Belle Bonne" by Baude Cordier

France, c. 15th Century

Celebrating 200 years of Mendelssohn

2009-02-03T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today, we celebrate the 200th birthday of Felix Mendelssohn ((February 3, 1809 – November 4, 1847). You will hearing a lot of Mendelssohn's music this year!

Felix Mendelssohn is regarded by classical music aficionados and critics alike, as one of the most prolific and gifted composers the world has ever known. Even those who could not name any of his works have heard it, as his "Wedding March" from "A Midsummer Night's Dream", which has accompanied many a bride down the aisle.

Whether he was born with his incredible talent or was the product of an artistically and intellectually-inclined family will remain a mystery, but like all prodigies, Mendelssohn showed signs of true genius from childhood.

Regarded by some critics as the 19th century equivalent of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and others as a great composer who's contribution would have been greater, had his life been marred with more hardships, everyone should agree that he deserves his place amongst the best, and most influential.

Listen to some of his most famous works here:
Violin Concerto in E minor, played by Sarah Chang and the NY Philharmonic.

Wedding March from "A Midsummer Night's Dream

Spring Song from "Songs Without Words"

Happy Birthday, Schubert!

2009-01-31T18:03:00.003-05:00

Franz Peter Schubert (January 31, 1797 – November 19, 1828) was an Austrian composer. He wrote some 600 lieder, nine symphonies (including the famous "Unfinished Symphony"), liturgical music, operas, and a large body of chamber and solo piano music.

Happy Birthday Mozart!

2009-01-27T08:45:00.001-05:00

Congratulations!

2009-01-21T12:41:00.001-05:00

Congratulations on completing semester 1!

A Mozart Riddle

2009-01-20T21:15:00.001-05:00

Why couldn't Mozart find his teacher?
Because he was Haydn!

(Giggle, giggle!)

A Mozart Melody Quartet (Take Home exam)

2009-01-15T08:38:00.002-05:00

This is the take home part of your mid-term exam. It will be worth 20 points. It is due at the exam. If you are present for the exam, this composition will NOT be accepted later in the day.

1. The main melody for this composition is Twinkle, Twinkle in D Major. This melody line can be played by one instrument, or it can be traded off among the instruments. It is 12 measures.
2. Part 4 will be the bass line or cello line.
3. The harmony voices will be written using the chord tones of D (D, F#, A), G (G, B, D) and A (A, C#, E).
4. In the harmony voices, follow these rules

Start on D.
End on a D chord tone.
Use only the chord tones indicated in #3. You can having passing tones.
Work only in one octave. Use a combination of skips and steps.
Use any note value except whole notes.

5. After you have completed the THEME, you will need to write a variation on that theme. Variations in rhythm, tempo, and melodic line are acceptable. This part will be called the VARIATION. It will be twelve measures or more.

6. After the VARIATION, return to the THEME briefly to provide a short ending.

7. Title this piece appropriately, reflecting music aspects found in your cmposition. Be sure to label the two sections---THEME and VARIATION---using the text tool.

You must turn this in in TWO WAYS.
1. Print out your composition to turn in to me at the exam.

2. Save this as a MIDI file (File > Save As > .mid) and e-mail it to me at DarienOrchestra@aol.com. This is due before the exam.

Finale Tutorial

2009-01-13T19:56:00.001-05:00

I have created a video tutorial for adding text to compositions in Finale. It can be watched here:
http://www.darienps.org/teachers/jminnis/FinaleTutorial/Index.html

Mid-term questions, Part 1

2009-01-06T08:17:00.002-05:00

Who wrote St. Paul's Suite, from which the Dargason is taken?
In what country did this composer live?
For whom did he write this piece?
Who wrote Berceuse and Finale?
Briefly, what is the story behind "The Firebird"?
What ensemble was the piece written for? (opera, ballet, orchestra, movie)
Who wrote "Sing, Sing, Sing"?
What musician is it most associated with?
Bonus: what instrument did this musician play?
What year was it written?

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-19T11:19:00.000-05:00